BEAU CLOSED HIS LOCKER after putting away his books and grabbing what he needs for his next class. He struggled to push his book inside his messy locker; he had planned to clean up but never did. After succeeding he turned around to walk to his next class. On the way, his two best friends joined him.

“So, I went on a date with Maelle yesterday,” James Diáz announced as soon as he was next to Beau. Jaslene rolled her eyes, sighing.

“That's like, the fifth time you mention your date today,” Jaslene mentioned. James shrugged.

 “What can I say, She's amazing person.” James continued to talk on and on about his date. By the time he stopped they reached their class.

They walked in seeing their new teacher, leaning against his table reading a book. Their classmates were all still standing around with their friends talking loudly.

Beau moved to a table with Jaslene and James following him. “Should we hang out after school? We can go to Thomas's,” Jaslene asked sitting down.

James nodded, agreeing with her.

“I can't. I got work later,” Beau explained, moving his messy curls out of his face.

James frowned. “Didn't you have a day off today?” Jaslene furrowed her brows slightly. Beau looked from one friend to the other, noticing their expressions “Yeah, that's why I asked.” 

“Yeah, I did. I changed shifts with Sasha,” Beau shrugged pulling out his notes and book for class on his table. “She had a family emergency.”

It wasn’t the first time she asked him and with her sister getting sick all the time he felt bad saying no.

Beau’s eyes met the frowning ones of Jaslene. “She’s taking advantage of you, B,” Jaslene said. “I get it, her sister’s sick but she should speak to the manager, not making you suffer with her.”

“Call your manager, see if you can get today off?” Jaslene asked. “You've been working almost every day now. You don't even have time for yourself or homework.”

Beau gave them a small smile to reassure them.

 “It's fine, don’t worry about it.” He said and the bell rings interrupting anything they would’ve said.

“Alright, put away your phones and listen up.” The new teacher said and started class by introducing himself and going over the syllabus for the new semester. Beau followed the lesson as much as possible and doing homework he couldn't do the night before in secret.

As soon as class was over James and Jaslene pulled him out of class after he clumsily put away his books and notes. He didn't share the next class with either of his friends, so he made his way to his next class alone after they all planned to meet up for lunch.

Beau was glad to have done his homework when he got the chance since the teacher is very strict about it. Sitting in his second period class he spent his time doodling in his notebook while halfheartedly listening to the teacher babbling about cells or something. His thoughts were drifting to his coffee shop crush.

Beau started working at a cafe as a barista last year, the place is close to a few bike rides from his house and close to a university and a popular spot for students to spend time.

Beau was new, anxious mess working his butt off to keep his job when the most amazing person walked in and Beau was in love. Beau knew since middle school was a bit different,  likes girls but also boys. He told his friends and they’re very accepting. Beau was happy.

Beau had never seen someone that would make him stumble for words.

Beau stared at him like a fool, mouth agape not even hearing was said. “Hi?” The older male said smiling confused. Beau blinked, stumbling around dropping a nearby jar startling his coworker. “Right, sorry! How... I mean what would you like?” Beau nervously stuttered.

“Oh, right, A Cinnamon Dolce latte please,” Beau quickly typed in the order and sneaked glances at him. Beau took notice of the accent and wondered what accent it was. “Size Grande.” Beau nodded, still mesmerized by him.  “of course, and your name please?” and phone number Beau thought.

“A’Ran.” The older male replied, holding his card out to pay.

“A’Ran...” Beau said slowly while writing it on the cup.

“That would be all for today, remember there will be a quiz so study the material.” The teacher said loudly pulling Beau out of the memory. Beau let a small smile slip on his face before quickly clearing his tale of his books to leave for lunch.

“Hey, ready?” James was already waiting for me outside. Beau grinned, nodding his head. “Yeah, I need to stop by my locker to grab my science textbook,” Beau said.

“Right, same actually,” James pulled Beau through the chaotic crowd of students making their way to their locker. Both quickly got what they needed and headed to class together.

They discussed the latest Avengers movie, both having exciting facts to share with each other. The two were dorks for marvel movies and would spend days just talking and discussing different opinions about it. Both ended up having a free period so the went to the student lounge, to relax and wait till it was lunch time.

“Hey, you two,” Beau and James looked up. Maelle Anderson approached the two, smiling mostly at James.

“Hi, Maelle,” James’s cheeks went red. “Uh what’s up?” Maelle giggled, she sat down next to James leaning against him slightly, making James flustered.

 “I came to see you, silly,” she then glanced at Beau. He noticed the silent message sent his way, so he turned to red-faced James.

“I’m going ahead. I’ll save you a seat.” He waved at Maelle walking away.

Beau chuckled out loud, the look on James’s face while he walked away was priceless. Beau decided to head to the library to the some of his essays for hid advance class until lunch.

By lunch time, Beau was running on low battery. He stared at the disgusting looking lasagna on his lunch tray, then pushed it away. He then crossed his arms, laying on them.

Their usual table was already filled with their mutual friends.

“There they are, what took you two so long?” Jaslene walked over with James following behind her. They both looked as exhausted as Beau feels.

“Hello to you too, Tara,” Jaslene rolled her eyes, slightly pushing Tara away. “So, does anyone have info on Friday party yet?”

James shrugged, taking a bite of the lasagna only to frown disgusted. “Yuck, this is gross,” Tara rolled his eyes, pushing her lunch towards him. “Eat this, I made it,” she said. “Just leave some for me,”

“Thanks,” James grinned and happily took a bite of the burger. “Oh, this so good.”

“You’re welcome,” Tara grinned. “And no, I heard nothing yet.”

Jaslene sighed. “Then, we wait, I guess.”

Beau nodded. He wasn’t really interested in the party, but his friends are.

“Okay. So, no hang out after school. How about we come over during your break?” She asked, she looked at him hoping for a positive answer.

“Sure, I’ll let you know though,” Beau answered.

They spend the rest of  lunchtime talking about random things. Tara being silly and making everyone laugh at her jokes.

 The rest of the day went by quickly, and Beau was ready to go home.

Beau almost stumbled to the ground when he felt a sudden weight on his back. “Are you ready to get the hell out of here?” Jaslene leaned on him with a grin on her face.

“James has practice so it's just us. I'll drop you home,” The two made their way out of the school and to Jaslene's car.

 “Oh right,” Beau quickly sends James a text, then got in the car. Jaslene drove off the school ground and played songs they both liked.

“Okay, I have to ask. How's that crush of yours?” Jaslene asked after a while. Beau looked up from his phone; he was selecting the next song. He blushed slightly, shrugging.

 Beau knew he couldn't hide anything from his best friend, so he put down his phone. Rubbing his cheeks, he answered Jaslene. “I... don't know. He didn't come by yesterday or during the weekend.”

“Aw, you’re adorable! but seriously are you gonna talk to him anytime soon? You've been crushing on him for almost a year. I think it's about time you do something.” Jaslene said, glancing at him. She grinned mischievously, immediately Beau felt she was up to something.

"No Jas. Please don't try to do anything. Please." Beau shifted in his seat uncomfortably. The grin on Jaslene’s face slipped off and replaced it with a pouting face.

"I know I need to be more optimistic and talk to him, but I can't. I mean he’s in college probably straight and dating someone already. I'm okay with staying like this and admiring him from afar." Jaslene frowned as she listened to her best friend talk like that.

"Okay but if you want to do something you know I'm always here for you." Jaslene said grinning, which made Beau smile. He knows she's serious about beating him up if his crush ended up hurting him.

"Thanks, Jas."