"Okey, that’s enough, Johan. I don’t want anyone to notice us."

I said that after noticing people’s stares fixed on us – two lads of the same age, one holding the other’s jaw… It’s definitely a scene that attracts attention… Johan laughed and then said

“Have you gone and become shy? Come on, we’re not in the twentieth century – there’s no need to be afraid of people staring at a gay couple.”

“It’s not that I’m afraid of that, but you know people have the wrong idea about everything… I don’t want them to think you’re trying to kidnap or kill me.”

Johan laughed softly and pinched my cheek.

“Oh, Max, darling, who cares what people think? Certainly not me.”

He took a deep breath, grabbed my hand and shouted

“I love my boyfriend, Max!!”

People turned to look at us; some were laughing, some were looking on with disgust, some were surprised, and some simply didn’t care… I pulled the scarf from around my neck and covered my face.

“Johan, this isn’t funny!”

I sensed that Johan realised he’d made a mistake, so he let go of my hand, put his arm around me, and started walking somewhere… I didn’t know exactly where, but he broke the silence and said

“Max, forgive me. I was just so keen for people to see the strength of our love… I won’t do it again.”

I pulled the scarf down from my face and covered the bruises on my neck once more. I looked into Johan’s eyes for a few seconds, taking in his beauty and the sincerity of his expression… I sighed, then said

“I’m sorry I got angry with you… but as you know, my dad is obsessed with public reputation and hates the fact that I’m gay, and I think he’ll be furious if he finds out what happened just now.”

He placed his hands on my shoulders and looked at me sternly.

“Who cares? Let him think what he likes. Let him get so angry his veins burst… …He’s just a boring, old-fashioned man who doesn’t understand a thing about human rights… As long as he hits you, he’s not a good father… He’s just a psychopath who takes out his frustrations on those weaker than him.”

He kissed me on the forehead and continued,

“I’m not like him… I promise I’ll give you the love and acceptance you’ve always been denied.”

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling…

“Max? Why are you crying?”

He wiped my tears away with his thumb as he comforted me.

“Did you remember something bad? Did I say something to hurt you?”

I smiled at him and shook my head.

“No… no, I’m fine… these are just tears of joy.”

He hugged me and kissed my cheek.

“That’s what you deserve… joy.”

I quickly pushed him away.

“What’s the matter with you? You’re acting strangely today.”

“Sorry, Johan, but…”

He looked around.

“Oh, I see… I’m sorry about that.”

We left the shopping centre without holding hands this time, but I really wanted to touch him and kiss him, to make this cruel world stop judging us or labelling us negatively.

When we got back to Johan’s flat, he put his new winter clothes in his wardrobe and I took off my jacket and scarf.

“Does it still hurt?”

I touched the bruises on my neck; I couldn’t feel them.

“No… it doesn’t hurt.”

He drew close to me and rained kisses on my neck, whilst his hand caressed me in a way that made me lose the ability to pull away.

“Carry on…”

I said, moaning with pleasure.

“Aaaah, Johan, you’re driving me mad.”

To be continued…