Millie's voice was so quiet I almost didn't hear her. And before I could react, Max came into the room.

"My turn now," he said as he snatched my controller. When we began playing earlier, he was upset we didn't have more controllers for him to use.

I took this chance to leave though. I hesitated before glancing at Millie. "Thanks," I said.

Max looked between us, looking confused. Before he could ask, I went to my room.

I'm surprised that Millie was nice without ruining it for once. It felt more genuine this time. I'm not sure how to feel about it though. It's too strange. But I want to believe she's a good person despite everything. It would be nice to have one person in my family who actually cares about me. And if she actually wants me around too, maybe I don't have to feel so rejected all the time.

"We have to have a sleepover!" Eli slammed his hands on my desk, startling me. "It's sadly not MLOHHMED, but The Male Lead Falls In Love With A Side Character, aka TMLFILWASC, is getting an anime and we have to catch the first episode!"

"When is it coming out?" I asked.

"This weekend! Please, please, please, tell me you're free!" He put his hands together to beg.

I glanced at Wayne who yawned, looking like he wasn't listening at all. I focused on Eli again. I guess I could just try it and never do it again if it doesn't work out.

"I think I'll be free," I finally said.

"Really?! Yes! After school on Friday! We'll go home together and binge the comic books before the anime starts!"

I nodded in agreement. Then I waited for the fateful day to arrive.

Millie pointed at my backpack while we were by the door before school. It was bulging more than usual.

"I already told mom. I'm having a sleepover," I told her. "I packed some clothes."

"I see. Don't have too much fun," she said as she left the house.

That could have sounded rude but I took it as a joke. Since she's been nicer lately, I think she meant it that way too. I put my backpack on with a smile. I'll try to enjoy the experience. I'm oddly excited despite all that could go wrong.

Eli was so excited he could barely sit still all day. Wayne was sleeping every moment he got as usual. I myself couldn't keep my eyes off the clock, especially as it counted down the minutes at the end of the day. When the bell rang, Eli linked my arm with his and we hurried to catch the bus.

We ate a snack before we began our reading binge. Wayne sorta joined but slept most of the time again. When hours went by and the first anime episode was about to air, Eli elbowed him and made him watch it with us. I was so excited when the episode began.

The main character, Oscar, the supposed side character from the title, began narrating the background of the story. When he finally appeared on screen, Eli grabbed my arm out of excitement. And when each other character appeared, especially Samuel, the prince and male lead from the title, we grabbed onto each other as we fanboyed.

"There's Grace! In the crowd!" Just as Eli said it, Oscar pointed out the female lead.

"She's gorgeous..." I said.

"Sure she is. But Oscar is the one who gets Samuel in the end."

"Samuel is gorgeous too. He's animated so well."

"I know! That golden hair! He looks so good with Oscar. Wait, wait, everyone shut up. This is the scene."

"What are you staring at?"

"...it's just...you're beautiful."

Eli makes a startling sound in his throat while he bangs his fists on the ground. "He said it! He finally said it!!"

I stare in awe at the screen as the ending song plays. "That was a masterpiece."

"I know!! I'm so glad such a beloved comic got an anime, especially one that is BL. Usually BL sucks. But this one is so good you can't ruin it. We have to catch each episode as it airs! Promise me!" He suddenly clutches at me.

I nod. "I have to see it every week. I can't miss an episode."

Wayne yawned and put his arms around us. "Are you guys done? Can we sleep now?"

"You ruin everything..." Eli said.

"I'm just jealous. It seemed like you were in love with this Samuel character as well."

"I'm not in love with him! He's meant to be with Oscar anyway! I can't tear them apart!"

I slowly moved away. Uh oh... It's happening... Their flirting... As if he noticed me moving away though, Wayne suddenly put both his arms around me.

"Sleep in Eli's bed, Owen. I want to see if his bed is magic."

"You're the one who has magic," Eli said.

"But where will Eli sleep...?" I asked, glancing at him.

"We have mats we can lay on the floor," Eli answered. "Or my bed is big enough for two..." He looked away as he said that.

"Ah, for you and Wayne?" As soon as it came out, I wished I could put it back. They were both silently staring at me and my face felt hot. I wasn't supposed to know!

"Or for you and me," Wayne suddenly said. I stared at him while he stared back at me.

Eli quickly pushed his arms between us to pry us apart. "Or me and Owen! Why does it have to be you?"

"I've been wanting to sleep with him since day one."

Day one?!

"He'd be more comfortable with me though, don't you think?"

More comfortable?!

"I'll be able to give him the sleep that he deserves."

That I deserve?!

"I can do that for him too."

You too?!

I couldn't understand what was happening at all as they looked like they were bickering over me. I had to interject to stop my eyeballs from rolling around my head.

"Um... Guys... Aren't you two dating?"

They were silently staring at me again. I know I wasn't supposed to know... But I have to say it now... I have to...

"I guess," Wayne said while scratching his head.

"Asshole," Eli elbowed him in the side and he hunched over in pain. "But I guess he's right. We kinda are. We're not sure how to label it. And when you came along, we both wanted you to join us. No pressure though if that's not your thing..."

He lowered his head as he said the last words. His posture and expression looked all too familiar. It looked like he was bracing for rejection. And I'm all too used to rejection myself. I didn't want him to feel that way too.

"It's not that... I'm against it..." I said. He lifted his head and brightened. "But! I think I need time to think it over..."

"Yeah, don't pressure him, Eli," Wayne taunted.

"Why you!!" Eli put his hands around his neck to strangle him but I could tell he wasn't putting pressure into it.

"So will you sleep with us?"

"Wayne!!" Eli began shaking him.

I watched the scene while I thought about it. I certainly wasn't expecting this. I thought it'd all go wrong if anything. But this isn't wrong per se...? It's actually something good. They're genuinely interested in me I think. Does that mean I don't have to let go of my crushes...?

"Does the bed...fit three people...?" I timidly asked.

Eli let go of Wayne. "I've never tried."

"We can make it work," Wayne declared. He suddenly pulled me to my feet by my armpits.

Eli was quickly pulling the blankets back from the bed. I realized they were both trying to get me in bed already.

"Wait!" I exclaimed. They both paused. "I...I have to use the bathroom and...And prepare myself!" I ran out of the room like my hair was on fire.

Even though I've always had crushes, especially on boys, I've never gotten as close to them as I've wanted to before. Nor have I shared a bed with them, let alone two of them. I can't just jump into it so quickly! After I took a breather in the bathroom, I cautiously went back to the room.

I immediately covered my eyes. "Why is your shirt off?!"