The next few weeks passed without a single message from HellBoy. So, I decided not to think about it again or worry about whether or not he cared that I knew he was gay. It’s not like he knew who he was talking too anyway. Thinking as I walk down the hall passed the football team, I realize “oh, maybe he got busy because of the upcoming rivalry game...” Lost in thought, I didn’t even realize someone was standing in front of me until I bumped into them. Bouncing back slightly, an arm caught me before I could fall. Looking up at the person who caught me, I realized it was Dante which caused my eyes to widen in shock. Pulling out one of my headphones, I stutter “s-sorry... and t-thanks for catching me.”
“It’s fine and you’re welcome. Are you okay now?” he asked as I steadied myself before he let go.
“Y-yeah, I’m fine” I stuttered shyly looking down at the floor as I fiddled with my headphone.
“Okay then, see you around Harley” he said before walking away. Completely shocked at his use of my name, I just stood there dumbfounded for a moment before putting in my headphones and beginning my walk to class again. Pulling out my phone, I messaged Char
[Oh my god, I just became a stuttering mess in front of Dante Holden] immediately she replied
[Char: Oh my god, what happened? What did I miss? Wait, isn't that the guy you’ve had a crush on for like forever?]
[Harley: Ugh why is that something you remember? The answer is yes and I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and bumped into him but he caught me before I could fall]
[Char: Oh my. Well, then I understand the stuttering mess. Did he seem at all interested?]
[Harley: Not that I could tell since his team was around. I don't know. I'm so flustered I'm laying my head on my desk to hide my blush]
[Char: Oh you've got it bad *cue laughter*]
The rest of the day passed with me in a confused and embarrassed fog. To my surprise my phone pinged with a new message from my BeYourself app as I walked to my car that afternoon. Pausing in the middle of the quad, I stared at the screen debating on whether or not to open it. Glancing around, I clicked on it to see a new message from HellBoy.
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Sorry, I’ve been ignoring you lately. Honestly, it surprised me that you figured out who I was so fast and I thought you wouldn’t want to talk to me anymore. Then we got busy with practice and it seemed like I never had time to even breath.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I figured you were busy. I wasn’t sure if you got scared or not but I’m glad you decided to talk to me again. Hey question, I saw your altercation earlier where that guy bumped into you and was just wondering how you knew his name since he’s not exactly popular.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Oh... Yeah, I guess I was scared too. He may not be popular but he is pretty damn cute. Plus I kind of made it a point to learn the names of everyone in our graduating class. He’s also our valedictorian whether he knows it or not but I’m sure he does.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I guess knowing everyones’ names could be an asset. How would he not know if he was set to be the valedictorian? I don't think the staff would leave him alone and not tell him... But the question is, how do you know that?]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): The simple answer is, I pay attention to the class rankings list.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: There's a complicated answer?]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Yeah, but I don't think I'm ready for you to know that yet. Specially since I don't know who you are for sure.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: Okay, that's your prerogative. So, how's practice been going for you?]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Fine, I guess. Our defensive line likes to tackle me during practice scrimmages. So, I'll be bruised for a bit.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: Sorry to hear that.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): I'll be okay besides it'll all be healed before the big game on Friday. Would you come if you can?]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I can try. I'm sure my best friend wants to go to one game this year since we've never gone to one before.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Cool, it'll be nice to know I have a friend in the crowd even if we don't win. Maybe you could be my good luck charm.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: Maybe though I don't know about being a good luck charm. But if you think I can be lucky for you, I'll trust your judgment on that.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Thanks. Sometimes I really wish I knew who you were but then what if we don’t get along so well IRL. I guess I'm just scared since you already know who I am.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: Well, I can understand that. I mean, for all you know, I could even be your crush without you knowing. So, I guess finding out could be both good and bad.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Oh wow, I hadn't even thought of that. I don't think I want to stop being myself with you out of fear of that being true though. I think since I don't know who you are, that getting to know each other this way may be better.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: You have a good point. It might be better that you don't know. I mean if you really wanted to know, I'm sure you could figure it out just based on what you already know: I'm a guy, not a football player, and a nerd. That eliminates about 2/3s of the graduating class.]
Walking to my car, I got in the driver's seat before checking the new message from Dante.
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Yeah, that's true but honestly doesn't give too much away.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I think I'd be more scared if you started asking me about my physical characteristics though I guess I could always lie.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Yeah, but I don't want you to have to lie about what you look like. So, I won't ask you that. Instead, I'll ask simple questions like what's your favorite color?]
[NerdyWannaBe18: Hmmm... I've never really thought about it but I guess maybe royal blue. What about yours?]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Mines burnt orange like fall leaves and while we're at it, yes fall is my favorite season. What about yours?]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I think fall also mainly because it's not freezing but not hot either and I really like wearing my zip up hoodie.]
Putting my phone down, I quickly drove home and ran up to my room to hide away from my parents for the next few hours and continue talking to Dante.
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Cool. Is there anything you want to know about me?]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I'm curious about your crush. I won't ask you who it is but I was just wondering how long you've had a crush on him. And what about him caught your attention.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Well, I think he caught my attention early on in eighth grade. He just kind of had this aura around him that said he'd be someone interesting but was untouchable for some reason. His eyes are what drew me in, their vibrant caramel hazel color with the sadness lurking behind his smile made me want to change that smile to one of pure happiness rather than its fake counterpart.]
“Oh wow, I didn’t realize he was that far gone in love with his crush” I muttered aloud to the four walls of my room as I lay on my bed staring at my phone above my head. Deciding on a teasing response, I wrote
[NerdyWannaBe18: So, you like boys with puppy dog sad eyes huh? Who'd have thought that the big tough football player would want someone to “save”.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): I'm not sure if saving him is the right idea but I think he deserves to be happy for once since I don't think I've ever seen him genuinely smile. Oh except a few weeks ago, I think he got some good news and it was the first time I saw him truly happy about something.]
[NerdyWannaBe18: Wow, you really do pay attention to him even if he doesn't pay attention to you. I wish my crush was that attentive but I think he doesn't even notice me. The only people I know pay attention to me are you and Char, sorry Charlotte is my best friend in case you were wondering.]
[HellBoy007 (Dante): Wait, isn't she the girl with bubblegum pink hair?]
[NerdyWannaBe18: I'm not surprised that's what you'd recognize her for. That might’ve been to much of a detail to give you...]
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