"You need to tell her." Phil said as we were, yet again, alone in an empty classroom. He had a way of making me feel even worse, speaking like he was the voice of reason in my head. I knew not telling Kayla was wrong but I was afraid.

"I can't. Can we just pretend nothing happened between us?" I mumbled, biting my lip. That was the last thing I wanted but I was so lost and confused. The urge to cry shook my body but I tried my best to hold myself together.

"No. We both like each other and we can't just... forget that."

"I know and, trust me, I want to be with you-"

"If you really did, you'd leave her."

"I can't hurt her and no one can know I'm gay."

"So you don't love her?"

"Huh?" He inched closer to me so I could feel his warm breath against my cheek. The proximity made me feel lightheaded.

"You said you were gay. That means you only like guys."

"I-"

"Then why is it so hard to break up with her?"

"Because I'm scared, Phil. I don't know what to do anymore." A tear escaped, dripping down my face and onto my shirt. I bit my lip to hold back a pathetically desperate sob.

"You can do it over text. Then you wouldn't have to see her face."

"That's a dick move and you know it."

"Dan?" I looked up into his eyes, knowing he was sympathetic as he whispered, "So is cheating." (I love this line I'm so sorry)

"I know. I'm a horrible person." Then I started to sob and so he wrapped his arms around me protectively. I buried my head into his chest, not caring that I was making his shirt damp. My body was shaking as I cried and he rubbed by back.

"You need to leave her, Dan. I'm not saying that because I'm selfish. I'm saying that because it's unfair that you're making her believe you love her when you're with someone else."

"I can't-"

"You can and I'll be there whilst you do."

We separated from the hug. I gazed up at him as I whimpered, "I'm so scared."

Phil decided against responding verbally, instead cupping my face with his hands. He leaned forward and attached our lips. All of the worry that was buzzing around my head evaporated instantaneously, allowing me to relax into the kiss. When we pulled back, Phil pressed his forehead into mine. "You'll be okay..."

"What if I'm not? What if she makes everyone hate me?"

"She won't do-"

"And if she does?"

"I'll be there for you." My eyes trailed down to our hands that he had connected. His touch was like magic, comforting me and making all the negative feelings vanish.

-

"Kayla..." I whispered. We were at her house again, sat in her bedroom, just talking. "I need to tell you something."

"Yeah?" She replied, looking directly at me. Our eyes met and every intention I had to tell her crumbled to dust. She was just so innocent and sweet; she didn't deserve the pain I'd hand her when breaking up with her.

"Actually don't worry. It's not important." Her eyebrows furrowed but she shrugged it off because she didn't intend on pushing me to talk.

"You okay?" She moved closer to me, placing a gentle hand on my knee. I tensed up and was extremely thankful when she didn't notice.

"Yeah." My voice was shaking so the fact that I was lying was fairly obvious. She then leant forward and kissed me softly. I wanted to push her away. I felt so guilty as her lips moved with mine but I didn't have the courage to break the kiss. Her kiss was sweet but not as sweet as Phil's and it didn't let the butterflies out of their cage in my chest. I just felt nothing.

She eventually pulled back, mumbling, "If something's wrong, I won't force you to tell me. Just don't bottle it up, okay? It will probably only make you feel worse."

She was so kind and good-natured which made everything so much worse. She didn't deserve to be cheated on. All she deserved was happiness. I couldn't give her that.

"Okay." I choked out, blinking away tears.

-

Empty classrooms became part of mine and Phil's daily routines: no one bothered us there.

"I tried to tell her last night but I couldn't." I mumbled, refusing to look at Phil due to the fear of disappointing him.

"I'll come with you? Heck, I'd even do it for you if you really want."

I shook my head. "I need to do this myself." We went silent, the only sound being the footsteps of a student in the hall.

"Will you though?" Phil eventually asked. I hesitantly nodded because I did intend on breaking up with her. "Good." He then gently pecked my lips. Wanting more, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into a longer kiss. His hands made their way to my hair, running through it gently. We separated, once again, breathless.