"Guys!"

Xander's aunt, Ms. Yoon, snapped irritably. "We need to get this right! C'mon, from the top!"

Across the room, Gabriel Cephas sighed and got back into position next to Eric Haskings (a nerdy boy who had an important part). Xander, standing opposite of Gabriel, scoffed at his too-tight outfit. They were rehearsing for a comedic parody of Romeo and Juliet and his leotard didn't fit right. Neither did his dress shirt, which was practically popping at the buttons. He tossed a glance at his aunt, hoping for some sympathy but apparently Gabriel's position was more important than his dilemma. He was the main character after all. Xander rolled his eyes and scoffed again. Gabriel was just another selfish, entitled, rich prince at their school. But why in the hell start drama in your senior year Xander wondered, annoyed. Gabriel glanced over and caught Xander staring at him. Instead of looking away like a normal person should, Gabriel gave him something between a sneer and a smirk. It was his classic 'Im better than you' look that girls swooned over like in some netflix movie. Reluctantly looking away first, Xander sighed, got back into position, and waited for his que.

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

"Good job today, Xannie." his aunt said affectionately, ruffing his newly dyed hair. (black with blood red tips) Xander flashes a half-smile, revealing a dimple. "I get that all the time. You know I'm used to it." He replied smugly. " Oh believe me, I know." His aunt called as she walked out the door to the parking lot, leaving him alone. Xander went back to packing his things, when the changing room door opened. "I guess a spoiled brat like you would be used to getting praised all the time, Xannie~." Gabriel mocked. "But you'll never be as much of a man as you claim to be. Not without a little criticism." He continued in the same cruel tone. Xander stood, his demeanor hostile. He stalked over to where Gabriel stood, and forced him back against a wall. Xander towered over Gabriel at a proud six foot two-and-a-half inches, whereas Gabreil stood at just over five foot eight inches. Despite the height difference, Gabriel stared up at Xander defiantly, smirking. At Xander. Xander caged the smaller boy, bracing his hands against the wall on either side of Gabriel's head. And to his credit, Gabriel didn't even blink, even as Xander's hands slapped the wall just inches from his face. "What do you know about being a man?" Xander growled, glaring. "Real men aren't gay." He continued, knowing how harsh he was being, but not exactly caring. Gabriel arched a brow with practiced perfection. "Calling yourself out, Xannie?" He whispered, centimeters from Xander's face. His breath smelled like strawberries. Xander blushes, tinting the cinnamon skin at his cheeks to a warm pink, which Gabriel smiled at. "What are you talking about, you freak?" Xander's voice went hoarse. Gabriel was very popular, and it was mostly due to the fact that he was out and proud. Xander was gay too...but he had been closeted since eighth grade, and only his best friend, Hunter knew. Gabriel smiled a little wider, angling his mouth towards Xander's. "You're gay, Xander Yoon. And believe me when I say I will have you for myself."