[WATTY'S 2024 SHORTLIST] Seventeen-year-old, popular Athlete, Ontario Hackman struggles with identity, and the fact he may be facing something deeper-rooted than the surface, and when fellow gay boy, Nathaniel Ericson comes along, out and about, with his rainbow bracelets, and his shameless crush on the Popular Athlete, and begins experiencing torment at the hands of his peers, Ontario realizes just how much easier it is to stay hidden.
But everyone knows, What's done in the dark will always come to the light
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In the gilded halls of his high school, seventeen-year-old Ontario Hackman is the epitome of perfection-a star athlete, a charismatic leader, and the heartthrob of every party. But beneath the surface of his flawless facade lies a turmoil of uncertainty and hidden desires.
When Nathaniel Ericson, openly gay and unapologetically himself, arrives with rainbow bracelets and an unabashed crush on Ontario, it sets off a chain reaction that shatters the delicate balance of Ontario's carefully curated life. As Nathaniel faces relentless bullying at the hands of his peers, Ontario is forced to confront the shadowed corners of his own identity. The conflict between staying hidden in the comfort of his popularity and embracing his true self becomes a battleground for Ontario's soul.
As their worlds collide and intertwine, Ontario and Nathaniel must navigate the tumultuous waters of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.
[Word count: 45k)
#1 in mentallyunstable out of 3.97k (July 4th, 2024, 10:39 AM)
Dawson has had it rough. Not as bad as some, worse than others. He lives in constant secret, heart ache and pain. After his parents died he under went a transformation, rendering him unrecognizable. After three years of pain, cutting, and one suicide attempt, he returns to his hometown. As Dawson hides his identity, it will become harder and harder to seal away the truth when faces from the past start revealing themselves, including his gorgeous ex best friend Alec. Only Dawson isn't the only one with secrets and when a lie reaches Dawson's ears, it will take all he has in him to protect the one thing he has left. Himself. Dealing with depression is hard, and Dawson will have to learn it's not something that can be handled alone. He'll have to open up his heart once more, even if it risks him getting hurt, if he wants to achieve happiness.
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This is a trigger warning, to anyone that has problems with self-harm I recommend you don't read this as there are some graphic scenes. Also, this is a boyxboy story, so if you don't like hot steamy action between two boys, this is not the story for you. If you don't like it you shouldn't even be reading this anyway and I will not tolerate hate. You do not choose your sexuality and no one else has the right to make someone feel bad about who they are.
Also, if any of you are having problems, or the story has triggered you, please inbox me. I love to hear from my readers.