^^Luke Smith

The next day, I was sitting at our usual place during lunch. Both Toby and Chloe were busy searching for ideas on google, one for his second anniversary and the other for Valentine's day while I was reading a book... more like staring at it.

After knowing Louis's secret, I couldn't wrap my head around it. It was unfair that he didn't tell that to others and sad that he didn't want them to be worried. I felt bad that he had to go through this alone, but he had to realize that it will help him if the others know about it.

"Oh, I got it!" Chloe exclaimed, cutting my thoughts. "I have finally found how I'm going to ask Louis to be my Valentine!" She squealed.

I gulped while Toby asked. "How?"

"I'm going to give him a letter telling him my true feelings and how I have been crushing on him for years with 'Will you be my Valentine' on it and give him three options."

"And the options are...?" Toby asked curiously.

"The first one will be 'Yes', the second will be 'Yes, Yes' and the third will be..." she trailed off, building suspense.

"No...?" Toby implied.

"Nah-uh." She shook her head and gave him a toothy grin. "It will be 'Yes Yes Yes' so there's no way he could say no to me!" she exclaimed. My insides clenched when I saw her excited face and felt guilty that I couldn't tell her about the guy she likes.

"That makes no sense," He said deadpan.

"Of course it does!" Chloe argued. "He will have no choice but to, obviously, say yes to me."

"He can still say no-"

"He won't!" She jumped to her feet. "Even if he did, I will ask him again and again and again. The fear of rejection will not stop me from getting him anymore." She said, looking determined, and walked away.

"Where are you going?!" I asked her.

"To make letters!"

"You still have around a week!"

"And it's not enough!" She said and disappeared around the corner.

"What am I going to do?!" Toby groaned and lay on the grass. "Even Chloe found an idea for herself."

"Why do you have in mind?"

"Nothing." He screamed in frustration. "We can't go to his house because his dad is home these days. We can't go to mine because it's like our usual routine and I want something special which again I can't do because we can't hang out together in front of people!"

"What did you guys do last year?"

"Ben invited me to his house because no one was home and that was my first time there." He sighed. "He arranged a romantic candlelight dinner in his backyard. After that we watch a movie, then we went to his room and-"

"Ok, buddy, no need for details." I panicked and cut him off. "I got the idea."

He let out a light chuckle, then took a long breath. "This year I asked him to let me plan and... Our anniversary is on Saturday and I still can't find anything to do!"

I ran my brain for some ideas, but nothing came. It was blank. The bell rang and we got up to get to our classes. Toby said he'll search for something else and won't give up easily. The rest of the classes went slower than ever and I blew a breath in relief when they ended.

After the classes, I was walking towards my cycle when my eyes went towards the crowd that was formed on the High school ground. I peeked there and saw Andrew and Ben doing situps while the clichés and the rest of the students were watching and laughing at them. Brittany made them do stupid things all week as their punishment and if they wanted her forgiveness, they had to do it.

I didn't want to get in the middle of it. Sneaking away from the crowd, I mounted my cycle and rode home.

Later that night, I was in my room reading The Program By Suzanne Young. I couldn't concentrate on it as my mind kept repeating the secrets I was keeping from everyone. My thoughts were cut off when my phone rang. I picked it up, and a smile took over my face when I saw my brother's name on it.

"Hi, Luke," I answered.

"Lillian, my sweet little sister! Do you know how much I love you?!" His joyful voice came through the speaker.

"I know." I chuckled.

"But still I need to tell you... I love you!" He screamed, making me giggle.

"Stop it, Luke," I mumbled, getting embarrassed.

"I just received your package, and I saw LAFC's signed T-shirt! First, I wondered where you got it, then I read your letter. You won the fan match!"

"Well... Not me, but my team did."

"When did you start playing soccer? You never played with me before."

"My friends forced me," I murmured.

"Friends, huh?" His voice became teasing. "I already like your 'friends'. When are you planning to introduce them?"

"Someday," I answered nonchalantly.

"I'll wait for that day." He snickered, "So what were you doing?" I opened my mouth, but he cut me off in a monotone. "And don't say you were reading a book."

I glanced down at my lap and closed the book. "I was reading a book." He snorted. "But I was also thinking of something."

"What? You sound kinda stressed."

I thought about it, and my mind went to Toby. I should ask my brother for ideas for the anniversary since he got a girlfriend and had one in high school too.

"My friend is thinking of an idea for his anniversary with his... Boyfriend..."

"I'm listening..." He became attentive.

"He wants to take him somewhere special, but he's not sure where," I asked, trying to be as subtle as I could.

"There are a lot of places in West Hills they could go."

"Yeah... but they want to go somewhere else..." I shifted in my place nervously.

"Hm... I'm guessing your friends haven't come out or maybe one of them isn't." I squeezed my eyes shut when he assumed it correctly.

"Something like that."

"Have they ever been to a gay club?"

"Huh... I don't think so."

"Well, then you have your place." He announced.

"A club for an anniversary?" I questioned.

"Everyone wants to go to a club. I think it'll be a great experience for them and it'll also give them the confidence to be around the same crowd."

"That's a great idea." I agreed, thinking of Ben. "But.. I don't think there are any gay clubs here."

"There's one in Hidden Hills." He pointed out. "It's almost around an hour's drive if your friends are willing to go. How old are they?"

"One is eighteen, and the other is with me."

"Ok, at least one is eighteen... Remember Jonathan?"

"The weirdo senior?" Jonathan was a senior when I was in freshman year. He was also Luke's friend and on the soccer team with him.

"Yeah, that one." He chuckled. "He works at the club I'm talking about. I can ask him to let you guys in."

"Really?"

"Yup." He said popping the 'p'. "And I'll also ask him to monitor them so they won't do anything dumb or get in trouble."

"Alright." I beamed. "I'll ask my friends about it and let you know."

"Good." He gave me the address and Jonathan's number.

I send a text to Toby about the idea. My brother and I talked a while, and he told me his plans for Valentine's day with his girlfriend, then he talked to mom and dad. Toby answered me he loved the idea, but he said we should discuss it with Ben to know if he's comfortable with it or not.

The next day at lunch we set a meeting in the library where we first met because it was raining outside. Chloe was busy writing the perfect letter for Louis.

I entered the library and Mrs. Peterson looked up from her book and smiled.

"Long time no see."

"Yeah..." I mumbled, adjusting my glasses. "I've been busy... with my friends."

"Good to know." She beamed and gestured towards the shelves. "Go ahead."

I thanked her and walked inside to the mathematical section and saw it was empty. I sat on the bench by the window and read my book while I waited for Ben and Toby to arrive. After a few minutes they came, Toby gave the gist of the plan to Ben and I explained the remaining.

"... The club is outside of West Hills so no one will you two..." I said, looking between them.

"But how are we going to get in?" Ben asked. "I've got a fake ID but Toby doesn't."

"I know someone there who can get you guys in with no problem and he can also be your tour guide."

"How do you know this guy?" Ben raised his brows, and I smirked, repeating his dialogue.

"I have my ways." He gave me a grin.

"Alright then." Ben agreed, and Toby beamed. "Gay club it is."

"I'll give you Jonathan's number-"

"Wait." Ben stopped me. "You will come with us."

"Me?" I frowned.

"Yeah..." Toby got up and grinned. "Three friends together hanging out. Wouldn't it be fun?"

I opened and closed my mouth like a fish, looking between them. "But... It's your anniversary."

"So what?" Ben shrugged, and I watched as they eyed each other.

"Are you... Are you guys scared to go there?" I asked, observing them.

"What?! No! Pfft!" They panicked, giving awkward laughs, and I shook my head.

"You guys don't have to be anxious."

"I'm not afraid." Ben crossed his arms and huffed.

"Then what's the problem? Don't you guys want to go-"

"We want to go." Toby rushed, rubbing the back of his. "It's just... It'll be our first time around, you know, a lot of people. We need someone with us... For moral support."

"Besides, I don't trust that Jonathan guy." Ben backed up Toby. "It's your town. You can give us the tour and we'll have fun together."

"But... What will I do there?" I tilted my head.

"You will be our... Wing woman." Ben said, plopping his arm around my shoulder. "Imagine when you'll grow up and tell your kids you went to a gay club. How aesthetic will you look?"

I blinked my eyes at him while he gave me a toothy grin.

"But it's your anniversary. You two need to enjoy it... Without a third person."

"We will enjoy it more if you'll come with us," Toby begged.

"There's a world outside this." He snatched the book I was reading out of my hands. "Relish it while you can."

I glanced at them, and they gave me cute puppy faces. "Please come with us Lilly and be our Wing woman."

Rubbing my head, I groaned. "I don't think I'll be a good wing woman for you too-"

"You will be fine," Ben said and shook me. "Do the daring Lillian!"

Louis's words rang in my ears. He was right. You never know what will happen tomorrow and need to enjoy your life. I've always spent a boring life, but things have been different since I met Ben, even with all the secrets, I enjoyed my days with them.

"Alright." I agreed, making them grin. "Let's do this."

"Here's your lunch, my lady." I extended the salad tray towards Brittany.

"Why thank you, my dear servant." She grinned and passed it to Tiana.

"Where's my food?" David whined.

"I also ordered a milkshake." Nate pointed.

"Your servant's service is really slow," Maddie grumbled.

"That's it." I took off my mom's 'I'm a hot chocolate bomb kind of mom' pink apron that Brittany made me wear. "It's enough."

"It's not enough till I say so." Brittany grimaced.

"Come on B, it's been days. I've done everything you told me to do."

"Still not enough." She crossed her arms.

"Yesterday I was your walking rank at shopping all day. You made us do sit-ups in front of the entire school. I even painted your nails, and you painted mine as a punishment." I shivered at the thought of it. "Today I'm your servant and wearing my mom's pink apron in front of everyone. Can you please forgive me already?" I begged.

She's been making Ben and me do weird shut since Monday. Today Ben had gone MIA on me during lunch and I was left to be the waiter.

"Fine... I forgive you." She huffed.

"Thank you." I blew a breath in relief and plopped beside her.

"But dude seriously." David scowled. "You went there with Lillian."

"And Toby," Tiana added.

"It was Ben's idea," I said nonchalantly.

"But you enjoyed it right." Nate gave me an amused look. "I mean it was Ben Toby..." He smirked. "... You and Lillian." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"What are you implying here?" Brittany raised her brows, looking between us.

"I'm just asking how much he liked it." Nate shrugged, acting innocent.

"I had fun with them." I glared at Nate while he gave me a smug look.

"You should have at least let him get my lunch, B," Maddie groaned, and I scowled.

"Why don't you ask your puppy," I said, jerking my thumb towards Jordan and Louis when they entered the cafeteria.

"He's not my puppy." She glared at me.

"Whatever you say... Mad-die." I gave her a smirk.

"Guess what brilliant idea just came to my mind!" Louis came bouncing in his steps.

"Not interested." Everyone mumbled.

"Actually..." Jordan sat beside Maddie. "It's the first good idea that ever came to his mind."

"Really?" I curiously turned towards Louis. "Shoot."

"Well, it's not for you..." He grinned, making me frown. "It's for the singles of West High."

"Huh?" We all watch each other in confusion.

"I have planned a Singletine's party for the singles on Valentine's day!" He said, looking proud of himself.

"Single-what?" Brittany asked.

"Single... Tine's..." Louis repeated. "Since all the couples get to enjoy that day being lovey-dovey." He grimaced, looking between Tiana and David. "It's for singles so they won't feel more lonely than they already are."

"I am totally in!" Maddie clasped her hands, giving a mischievous grin. "This is already giving me dark loner vibes."

"Are you sure about that?" Louis watched her in amusement. "I mean it's for singles, not for the Frankenstein couple." Jordan's eyes bugged out while Maddie flipped him the birds.

"We will be there as singles, right Jo." Maddie nudged him, getting him out of his daze.

"Yeah..." He cleared his throat. "We will be there."

"Alright." Louis shrugged and turned to David and Tiana. "You two...Are definitely not invited."

"Not interested either." They growled.

"Now you..." He pointed at Brittany. "You can come since everyone is scared to even ask you-"

"Shut that sweet mouth of yours or I'll shut it for you..." She gave her sweetest smile. "... Forever."

"Right." He closed his mouth and look at Nate. "Why about you?"

"I have plans." He answered, shifting in his seat.

"Are you planning to ask someone?" Tiana asked.

"Who's going to say yes to the geek." David scoffed, and we burst out laughing.

"You guys don't have to worry about that." He huffed.

"Now where is Ben..." Louis looked around the cafeteria.

"MIA like always," I grumbled and Louis spun towards me

"Who is your target this year?" He asked.

"I'm not asking anyone," I answered.

"What?" They all gaped at me.

"I'm taking a break."

"Or..." David gave me a lopsided grin. "You are scared."

"Excuse me?" I gave him a deadpan look.

"He's talking about them." Tiana pointed behind and we turned my head to see Fiona and some other girls I dated, glaring at me. When she saw us looking, she stabbed her sandwich with the fork and narrowed her eyes at me.

"Dude..." Jordan whispered. "You should be careful."

"They are planning something for you." Maddie cackled, and I rolled my eyes.

"Even if they are planning something, I'll take care of it."

Louis started telling his plans about how he wanted the singles to feel good too while I muted him out and glanced outside. Lillian sit outside with her friends and it was pouring today. I searched for her in the cafeteria but didn't find her and wondered where she was.

After school, I walked towards the parking lot and peeked at the only cycle there. Instead of going to my car, I walked to her cycle and waited for Lillian. I didn't get time to talk to her the entire week because of Brittany's stupid chores. I observed her cute little cycle. It was a plain white cycle with a basket in the front.

Simple like her.

My lips automatically spread into a smile and I looked up to see Lillian walk out of the school. Her head was ducked down as always and she sulked towards her cycle. I was glad that the rain had stopped earlier.

"Ouch!" I yelped, making her flinched out of her thoughts. "That hurts." Putting a hand on my hurt, I pouted.

"Andrew...?" She looked around and walked to her cycle. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Aren't you happy to see me?" I gasped. "We didn't see each other for days and now you don't look so happy to see me." Shaking my head, I sighed. "That hurts."

"I didn't mean it like that..." she panicked. "I was shocked to see you here."

"Well, now get used to it," I smirked.

"Um... Ok." She adjusted her glasses and averted her gaze as her ears turned red.

"What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Huh?" she snapped her head up with wide eyes.

"I was wondering if you want to hang out..." I jammed my hands in my pocket.

"I... I..." She opened and closed her mouth.

"We could watch a movie... Or anything you want."

"I uh... I'd love to, but..." She gulped. "I already have plans with my friends."

"Oh..." My shoulders slumped.

"It's not like I don't want to hang out with you. It's just I already said yes to them-"

"It's totally fine." I laughed, which came out a little high-pitched. "Of course you have plans."

"I-I am sorry Andrew." She mumbled.

"Don't be." I smiled. "Maybe some other time."

She glanced up, smiling, and nodded. "Some other time." I watched as she got on her cycle and rode away. Sighing, I went to my car.

I'll just go to the gym then.