stanley feels hands on his back, pushing him into the closet with bill, and closing the door. similar has occurred to the other boy, who looks just as stunned as they're thrown into the dark space.
stanley stares blankly at the boy in front of him, unsure of how to react. and then he decides, seven minutes of silence? he can do that.
but then-
"your seven minutes don't start until we here chatting!"
stanley feels his breath catch in his throat. he can't really explain how he's feeling other than sick to his stomach when he looks up and makes eye contact with his ex.
"stanley," bill says softly, and it's so gentle and reminiscent that stanley unintentionally can feel his heart melt at it. "can we talk, please?"
stanley isn't really sure how to deny that, as they do have seven minutes, and so he just bites down on his lip hard, agreeing only once the metallic taste of blood floods his tastebuds and he's jolted back to reality. "talk."
"okay, you're lucky!" max finally calls, and her voice gets further away as she returns to the circle. "seven minutes starts now!"
"i miss you," bill says, and he can feel weight lifted off his shoulders as he admits it.
stanley takes an extremely deep breath. he knows that no one can hear them, and they're alone, but he still feels vulnerable as he answers, "that's not my fault."
bill can already feel his eyes clouding over with tears. "i'm not the one who ended it," he doesn't say it in an accusatory manner; he just sounds like he's given up.
"i'm not the one who cheated," stanley blurts, and it's an accident, but he's not lying, so he just continues to bite his lip, awaiting a response.
"stanley," this is whispered, and stan's heart breaks further with the desperate look in bill's eyes. "it's been over a year. please talk to me. please let me explain."
stanley is kind of shaking, and he finds the way that bill's head is tilted, in such a kind and pleading manner, enough of a reason for his answer. "okay."
bill looks shocked, but he regains his thoughts and nods. "okay."
