Page 19 of The Masks We Wear
“But there are osteopathic medicine programs here in New York.”
“Jamal,” I reply, my throat suddenly parched. “I can’t have you upending your life just to follow me.”
“I’m not!” he says quickly. “Well…not entirely. I really do miss living up north. I talked to my family already, and they support me. I have all the prerequisites, and I’m looking to get my own place in the Bronx.”
That’s alarmingly close to my place in Queens, and my heart threatens to bounce right out of my chest.Jamal is coming back to me?
“I refuse to be the main reason you change your entire life.”
“Yer not darlin’.” He strokes my cheek. “I didn’t even think you wanted me before I applied to schools here. A superstar dancer like you probably has his pick of the boys in the city. But if I get settled in with my osteopathic program...and if yer still single…” Even in the dark I can see the hopeful grin on his face. “Maybe we can finally do this right? Maybe hook up on a day other than Halloween?”
I all but melt inside. “No masks?”
“You never needed one, Jung.” He puts his hand in mine and squeezes tight, and I know this is the start of something incredible. “So what do you say? Want to give us a real shot?”
I lean forward and gently put my mouth on his. I pour all of my hopes and fears into this kiss, praying Jamal knows that I’m in this for the real deal. Our future might not be clear, but it’s ours to shape. No masks, no secrets, just two hearts ready to take on the world.
EPILOGUE: JAMAL
[SEVEN YEARS LATER]
“Let’s welcome to the dance floor for the first time as husbands, Mr. Dane Poorweisz and Mr. Landee Landon!” The DJ blasts an airhorn and we all applaud. Dane and Landon make their way to the center of the ballroom looking regal as ever. Landon’s wearing a pristine white suit, while Dane is in black, donning wisps of brown facial hair. “Amazing” by Teddy Swims plays, and the violins accent the dimming of the lights. The happy husbands proceed to waltz around the floor, and I’m thoroughly impressed Landon is able to lead Dane’s intricate choreography—allegedly Landon couldn’t quite keep up during their private lessons.
As everyone else watches and films them, I sip my champagne and grin. Before I can tear up, a hand lands on my right knee. Turning my head, Jung and I share a grin. “They really do look amazing,” he says. “Not to sound redundant. The song captured it all.”
My boyfriend looks gorgeous in his dark crimson suit and styled hair. He hasn’t aged a day, and I never take him for granted. “They really do.”
“I’m so happy they made it,” Jung says. “Things were rocky with them once upon a time, but they’re disgustingly perfect for each other.”
“I know, right? Landon is like Dane’s number one fan.” We share a chuckle and go back to watching the slow dance.
I occasionally take peeks to the side to take in Jung. He’s as beautiful as ever, and his pocket square has Black Panther patterning on it—a little detail that touches me to the core.
Somehow, someway, Jung and I managed to beat the odds over the past seven years. Things were difficult as it took time to move back to New York. But as soon as I was settled, I asked him out on a proper date. We had dinner then took a long walk through Central Park where we chatted about everything we could think of. We were both afraid that the chemistry would die out once we dropped our Halloween personas, but I never stopped being charmed by him. Sitting on a rock overlooking one of the lawns of Central Park, I kissed him underneath the lights of New York City, and I knew I was hooked.
After grad school, I got a job in an osteopathic practice, and four months after that, we moved in with each other. My schooling was hard, and being away from my folks was tough as well. But falling in love with Jung Choo? Now that was the easiest thing I ever did.
Everyone applauds as the lights go up. “We now invite the rest of you lovely couples to the dance floor. Let’s get those hands on shoulders for a slow dance!” The floor soon becomes filled with a dozen couples—how many gay male friends does Dane have?!—ready to dance.
I turn to see Jung already grinning at me. “May I have this dance?”
I give a fake wince and look down. “I don’t know, darlin’. I’m not a professional like y’all.”
We chuckle as he leads me to the floor. “Good thing I’m pro enough to lead us both.”
He takes my left hand and places my right on his hip. As we sway, we share a grin, and everything feels right. All of the love in the room moves me in ways I never thought possible. I used to believe I’d be a closeted country boy trapped in an uninspired job for the rest of my life. Jung changed all that, and I’m so damn grateful that he didn’t run away from that balcony all those years ago.
“Have you ever thought about marriage?” I ask.
Jung purses his lips in a cute way and looks up in thought. “I don’t know…” We both look around; all these folks—mostly attractive dudes, to be honest—are happily married. “It seems to be working for these people.”
“It does,” I reply as we dance around.
“Maybe…given the right incentive.” He gives me a coy grin, and I roll my eyes.
“You’re cute, you know that, darlin’?”
“So I’ve been told. Mostly by you.” We snicker and share a gentle kiss.
“I love you, Jung,” I mutter.
“I love you more, Jamal.” His smile fades and he looks deep into my eyes. “Thank you…for getting rid of the masks.”
“Like I said once upon a time, you never needed it.” We share a smile and he leans his head on my shoulder. Gazing at all the love in the room, I know everything I’ve ever needed is right here.
I make a mental note to buy a pair of rings soon so I can make an honest man out of Jung. After all, it’s almost October—I think an engagement will be the perfect Halloween treat for both of us.
May your Halloween be filled with the best tricks and treats. THE END
