"Everyone make groups of three. We are starting a new project on the history of the US railroad system," Mr. Green announced.

History was a fun class for David. Mr. Green had short, curly hair that he kept neatly trimmed, which he always seemed to be smoothing back in place. He was always dressed casually, typically in jeans and a t-shirt featuring various historical events or figures.

Mr. Green had a remarkable ability to transform even the dullest topics into engaging and enjoyable lessons. His sense of humor was legendary among the students; he had a knack for making witty comments and inserting humorous anecdotes into his lectures, which kept the class laughing and attentive. He believed in the power of storytelling, often using vivid, dramatic narratives and body gestures to bring historical events to life.

David looked over to Emily and Michael, both nodding in return. "Let's get some things together and work at the hideout," he suggested.

Mr. Green passed out some papers detailing how each group would make a presentation on some historical innovation of the rail system. The three brainstormed for a while before David blurted out, "How about we talk about track switches? We could make a model or get a model train from the store."

"That's great," Michael and Emily agreed.

"Let's get some stuff and meet in the hideout after school today."

The rest of the class flew by as Mr. Green delved into the early days of the US railroads. David was too distracted coming up with a plan to get a model train and couldn't focus as Mr. Green shared some examples of different innovations.

The bell rang and the class became a flurry of motion and noise as everyone moved their desks back and started filling out of the room. "Remember, research is key! I expect to see some creative presentations!" Mr. Green called out over the din.

David, Emily, and Michael hurried to their lockers, exchanging excited chatter about their project ideas. They agreed to meet at the secret hideout to finalize a list of supplies. The rest of the day's classes seemed to drag on as David's anxiousness seemed to make time slow down.

As the day ended, the trio made their way out of the school. Michael quickly grabbed David's arm, stopping him as Emily continued walking.

"I need to tell you something. Get to the hideout early," Michael whispered.

"Okay," David trailed off, a tinge of trepidation in his voice.

"Come on, guys, why did you stop?" Emily asked from up ahead.

They all separated to gather up some planning supplies individually. As David walked home, his mind raced about what Michael could possibly want to tell him. His anxiety rose as his mind went through an infinite number of scenarios, all of them bad. Julia greeted him when he finally got home.

"Hi David, did you have a good day at school?"

"Yeah," he replied, distracted. "I'm going to the hideout to meet Emily and Michael. We have a group project to discuss."

"Okay, don't be too late," Julia replied.

The walk to the hideout was a slow one as anxiousness continued to gnaw at David's insides. He clutched his backpack straps tightly. The afternoon sun dipped lower, casting long, golden shadows in the woods. David took a deep breath as he reached the mouth of the small cave. As he stepped in, Michael was already waiting there, looking out of breath, like he had just been running.

"David, I liked you," Michael blurted out, like the sudden release of pressure from a blocked pipe.

"I like you too, Michael, you're my best friend," David responded, confused.

A few minutes of silence passed. Michael's breathing steadied, but his shoulders slumped, and he hung his head. David took a step closer, reaching out his hand. "Is everything okay?"

That one sentence seemed to open the floodgates of emotion inside of Michael. "No, it's not okay. I didn't know what was going on. I saw the way you looked at Emily. I knew you liked her. I couldn't understand it. I had a tightness in my chest when we talked. It hurt when you danced with her."

Michael's voice grew more intense as he continued, "We were all just friends, you know? But then everything felt different. I began to think I was different. Everything I had been taught so far told me that I was wrong. My church said that it was wrong to feel this way about a guy."

He took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly. "It wasn't just about Emily. It was you, David. I was scared, David. Scared of what this meant for our friendship, scared of how you'd react. But I couldn't keep pretending everything was okay when it wasn't. You meant everything to me, and I didn't want to lose you."

His voice softened, almost breaking, "I just wanted things to go back to the way they were. I missed us. I missed how simple everything used to be."

"Michael..." David's voice was barely a whisper.

David couldn't say anything else, couldn't even think of a way to respond. His confusion overwhelmed him. He instinctively took another step towards Michael. He had never seen Michael like this. He wanted to say something, anything, but his throat felt tight, constricted by his own uncertainty. Michael was the first to break the silence.

"I'm sorry, that was a lot," Michael said, putting on his lopsided grin.

David knew it was a forced smile to ease the tension. He had seen a similar one countless times from his mom. Michael's hands were still shaking, and he looked like he was about to burst into tears.

Michael started to leave, only hesitating for a moment at the entrance. "Just forget this. I'm sorry."

David slowly sank to the hard floor as he watched Michael leave, the chill seeping through his clothes. His mind raced, replaying Michael's words over and over. Confusion and guilt overwhelmed him, and he didn't know what to do.

Emily's face suddenly popped into view, breaking him away from his thoughts. "Hey space cadet. You really didn't see me walk in?"

David's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "No, sorry, I was thinking about something."

"Where's Michael?" She asked, looking puzzled.

David didn't answer for a moment, his mind still replaying the emotional whirlwind of their conversation. "He had to go home," he finally replied, his voice lacking its usual energy.

"And leave us with all the prep work. How rude," she teased, nudging him lightly.

David managed a weak smile. "It's okay. He can help us finish later."

Emily shrugged and then refocused on their project. They began working on a list of supplies and a detailed plan for making the presentation. As they discussed ideas and jotted down notes, David struggled to concentrate. Michael's words echoed in his mind, drowning out Emily's voice and the scribble of their pens. David kept glancing at the door, half expecting Michael to come back. He felt a gnawing worry that he had missed a critical opportunity to support his friend.