Page 55 of As You Walk On

“You can also call me Chris’s boyfriend,” KD interrupts.

Numbness shoots through my chest.

Did I hear him correctly?

KD’s smile tightens. “Because that’s who I am,” he continues, easing an arm around Christian’s tight shoulders. “His boyfriend.”

Something thick and awful bobs in my stomach.

I blink at Christian. “He’s your...”

Christian rests his head on KD’s chest, nodding. He looks on the verge of a frown. Can’t say I blame him. Pathetic, clueless, bizarre Theo, thirsting over another guy’s boyfriend. Asking him to prom in front of said boyfriend.

Maybe those are all the things my classmates think of me.

My eyes dart around. The people scattered outside gawk atus. Some whisper to each other. I think someone’s documenting everything on their phone. At least one boy openly chuckles into his cup.

And then there’s Jay—leaning against a brick pillar, grimacing. He cuts a hand across his throat. He’s telling me to abandon ship.

I can’t move.

“KD’s a senior at Mountainview,” explains Christian, grinding my already shattered heart into dust for the wind to blow away. “We met at—”

“That’s really cool,” I sputter before he finishes, stumbling backward. There’s a Class F fire spreading across the back of my neck. “Love that for you two.”

“Theo, I—”

“No worries!” I hold up both hands. “Forget I asked.”

Even though I didn’t. The full question never made it out my mouth.

KD’s brow lowers. His mouth flexes like he might say something. And as much as I want to defend myself, I can’t tear my eyes from the apologetic expression softening Christian’s face.

“Seriously...” My voice cuts out, eyes burning. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks,” he whispers.

We nod in unison. A silent agreement. This conversation never needs to be repeated. No need for KD’s cold stare. Christian can explain the confusion later. And my trembling lower lip won’t be commented on.

All the dares I’ve completed. The gaping and snickers fromother students. King of #BOHSFail at least four times a year since I was a freshman.

Nothing feels like this.

I don’t think anything ever will.

A breathless Makayla materializes out of nowhere, surprising me. “Theo, finally!” she gasps out. “I was searching everywhere for you!”

Really? Because it’s barely been ten minutes since I was her personal grocery cart.

“Sorry,” Makayla says to Christian, then KD. I pointedly lookanywherebut his face. “I need this guy and these...” She firmly squeezes my biceps. “...for a small, but necessary home improvement project.”

In my ear, Makayla whispers, “Unclench your ass cheeks and follow me.”

I try not to wince at the way her nails dig into my skin.

“Catch up with you soon?” She offers Christian the most earnest, believable smile ever. Her Hulk-like grip tugs on me. My numb body willingly obeys. Anything to get far, far from whatever just happened.

On the way, I catch a glimpse of Jay. His curious blue eyes. The lit-up phone in his hand. His uncomfortable posture, pale expression. His lips part like he might say something, then he shakes his head.

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