This chapter makes me happy I hope it makes you happy too

The boys step out of the school side by side, Evan's texting his mum (authors note: I'm Australian so you're just gonna have to deal with it) letting her know where he's going. Connors looking down, hands in his pockets, struggling to believe this is happening. He tries not to get his hopes up.

"I hope you don't mind, but we have to walk to mine. Zoe has the car." Connor said, realizing that he hadn't told Evan.
"Oh um yeah s-sure, that's f-fine." Evan responded, putting his phone away.

They walked in silence until the school was out of sight, until Connor broke the silence. "So how was your day?" Evan seemed slightly shocked by the familiarity, but he was happy. "I was uh.. pretty nervous for m-most of it actually."
"Really?"
"Mm hm. For lunch, y'know?"
"Oh, right. Sorry about that."
"No no no it's fine don't worry."
They were quiet again and Connor noticed Evans hands weren't in his pockets for once. They came to a crosswalk and while Evan was watching for cars, Connor took his hands out of his own pockets and took a deep breath. He extended his pinkie out to the side and hooked it on Evans own pinkie. Evan hesitated for a second and then held Connors hand. Both boys smiled to themselves and crossed the road.

They walked in happy silence until they got to Connor's house. Connor opened the door and pulled Evan in by the hand. He was scared to go in.

"Do you want a drink?" Connor asked Evan, standing at the fridge.
"Just w-water please." Evan was standing on the other side of the kitchen bench.

The boys walked upstairs, holding hands again, each holding a water. They put the glasses on Connors bedside table and sit side by side on his bed.

"So uhh.. what do you wanna talk about?" Connor asked nervously.
"Uhh.. Us.. I th-think." Evan gulped and Connor took a deep breath.
"Okay. So, what was that about in science the other day?"
"You started it."
"I know. Because I wanted to."
"I um.. I wanted you to.."
Connor smiled and looked at Evan, making him look up too
"I'm glad." Evan chuckled and covered his face with his hands. He shook his head and blushed and looked back at Connor.
"I didn't think you were gay."
"Really? I thought I pretty much gave off your general queer weirdo vibe."
Evan laughed "Yeah, well.. I hoped you were. I thought it was w-wishful thinking."
"I didn't think you were gay until.. You know."
"Middle school?"
"Yeah."
Evan was silent for a second and looked back down
"Sorry... Um... Did you really take a screenshot of that photo?" Connor was surprised by the subject change
"Do you want me to delete it?"
"No! No no not if you d-don't want to. I just.. I thought you were joking."
"Why would I be joking? You're gorgeous." Evan laughed and looked back to Connor with tears in his eyes and pressed his lips together and shook his head. He looked down again, unable to maintain eye contact.
"I didn't think anyone liked me.. Not like that. Not.."
"Evan."
"Not you."
"Evan?" Connor said, taking Evans hand, making him look up "Can I kiss you?" He squeezed his hand "please?"