"Of course. I promise." He had struggled to say those words. As much as he wanted to keep talking to TJ, he couldn't. He had to make his relationship work, and if that meant having no further contact with him then he'd do it. But it caused a pain in his heart. Having to out of no where, with no explanation stop talking to him. He gulped and put on a smile, trying to show that the promise he had just made didn't affect him.

"I should get to class. I've been late one too many times." He grabbed his hand, interlocking their fingers, and kissing Cyrus' hand. "I'll see you in english."

"Why not lunch? Busy?"
"Yea. I got this team meeting with the coach and it's mandatory. You could always come along."

"I think I'll spend time with my other friends. We've barely talked at all this year, what, with their busy schedules. But yea, english." They let go and walked out to an empty hallway. Cyrus went right and Reed went left, rushing to their classes before it was too late to be let in the class. He was let in, making his way to his seat awkwardly. He couldn't pay attention, with so many things fighting to take over his mind.

   'But Reed. But TJ. Ugh. How was I going to tell TJ. And why would Kira open her mouth. And why would she lie. We didn't even make-out this morning. I should've told him the truth. But we had just started dating that day and already kissing another guy? Ugh I hate you Cyrus. Great start to the week. Bye Cyrus.'

   He lay his head down, daydreaming of a perfect world where he could have his boyfriend and his best friends both by his side, getting along and choosing to make him happy. Slowly, his eyes began to shut, everything around him becoming pitch black then white. He shook himself, being frightened by the loud bell that informed them that they had to get to their next class. He picked up everything and ran out, bumping into a tall figure whose face he couldn't see.

"You should really watch where you're going. Next time, you might just break a bone." The voice was familiar. He held out his hand, helping Cyrus up and grabbing his books, holding them as they made their way to class.

"I could carry them myself thank you very much."

"But I like helping, Underdog. It's fun, especially when the person is as helpless as you."

"Gee thanks." Cyrus looked at him as he stared forward, hesitating to do what he was about to do. He looked so perfect, staring straight and ignoring the stare he knew was coming from him.

"Can we talk after school? It's really important and I just want to get it off my chest before winter break starts. You know, the earlier the better."

They stopped outside of Biology class, staring, waiting for a response to his invite.

"Sure. I'll meet you at the front of the school. Text me if you need anything or if you drop your books again."

He smiled, realizing how difficult it would be to have to talk to him after school. It would hurt him and it would most likely hurt TJ also, but it needed to be done. The closer they got to the end of the school day, the more he contemplated running away and getting a new identity. He could start over and not have to worry about all this. That would be the easy way out.