In the following days, everything seemed normal. Elias and Nael continued to hang out with their group, laughing and joking around. But, secretly, something had changed. Between fleeting glances in class and a shiver when they brushed against each other in the hallways, their complicity had taken on a new tenderness that they tried to hide. One Wednesday afternoon, when they had found themselves alone at Elias's house to "study" ( in reality, to enjoy a moment just for themselves )
Nael broke the silence."Do you think we should tell someone?" he asked, sitting on Elias's bed, playing with a pen between his fingers.
Elias, lying next to him, thought for a moment. "I don't know..." he murmured. "I'm scared of how others might react. What if Connor or Kai make fun of us?"
Nael nodded. "Yeah, it's true that it's complicated. But... do you think they would ditch us?"
Elias turned his head towards him. "I have no idea. Maybe not. But honestly, I prefer that we take our time. We don't have to say everything right away."
Nael smiled softly. "Yeah, you're right. It's our thing, no need to rush."
There was a comfortable silence. Elias timidly reached out to gently take Nael's hand. The latter intertwined their fingers without hesitation.
"We'll handle this together, okay?" murmured Elias.
"Always," replied Nael with a sincere smile.The fear of being discovered.
The following Friday, while they were in the middle of their lunch break, Connor made a remark that sent a wave of panic through both boys.
"Honestly, Nael, it's been a while since we've seen you hang out alone with Elias," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Are you guys like inseparable or what?"
Kai chimed in, laughing: "Watch out, Connor, those two are going to end up getting married!"
The group burst out laughing, but Elias felt his face flush. He looked down, focusing on his lunch tray. Next to him, Nael tried to laugh nervously, but the sound came out a bit too tense to seem natural. "Stop your nonsense," Nael muttered, trying to look relaxed.
Connor, always on the lookout for a chance to tease, raised his hands. "Oh, come on, it's fine! You're just too close, that's all. No need to get offended."
Thomas, who had noticed the uncomfortable look on his two friends' faces, tried to change the subject. "Alright, how about we talk about tomorrow's match? You're coming, right?"
Elias nodded eagerly, grateful. But once the meal was finished, he quickly slipped outside, claiming he wanted some fresh air.
Nael joined him a few minutes later. He found Elias sitting on a bench, his hands buried in his pockets and his gaze lost in the void.
"Hey, are you okay?" Nael asked gently as he sat down next to him.Elias shrugged.
"I don't know... I hate these moments. It's nothing serious, but it freaks me out. What if one day they find out?"
Nael placed a reassuring hand on Elias's shoulder. "Listen, it's normal to be afraid. It stresses me out too. But we have nothing to be ashamed of, okay? We shouldn't be ashamed of who we are or what we feel."
Elias looked up at him, moved. "You're right... but sometimes, it's hard."
Nael nodded. "Yeah, I know. But look, we're in the same boat. We can face this together. And if one day we decide to tell them, we'll do it when we're ready."
Elias managed a smile. "Thank you, Nael. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without you."
Nael responded with a smile just as sincere. "Me neither."