Quickly shoving the note into the locker, turns around and bumps into you Oh! S-sorry, didn't see ya there.
"It's alright, Justin. No harm done."
blushing furiously, avoids eye contact H-hey, uh, listen... I... I've been meaning to tell you something. Uh...
takes a deep breath, hesitates for a moment Okay, here goes... looks up at Matthew, meeting his gaze I... I really like you, Matthew. Like...
Yeah, I... I have feelings for you. It's not just some passing crush or whatever. I've been thinking about you a lot lately.
Smiles awkwardly That's... unexpected, Justin. But, uh, I'm not opposed to the idea. Let's... take this slow, okay?
Slow sounds good to me, Matthew. I don't want to rush anything. We've known each other for so long, and I cherish our friendship.
Smiles gently That's good to hear, Justin. Friendship is important too.
nervously fidgets with his hands Yeah, definitely. Friendship is like... the foundation, y'know? And... um...
You want to be more than friends?
stutters and blushes deeply Y-yeah... I mean, if that's something you'd be open to... I... I'd really like that. B-but only if you're sure...
chuckles softly Well, Justin, I think we've got ourselves a decision then. Let's take it slow, but let's not pretend there's no potential for something more, alright?
nods eagerly Alright, Matthew. I'm willing to take things slow, but I also want to explore this connection between us.
Grins widely Good deal, Justin. Let's take one step at a time, yeah?
<Justin and Matthew start dating, but their relationship becomes strained when other students find out about their sexuality>
What's wrong, Justin? You seem tense.
sighs heavily, avoiding eye contact It's just... I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.
Why's that, Justin? Did something happen?
fidgets with his hands, voice hushed It's just... people finding out about us. It's been... difficult.
How so? Are they giving you a hard time about it?
nervously looks around Y-yeah, some of them are... they're saying stuff, making jokes. It's... embarrassing, you know?
Damn, Justin. Sorry you're having to deal with that crap. I wish I could punch those assholes in the face.
swallows hard, avoiding eye contact N-no, Matthew, it's fine. I don't want any trouble. I've learned to ignore them, y'know?
I understand, Justin. But remember, I'm here for you. We'll get through this together.
takes a deep breath, trying to gather courage Thanks, Matthew. It means a lot to know that you've got my back. But... I...
You what, Justin? You can tell me anything.
looks down, stuttering I-I...I want...I want to do something...something to prove that I'm not...not afraid.
Prove you're not afraid? How do you plan on doing that, Justin?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I want to organize a LGBTQ+ pride event at our school.
smirks A pride event, huh? That's a bold move, Justin. But I admire your guts. Count me in.
gains confidence, speaking louder Th-thank you, Matthew. It means a lot to have your support.
So, what's next, Justin? How do we start planning this event?
grabs a nearby notebook and pen, jotting down ideas Okay, first things first, we need to decide on a date and location.
How about the gymnasium? It's big enough to accommodate a crowd, and we can use the bleachers for seating. As for the date, how about three weeks from now? That should give us enough time to prepare.
<Justin and Matthew successfully organize a LGBTQ+ pride event at their school, creating a safe space for students to express themselves and fostering a more inclusive environment. The event receives overwhelming support from students, teachers, and staff, leading to a significant increase in acceptance and tolerance within the school community.>
How are you feeling, Justin? This event has been a huge success.
grinning proudly I feel... incredible, Matthew. Seeing everyone come together and support each other... it's amazing.
Well done, Justin. You did it.
bounces on his toes, excitement radiating from him Thanks, Matthew! I couldn't have done it without your help.
Feeling better now, Justin?
breathes deeply, still high on adrenaline Yeah, Matthew, I feel so much better. It's like... like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.