Alex Harper sat at his usual spot in the school cafeteria, his eyes drifting over the bustling crowd. He was lost in thought, his mind wandering to the new student who had joined their class a week ago. Ryan Matthews. The name alone sent a shiver down Alex’s spine.

Ryan was everything Alex admired—confident, athletic, and effortlessly charming. He had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease, and Alex couldn’t help but be drawn to him. But there was a problem. Ryan was straight, and Alex was gay.

Alex had known he was different for as long as he could remember. While his friends talked about their crushes on girls, Alex’s heart beat faster for boys. It was a secret he had kept hidden, fearing the judgment and rejection that might follow if anyone found out.

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“Earth to Alex,” Mia’s voice broke through his reverie. She waved a hand in front of his face, her dark eyes twinkling with amusement. “You okay?”

Alex blinked and forced a smile. “Yeah, just thinking.”

“About Ryan?” Mia asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alex’s cheeks flushed. “Is it that obvious?”

Mia laughed softly. “Only to me. You’ve been staring at him like he’s the last slice of pizza.”

Alex groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I can’t help it, Mia. He’s just… perfect.”

Mia’s expression softened. “Have you thought about telling him how you feel?”

Alex’s heart skipped a beat. The idea of confessing his feelings to Ryan was both thrilling and terrifying. “I don’t know if I can. What if he hates me?”

Mia reached out and squeezed his hand. “You won’t know until you try. And no matter what happens, I’ll be here for you.”