Chapter Four - Giving.

The hallways were crowded like they normally were but Ryan kept his eyes on the prize for as long as he could, a golden haired boy standing at the lockers with a sticky note in hand. A smirk played onto his lips as he turned his head forward, continuing his strut with his close friend Michelle. Ryan thought it was pretty funny how the boy hadn't exactly figured out who he was considering he literally had been bumping into him almost every time since their first encounter but he wasn't one to complain about the matter at hand. Especially like this. It made his job a lot easier that he hasn't even found out the nickname he'd been leaving on the mouth of each smiley face because everyone in the school knew it.

If Bryce went around saying it someone would at least tell him who it was that's for sure. If Ryan was honest he didn't want that just yet.

He wanted to keep it on the low at least until he was able to get the boys trust. Gaining his trust and then coming out would be romantic right? Kinda like the movies? People liked that kinda stuff right?

"You know he's gonna find out one day," Michelle chimes, "you're just toying with the poor boy."

"That's not true at all." Ryan scoffs, "I'm not that type of guy."

"Sure you're not."

Ryan shrugged at her words as if they didn't bother him but honestly they left a sour taste in his mouth and he was a tad bit upset at her for making the comment. She had always said that when he tried to be romantic. His walk with her didn't last long because she had split off to go with her girlfriend who had been waiting for her arrival at her locker—he was used to that. As he was saying his goodbye to her he bumped into someone causing him to reach out and grab whoever it was by the arm in hopes of making sure they don't fall or anything.

"Sorry I didn't see you," Ryan said, eyes locking with cold blue ones. Ryan mutters under his breath before letting go of the man's arm and shoving his hands in his pants pockets, he watched as the boy gave a slight chuckle.

"It's ight man." Jonathan said as he held the taller males gaze. "Don't I know you?"

Ryan blinked as he tried to think of a time he may have spoken to him but none came to mind so he looked back down at him with a confused expression, Um, I don't think so."

Jonathan just seemed to laugh as his eyes lit up with amusement, "You have the same lunch as me. I sit at the table with Evan and Luke."

Ryan's eyes widen in shock when he realized who the boy was.

"There's a boy who sits with him..erm, Jonathan is his name I believe? He's best friends with Luke and has a crush on Evan if I'm not mistaken."

Ryan knew exactly who this boy was. He could remeber Columbia telling him about him when she found out who he was. He was friends with Bryce. "Oh yeah okay I know who you are." He smiled and the boy grinned childishly at him. The bell rang and they looked around.

"I should probably get going, can I like, have your number?" Jonathan scratched his neck nervously.

At first the question sent him into shock. He wondered why this man would want his number when he just met him, not one bad thought crossing his mind. Maybe just being friendly? Ryan looked at the phone before giving a hesitant nod. After typing his number into the boys phone he waved him off, watching as he nearly ran down the hall.

Ryan stayed still in the hallways as he heard one last classroom door shut. He didn't care if he was late he wanted to see exactly what Bryce wrote on that note so he turned on his heel and began to head towards his locker, whistling the entire way there. Once he reached his locker he opened it and grabbed the sticky note, a smile playing on his lips.

Dear ¿

I don't know who you are exactly but whatever. So how bout we text instead of sending paper messages back and fourth? I mean I don't know about you but this seems like something out of a romantic movie. I'll leave you my number on the back  just in case you decide to text me. If not then just forget I mentioned it. So I am guessing you want to keep your identity a secret? That's fine... Let's get to know each other a little better then? Hi, my names Bryce McQuaid! I love playing video games, watching tv, and chilling at home. My favorite colors consist of blue and purple.

——>

Ryan was in his last period of the day and he was exhausted. Columbia was in front of him playing with her hair and popping her gum as she waited for him to finish up his little love letter. He wasn't exactly sure what his next words were but genuinely speaking he was almost excited to write something down.

Dear McQuaid,

It does seem like something from a movie does it not? Well I like this so we should keep it going. As much as I like you I don't give my number to anyone really. Anyways, Hi. My name is ¿ and my favorite colors are gray and blue too. I also love playing video games as well. What's your favorite game mister McQuaid?

He knew that him not giving out his number was mainly a lie. Especially since he literally just gave it out but what would happen if he somehow managed to get close to Bryce as Ryan? Then what? His gig would be up if the guy asked his number.

Ryan folded the paper and handed it to Columbia who only stuck her bubble in his face causing Ryan to lift his finger and jab it, making it pop all over her. He laughed as she tried to escape the sticky mess he had created and when she did she passed a glare to him. "Not cool." She growls, chewing her gum loudly.

"It's not cool to stick it in my face princess." He teased, ruffling her hair.

She swiped at his hand and hissed like a cat in disagreement. "Ha ha mister popular." She rolled her eyes and held the letter close to her as she threw her backpack on. "When are you gonna tell him?" Her question brought Ryan out of space and onto earth.

"Someday.." He whispered, voice cracking.

Columbia smiled and looked away from him causing him to smirk. She knew exactly what he meant.

The bell rang and everyone began to leave, Ryan behind Columbia. As he walked out the door his phone buzzed causing him to check it and see a random number appear. He opened it.

Random: Hey it's Jonathan (: