Hey everyone!

It feels good to be updating this book again! I'd just like to say a few things before we get started. Something I'd like to clarify is that (Y/N) is only an insert character. Not every single part about him is supposed to be like the reader (a.k.a you.) (Y/N) is a character I wrote with his own thoughts and opinions that you, the reader, might not think the same way on. You're supposed to relate to him, not be him. Make sense?

Okay, well this is something I thought I'd clarify because in this chapter (Y/N) brings up his siblings and family. He has his own backstory that is completely made up. And of course his family and backstory is different from yours. I said from the very beginning that (Y/N) wasn't written to be a blank slate. I know a lot of x reader books make the (Y/N) character completely void of personality. And that makes perfect sense. It's just so the reader can better insert themself into the story but that's not what I wanted to do. I tried my best to give (Y/N) his own separate thoughts and feelings. Obviously you're supposed to insert yourself into his shoes and pretend to be him, but I think adding these elements makes for a more interesting story.

I'm so sorry I rambled on for so long. I just thought I should get that out of the way first.

Enjoy the chapter!

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After Lloyd and I got home we just went straight to bed. Neither of us were really hungry but walking all that time was really tiring. Especially for me. Of course I was trying my best to stay active in the healing process but even I had my limits. We just climbed in bed and cuddled until we fell asleep. And even though we were tired it still took us a while to finally fall asleep. I just held Lloyd close and occasionally whispered something dumb into his ear and heard him giggle softly.

I woke up the morning after to Lloyd shifting around in my arms.

"(Y/N)-" Lloyd groans my name as he struggles.

My eyes pop open and I realize I have my entire body wrapped around him, keeping him from moving. I pull away my arms and legs, allowing him to get up.

"You nearly suffocated me last night," he jokes as he stands up. I just sit up and watch him gather his things for school that were placed randomly around the room.

I rub my eyes and yawn. Even though I was told it would probably be best if I didn't go to school today because of my new injuries inflicted by Chen, I still decided I wanted to go anyway. I don't like not being with Lloyd. I stand up and stretch, trying not to hurt myself. I take off my shorts that I had put on before bed last night and replace them with a clean pair of jeans, then I just put on a fresh T-shirt and decide that's all the effort I feel like putting in today. I decided against my typical hoodie. It feels a little restricting on the wounds.

I look over to see Lloyd take his pajamas off to get dressed. I find it cute how Lloyd had himself a little night time routine that he stuck to every night. He also had a different set of pajamas for each day of the week. It was dorky but it was also cute. I was always too lazy to follow any kind of routine. Before I go to bed I just use the bathroom and take my shirt off. Why wear pajamas?

After Lloyd gets dressed in his typical black pants and green jacket, we both brush our teeth and grab a snack and head for the door. Right after Koko wished as a good day.

We went to the bus stop as usual and the ride to school was just about like any other day. We both went to class without any problem. Today felt like it was going faster than it should be.

After our first few classes were over, all of our group met up in the halls and made our way to lunch. On the walk to the cafeteria, I remembered those posters in the halls promoting the upcoming dance that was less than a week away.

"Any of you guys going to the dance?" I ask.

"I dunno... I'm not sure if anyone would wanna go with me," Jay sighs.

"Not even Zane?" I jokingly ask.

"Wh-what?" Jay and Zane both question the comment.

"What, you're telling me you guys aren't dating? C'mon, you're around each other all the time, there has to be some kind of chemistry there," I joke some more as Jay and Zane get all flustered at the idea and I just laugh at them.

"N-no! We're not like that! Right Zane?" Jay nudges Zane.

"Uh, yeah, right," Zane laughs nervously.

"Relax, I'm just messing with you," I shove Jay a little bit.

"You two would make a cute couple, though," Kai adds in.

"Kai!" Jay shouts and everyone else just laughs.

As defensive as Jay seems, Zane just sits there fidgeting with his hands with a slight blush tinting his cheeks. I see him open his mouth to say something but he quickly shakes his head and just keeps walking.

"So does anyone else have any plans for the dance?" I ask again.

"I'm probably just going to stay home. Unless you guys go, then I guess I'll tag along," Nya shrugs.

"Well, actually, I know I said I don't like dances, but, uh," I clear my throat and look at Lloyd, "maybe we could go? I-I mean, I know no one else knows about us, but-but we could always just say we're going as friends, right?"

"Where did this sudden change in attitude come from?" Lloyd smiles.

"Well, I guess the reason I don't like dances is because I never really had anyone to go with..." I run my hands through my hair, "so? Do you wanna go or not?"

"I'll go," he nods.

"Ooooh, you two are so cute," Cole smiles.

"You'll have to get something nice to wear, though," Lloyd mentions, "I've seen your wardrobe. It's only jeans and hoodies."

"It's comfy!"

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The rest of the school day passes with ease, at least as much ease as a day at school could have. As Lloyd and I ride the bus home, I see Lloyd looking out the window with a sigh.

"Something wrong?" I ask.

"No," he huffs, "well, yeah, a little bit."

"What is it?"

"I guess since we're going to the dance together my mom should probably know... about us..." he says as he looks at me.

"You can tell her, I believe you can do it," I smile.

"I know. It's just hard I guess..." his eyes shift back to the window.

"I know... but if it ever becomes too much for you, I could always help you tell her. She's not my mom so I don't really have that same fear that you do..." I place a hand on his shoulder.

"Okay," he holds his breath, "I think... I think I wanna tell her when we get home."

"Sounds good to me," I smile.

When we get off the bus, Lloyd and I walk up to Lloyd's apartment together and I can see how stressed he is just by the look on his face.

"Relax, Lloyd, it'll be fine! I know she won't care," I try to calm him.

"I know, I know..."

When we get up to his apartment, Lloyd pushes the door open and we see Koko standing in the kitchen making tea.

"Lloyd, (Y/N)! How was your day at school?" She asks as she hugs Lloyd. I always thought it was cute how overly affectionate she was.

"Good, it was good," Lloyd nods, then looks to me. "But uh... there's this dance coming up and I already have someone to go with," he says as he looks back to her.

"Oh my gosh, really? Lloyd, that's so exciting! You've never been to a dance with someone before!" Koko cheers, "what's her name? What's she like?"

Lloyd holds his breathe as he says nothing. He just freezes up and looks at his mother with a blank stare as sweat drips down his face.

"Well?" She pushes him to answer.

Lloyd says nothing again. He just gently grabs ahold of my hand. And steps a little closer to me. I just laugh nervously a little.

"Oh...?" Koko stands there and stares at the both of us, "...Ooohhh, oh my gosh!"

Lloyd cringes as the reaction, "listen, mom, we've been... together... for a while... and I'm sorry if it's not what you wanted from me, but... but..." I hear Lloyd get caught up in his words as he shakes and his eyes well up, "but I've known for a while that I just- I don't like girls... and- and (Y/N)- he's perfect for me and I-"

Koko suddenly wraps her arms around the both of us and she laughs a little bit. Lloyd was definitely surprised by the reaction and even though he still has one hand placed in mine, he uses his free arm to embrace his mother and I wrap an arm around her as well.

"Lloyd, you didn't have to keep that a secret from me," she smiles, "you know I love you no matter what."

"I know- I was just so scared," he laughs through his tears. I smile at the sweet moment.

"(Y/N)," Koko says my name as she pulls away from the hug.

"Uhm, yes, Koko?" I feel myself start to sweat. I'm not sure what it is she has to say.

"You better be good to him," she smiles.

"Thank you," I laugh, "I will."

Koko just wraps her arms around me once again. "Thank you. Thank you for being so nice to my son. He's been so much happier with you in his life," she whispers. I just smile and nod as she pulls away.

I really didn't expect this moment to be so emotional. Well, I'm not exactly sure what I expected. I've never been in a situation like this before. Even though Koko and I aren't related, it feels good to have someone accept me. It's something I wouldn't really expect out of my own mother. And to be honest, Koko had been treating me more like family than my own mother.

I look up at Koko and she just stands there smiling at the two of us. "I'm just so proud of you, Lloyd..." she smiles, "I didn't know if I'd ever see you with someone so perfect for you."

"Mom," Lloyd groans like he usually does when she says something of that sort.

"Oh, Lloyd, it's like you two were meant for each other," she holds our her arms and waves them out at us, "I mean, just look at you! You two are perfect."

"" he groans louder and I laugh at them.

"Do you two need to get some nice clothes for the dance? Oh, I bet you would both look so cute all dressed up together," she cheers as she clasps her hands together.

I giggle at Koko's excitement. Lloyd just shakes his head.

"Yeah, we'll probably need to find something to wear soon. The dance is next week," Lloyd mentions.

"Oh, I'm just imagining it already! You two are gonna look so cute. Oh! And you'll have to let me take pictures before you go to the dance, too!" Koko gets all giddy.

"It's not until next week," Lloyd states as he playfully rolls his eyes.

"Can't I be prepared?" She puts her hands on her hips. "And it's never too early to pick out an outfit. What do you say I take you two shopping right now?"

"Right now? Don't you have... things to do or something?" Lloyd asks as his face tints a small shade of red.

I think Lloyd is having a hard time comprehending that this is actually real. We're a couple. His mom knows. We're going to a dance together. It's a lot.

"Nope! Come on, you two go get ready and I'll take you shopping!" Koko claps her hands. It's so cute how excited she is right now. She's like a puppy or something.

Lloyd just does as she says and goes and puts his backpack in his room to go get ready to leave.

But then I realize...

"Uh, Koko. I don't have any money..." I sigh as I rub my arm.

"That's no problem. I'll buy you something. Don't worry about it."

"No... no, I don't want to do that. You've already given me so much. You really don't have to buy me anything. I can always go back home and see what I have there-"

"You don't want to go back home. I know you don't. It's fine," she says in a low whisper. And I'm glad she understands. I really don't want to go back home. And as far as I know, my mom doesn't want me back either. She tries to pretend that she's worried but it's not like she's made an attempt to get me to come back home. I know she's probably at home just sitting there watching TV as usual. Not caring about me. She didn't care about my siblings when they ran off either. I can't believe this is a common thing for our family.

My brother Jordan... he basically did the same as me. He had a falling out with our mother and went to go stay with his girlfriend for a while and I didn't see him for months after. My mom didn't care. She'd just say stuff like "he'll come back when he realizes he's made a mistake," and of course he never did. She didn't really care. Now my brother is an adult and he's married to the girl. Chyanne is her name. We don't talk much but I remember her coming over to our house a few times.

I miss talking to them. I miss my siblings...

I come back after realizing I had zoned out for a while.

"You okay?" Koko asks.

"Yeah... yeah, I'm fine... I'm just thinking... this same situation happened with my brother a while back... he... ran off to be with his girlfriend and... I guess I'm basically having the same moment here, aren't I?" I laugh a little bit but it's forced. I'm just trying to make things less awkward. I can't believe I'm doing the same as my brother.

"It's okay... I guess you aren't the only one who wanted to get away from a bad environment... I don't blame you... just know I don't have any problem with you being here. You can stay here for a couple more weeks. Or you can stay here until you graduate. I'd never make you go back to a place where you don't feel safe, okay?" She puts a hand on my shoulder and this is one of the few moments I've ever seen her without a smile on her face.

"Thank you..." I nod. I feel like I'm about to cry but I'm not about to do that in front of her like that.

Lloyd came back into the room and looked at the both of us before smiling. "Ready?" He chirped. I nodded as I put my bag off to the side as we left the apartment.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

"I dunno... it's been a while since I've dressed up nice like this... are you sure I don't look... stupid?" I ask as I clench the bag in my hand that contained the outfit for the dance that I'd picked out as we walk up the stairs to go back to Lloyd's apartment.

"You looked great when you tried it on in the store! There's nothing to worry about, you look fine!" Koko cheers as she digs in her purse for the keys to open the front door.

"I think you look amazing in it," Lloyd smiles softly and his assurance always melts away any tension I could possibly have.

I smile back at him and I find myself lost in his stare like I always do. That is until I hear the door click open and I avert my attention that direction.

We walk in and I sigh as I sit the bag down on a chair by the table.

"Thank you, Koko. You really didn't have to buy this for me. I appreciate it," I look over to her as she hangs up her keys and takes her jacket off.

"It was nothing! Anything for the person who makes my son so happy," she states.

"Mom," Lloyd says her name in that classic tone of his that I've heard nearly a million times already.

I chuckle at the pair. I think their relationship is so sweet. I wish I had something like that with my mother.

"You wanna go to my room?" Lloyd asks.

"Sure," I smile and follow him down the hall.

"Have fun! But not too much fun," Koko calls out to us.

Lloyd rolls his eyes.

"Let me guess- she's going to say stuff like that all the time now that she knows we're a couple?" I ask playfully as we enter his room.

"Most likely, yeah."

Lloyd plops down onto his bed and sighs with relief. Our day hasn't been too busy, but it's still been busier than most other days. We just don't do much.

I walk in front of Lloyd and hold his hands in mine and smile.

"You did it," I beam as I press my forehead to his.

"Did what?" He asks as he returns the hold on my hands.

"You finally told your mom. I'm proud of you," I close my eyes as I lean in and sit next to him on the bed, still with our faces only centimeters apart.

Lloyd doesn't say anything. I just hear a small laugh escape his lips.

"What, you don't have anything to say?" I ask.

"No, it's just that... I was really savoring what you just said. This may sound kind of... sad. But not many people say they're proud of me... it feels good," he laughs a little.

"Well I am proud of you. And so is your mom. And Wu. And all of our friends. We're all proud of you. You're capable of so much more than you think... I love you," I let go of his hands as I wrap my arms around his back and pull him in close.

"I love you more than you could ever know. And hearing you say that means a lot. You've really turned my life around, (Y/N). I don't know what I'd do without you," Lloyd returns the hold and leans in close.

I place a small kiss on his lips before smiling.

I really am excited for the dance. Even if we are just going as "friends."

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Hey guys. I know I promised this chapter to come out like a week ago but things got in the way. I hope you all liked it.

A lot of stuff in (Y/N)'s story is actually inspired by real events that have happened to me or friends of mine. And it is pretty fun to mix up these life stories and fit them all into a character that I get to share with you all. Even if the events aren't very good ones, writing is a good way to vent how I'm feeling and to tell a little bit about myself.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed. Leave any feedback you have in the comments and I'll definitely look at it!