Warning Signs

ELIJAH WAS STRAIGHT.

At least, that's what he told everybody.

Elijah is a 22-year-old Black man with muscles, tattoos, a temper, and a reputation he doesn't exactly mind. He's the kind of guy people know better than to mess with.

Then there's August.

Twenty years old. Asian. Pretty, feminine, confident-and working behind the counter at the beauty supply store Elijah keeps finding excuses to visit.

August is intersex, something he keeps private from most people. He's used to being misunderstood, but he isn't used to a man like Elijah looking at him the way he does.

Elijah insists he's straight.

August doesn't believe him.

What starts as innocent flirting slowly turns into something neither of them knows how to handle.

Because sometimes the person who makes you question everything...

is the person you were never supposed to fall for.

"You're straight, remember?"

"I know."

"Then why do you keep looking at me like that?"