Techno
My day started off like normal. I woke up, showered, and got dressed for school. As I arrived on campus, I received a text message from Bryce.
Hey, come to the Student Cafe for breakfast. He sent and I was happy because I'm sure he's treating me to breakfast.
When I reached the cafe, I saw both Bryce and Ben sitting in the corner. Sometimes, I can't keep up with these two. They fight, then make up, then repeat. If I had to guess just by watching them, they were like a married couple. Bryce sees me and waves me over.
"Hey guys," I say, "Surprised to see you, Ben. Ready for finals?"
Before anyone could speak, Champ came in clearly upset. "Bryce, you jerk. How come you didn't tell me you already have a girlfriend?"
"Girlfriend?!" I was shocked about this. Bryce tells me everything. After Champ made his outburst, I observed the other two. Bryce looked like a kid who was caught doing something bad, but Ben looked like he knew a secret no one else knew.
My mind started piecing things together. The way these two were so in sync, how Bryce has been smiling more when Ben's around, and how they pick up after each other. Almost as if they were… Could it be? No way, right?
"May yelled at me because I introduced you to Fae and she blames me for you breaking her heart. Why didn't you say something about this? Who is this girl? Does she go here?"
"Champ," Bryce said, "It's a long story and if you want to eat, better hurry. They're going to close soon."
"Oh damn," Champ said, "I'll be right back."
As soon as Champ left, I decided to ask Bryce about his "girlfriend."
"So, Bryce," I started, "Tell me about this new 'girlfriend' of yours." I used air quotes for the word girlfriend.
"Gee, Techno," Bryce said, "You look thirsty. Why don't you get some TEA and be sure not to spill it." He gave me a weird look like he was trying to tell me something. But sadly I couldn't get what he meant.
"You know, Bryce," Ben said with the same tone and look Bryce was giving me, "We should get your friend here some TEA, I'm sure since he's so thirsty, he won't spill a single drop."
"What the hell are you guys on?" I asked, "I'm not thirsty, I don't want tea, I want some answers."
"Answers about what?" Champ returned with his food.
"I gotta go," Ben got up and started to leave, "I have only one exam today and later, we can go apartment hunting." He said that to Bryce.
"Apartment hunting?" Champ said with a mouthful of breakfast sandwich.
"Yeah," Bryce answered, "Ben and I are moving off campus."
"Seriously?!" I was shocked to hear that, but I wondered how Bryce convinced his dad on the move. Just then, Ben put his hand on my shoulder and leaned in to whisper in my ear.
"I know what you're thinking," he said to me, "And your hunch is correct."
My eyes popped out of my skull. Ben. Bryce. Together?
Bryce seemed to pick up what I was thinking and just nodded.
"Ok, Bryce," I said, "I'll have some TEA to go."
Bryce
I knew coming out to Techno would make Ben happy, but also it made me happy now that I can talk to someone else about this. However, Techno would not shut up about the questions regarding my relationship with Ben.
"How long have you two been together? How did it happen? Who's the top and who's bottom?"
"Noah," I told him, "I get that you're curious about my dating Ben. But I'm still new to this whole thing."
"Sorry," he said, "You're right. It's all new to you. But regardless, I meant what I said. You'll always be my best friend and as long as you and Ben are happy, I'm happy for you guys."
"Thanks," I said, "Just don't go blabbing this to the guys. I don't want them to know yet."
"Well, since we're sharing," Techno said, "I'm bi." He flinched when he said it, expecting me to beat him up or call him names.
"That explains a lot," I laughed at him, "You always did seem a bit femme."
"You asshole," Techno replied, "Just for that, I hope Ben bends you over."
"Ha," I said, "He already has. Many times." I flash a devilish smile at my best friend.
"Well that explains a lot," he said, "No wonder you've been so mellow the past month."
The old me would've beaten him to a pulp for saying that. But as I have accepted being Ben's boyfriend, I can now joke around with stuff like this with my best friend.
Ben
After our finals, Bryce and I were looking online for a new apartment for us to move in together.
"What do you think of this one," I asked Bryce, showing him the virtual walkthrough, "The living area is perfect for my gaming station, and there's enough room for you to do your workout routine."
"How much is the rent?"
I showed Bryce the lease terms and rent rate. "I can afford that with my job and financial aid."
"The only problem would be my dad," Bryce said, "He wanted me to stay at the dorms for at least a year."
"Think you can convince him to move to an apartment?"
"I'll try," Bryce said, "He can be quite stubborn."
"Now I know where you get that from."
Bryce laughed and said, "You have no idea."
Bryce pulled out his phone and called his dad on speaker. After a couple of rings, his father answered.
"Hey pup," said his father, "What's up? How'd your date go? We gonna plan a wedding?"
"No, dad."
"She turn ya down," he replied, "Dang son, what ya do? Babe, our son got dumped."
I couldn't help but laugh at the conversation between Bryce and his dad. Bryce noticed my laughter and gave me a look that said he would kill me in my sleep.
"I wasn't dumped," Bryce said, "It just didn't work out."
"That's something a guy who was dumped would say," his dad teased, "But don't worry, son. There's someone out there for you."
He's already found him. I thought to myself, a smile evident on my face. Bryce grinned in my direction, confirming that he thought the same thing.
"Listen dad," Bryce said, "I have something I want to ask you."
"Shiiii," his dad responded, "Calling to ask for some tips huh?"
"Actually," Bryce took a deep breath as he was readying himself to ask his father, "Can I move to an apartment off campus?"
"Can't stand being around people?"
"It's not that," Bryce answered, "I know we agreed that I'd stay in the dorms for the year, but it's too loud and too crowded here. Plus, I will be moving in with a friend that I made this semester."
"What friend?" he asked, "Not Noah or those other two."
"Actually," Bryce looked at me, "He's my current roommate. We're actually pretty good friends. He's moving to an apartment and asked if I came to live with him."
"He must be a good friend if he can put up with you."
"C'mon pops," Bryce pleaded, "Your little man has been good this semester. And my roommate looks out for me and makes sure I don't get into any trouble."
"Your roommate is a guy right?" his dad asked, "It's not one of those co-ed dorms or anything?"
"And so what if it is?" said a woman's voice on the other end, assuming that is Bryce's mother, "What nonsense are you teaching him?"
"Hey son," said his father, "I gotta go, your momma looks like she wants to kill me. But if you're moving in with your roommate and he's been good to you, then you have my permission to move in with him."
The call disconnected and Bryce was smiling. I wrap my arms around him and hold him tight.
"I can't believe it," said Bryce, "We're getting our own place."
"I know," I replied, "I'm happy to live with my little man."
"Only my dad calls me that."
"So," I asked, "What do I call you then?"
"Bumblebee," he answered, "If you want to call me some cute pet name, I'm your Bumblebee and you're my Butterfly."
I laughed at the thought of us calling each other those names.
"Want to go to the leasing office and get that apartment?"
I planted a kiss on Bryce's cheek and answered, "Yes, let's go tomorrow."
"Even if I said no," Bryce continued, "You'd find a way to force me."
"I've never forced you," I said, "I just make sure you have no other option but me."