You All Over Me [BxB]

Twenty-One

After their last class, Stella merrily volunteers to hand the notes to Austin, as if she hadn't been swearing a couple hours ago.

"See ya," she says, then skips away. The two watch Stella walk out of the lobby, their thoughts aligning.

Theodore says, "She should just tell him."

"Do you think Austin's the type?"

"Why not?"

"Dunno. He seems oblivious and kinda silly." Jacob eyes Theodore playfully. "Like someone I know."

Theodore arches an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You thought I was into Stella."

"You and Stella confused me, alright—?"

A crowd of students passes by them, throwing unsteady yet meaningful looks. Jacob's face crumples. "What are you looking at?" he snaps, causing the students to gasp and dash away.

He takes a step, but Theodore grips his arm. "Don't."

"No, it's pissing me off," Jacob mutters, scowling. "Listen! Hey!"

The remaining students in the lobby, including those he just yelled at, reluctantly turn their heads.

"This..." He wags his finger between himself and Theodore several times. "...is none of your business. And it's not too bad that I'm into him."

Theodore's heart races, unsure of what to do. Jacob's pissed—rightfully so. But he's also giving them another topic to talk about.

"So shut your mouths. Move along. Fuck off—"

Theodore's jaw drops, and he moves to cover Jacob's mouth with a hand. "It's good now. Don't curse in public."

The crowd disperses from the scene, shocked that Jacob, famous for his good looks and calm demeanor, has called everyone out for gossiping.

Jacob clutches Theodore's hand and removes it from his mouth, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Sorry," he mumbles, eyes closed. "I might have made things worse. Again."

"Let's just go," Theodore exhales.

"Okay..."

Jacob hesitantly releases Theodore's hand, and they rapidly flee the university grounds.

A couple of blocks away, in a deserted alley, Theodore halts his steps and confronts Jacob.

"You told me it didn't bother you."

"It didn't. I'm sure you know that I don't give a damn if people don't like me," Jacob replies, taking Theodore's hand again. "But you're different. I only care about how you feel."

Theodore nearly jumps, his heart feeling like it would burst as he locks gazes with Jacob. Those sharp eyes are hauling him in, and with Jacob's thumb gently drawing circles on his palm, Theodore catches his breath.

"Theo..."

Theodore clenches his quivering hand and yanks it away.

"Aha... Ha... Ha... Go on. Tease me about being flustered..."

But Jacob keeps a straight face.

"It's true that I tease you often, but I mean it. I mean everything I say."

Theodore nibbles the inside of his cheek, his gut twisting. Jacob's feelings are out in the open—raw and uncompromising. And all this uncertainty? It's not fair to him. Jacob deserves to have his feelings returned fully.