Somebody to Love (bxb) (Complete)

Chapter 20 - One Year Later

June 7, 2010

Dylan

Dylan was gearing up for his first day as a senior at SMCS. Looking back, last year had been a whirlwind. He hadn't known if he'd survive the junior year, but having EJ by his side had made everything easier. Brandon and Christian had given him less trouble ever since their suspension for smoking weed on school grounds—they'd been surprisingly quiet since. Lorraine, however, continued to glare at EJ whenever they crossed paths. Dylan had asked EJ several times if Lorraine was upset, but EJ always shrugged it off, saying he didn't care.

Despite this minor issue, everything had been blissful. Dylan's parents had been incredibly supportive of their relationship, even hosting a joint birthday celebration since their birthdays were only a month apart. His mom adored EJ and always welcomed him warmly, while his dad enjoyed teasing EJ with old-fashioned jokes that were more endearing than funny. However, EJ had yet to invite Dylan over to his house.

Unlike Dylan, EJ hadn't come out to his parents yet, describing them as intimidating and borderline scary. Nonetheless, Dylan had met EJ's older brother, Kuya Elliott, who bore a striking resemblance to EJ but lacked his dimples. Kuya Elliott has been quite supportive of their relationship, often giving them advice.

"Dylan," his father interrupted their breakfast, "remember what I always tell you. You study at a Catholic school, so be very careful with your relationship with EJ. Don't tell anyone that you two are together, because not everyone is as accepting as we are. Understand? I want both of you to finish high school without any trouble."

Dylan knew his father meant well, and he appreciated the concern, but the constant reminders were disheartening. It wasn't just the repetition that stung; it was the truth behind the words. Society wasn't as accepting as his parents, and that reality was heartbreaking.

"Look, son, I know that your love is just as important as any other love, but you have to know that it's still risky for you and EJ. I just—I just don't want both of you to get bullied," his father said, his voice heavy with concern.

"I know, Dad," Dylan replied, his voice filled with sadness. "I promise, EJ and I will be extra careful."

"You know, my love," his mother interjected gently, "we may seem redundant, but we just want you to be safe and to know who you can trust with your secrets. There are people out there who are willing to do anything to hurt others."

Dylan nodded. He understood their fears, and he shared them. It wasn't just about their relationship being discovered; it was about the potential consequences—harassment, bullying, and worse...getting expelled. His parents' love and acceptance were his sanctuary, but the world outside was a different story.

****

"So, what time is your lunch?" Dylan asked EJ as they settled into their usual seats on the bus. This routine had become their cherished ritual since the start of their romantic relationship. EJ would wait for Dylan outside his house, and together they'd journey to school. Dylan never quite understood why EJ preferred this over meeting at school, but he wasn't about to complain. The comfort of traveling to school together, secretly hand in hand, whispering playful secrets behind their bags as the bus made its five stops before reaching SMCS, was something he appreciated deeply.

EJ's thumb lightly brushed the pad of Dylan's palm, sending a tingling sensation through him. "11:20. How about you?" he asked, his voice soft and comforting.

"Same," Dylan replied with a smile.

"We'll have to make the most of this setup for the entire year since we're not in the same section anymore." EJ pouted slightly, leaning his shoulder against Dylan's. When they registered for classes last May, they had hoped to be in the same class. Unfortunately, Dylan was placed in IV-8 while EJ ended up in IV-10. Their rooms were next to each other, but Dylan knew it would feel different not having EJ by his side in class.