“Hey fag! Where’s your little boyfriend? Did you finally chase him away?” someone mocked me.

“Of course he did, look at him!” another replied with a snicker.

I looked up at them and glared, causing them to flinch.

“Ugh. What are you doing talking to the freak? You might catch something,” Morgan scoffed.

“Thanks for the idea, Morgs!” I said as I strode towards him and caught his wrist, pulling him closer to me.

He looked absolutely disgusted for a moment, then smiled at me. After a few moments, an earnest expression crossed his face. It was like a switch had flipped in his mind and it freaked me out.

“I’m sorry. It was a joke. I didn’t mean to offend you,” he apologized softly, leaning in toward me.

I shoved him and my lip curled in distaste.

“Leave me alone,” I growled.

“Accept my apologyyyy,” he pleaded, grabbing my arm.

“I’m good. Go away!” I snapped, attempting to pry him off.

Suddenly a dark pair of hands covered my own. They easily pulled off Morgan. I looked up and smiled.

Standing quite a few inches taller than I, he forced my head to tilt upwards to examine him. His light brown eyes were clear, always shining with a mischievous light. His brown hair was dark and lightly gelled.

“Sorry I was a bit late,” he apologized.

Charlie shot a glare at Morgan, who sulkily shrunk back and disappeared. I shrugged.

“It’s fine. He was being stupid anyway, you know how he is,” I told him.

“And I also know how you are. Were they making fun of you for that again?” Charlie asked.

I paused.

“A lil bit,” I answered after a bit of consideration.

“It’s nothing you can prevent. It just is,” Charlie said, looking forward.

“I know,” I replied.

“You know it doesn’t actually affect you much,” he added.

“I know,” I repeated.

“I would know, we’re s-”

“Charlie! Calm down! It’s fine. It doesn’t matter,” I interrupted him.

“You look fucked up. Are you okay?” Charlie asked cautiously, stopping to stare at me.

“Yeah… I’m perfectly okay,” I said.

I hate how intuitive he is!