Chapter 3 - 4
Date: September 27, Wednesday
By the time the third date rolled around, Evan had started checking his phone way too often.
Every buzz, every new message made his heart leap, even when it was just Mara sending memes or Jenny asking for notes.
He'd gotten so used to seeing Aiden's name pop up that it almost felt strange when it didn't.
That Wednesday morning, however, it finally did.
> Aiden: I've got a plan.
Evan: That's terrifying.
Aiden: Relax. It's romantic.
Evan: Romantic and your plans don't belong in the same sentence.
Aiden: You'll see. Meet me at the park after last period.
Evan sighed, typing back reluctantly.
> Evan: Which park?
Aiden: The one behind the library. Bring snacks.
He should've known that "romantic" in Aiden's dictionary meant "mildly suspicious and probably illegal."
---
The park behind the library wasn't much—a small patch of grass, a few trees, and an old gazebo that looked like it was built before either of them were born.
But it was quiet, and more importantly, no one from school ever came there. Maybe a few, but rarely.
When Evan arrived, Aiden was already sprawled on the grass, tossing a football up into the air and catching it lazily.
"You're late," Aiden said without looking up.
"You said after class. Class ended literally ten minutes ago."
"Yeah, but I've been here for twenty."
Evan dropped his backpack beside him. "That's your fault for having no concept of time."
Aiden grinned. "Still, I missed you."
Evan blinked, his mouth opening slightly. "You saw me five hours ago."
"Yeah," Aiden said, finally sitting up. "Five hours too long."
Evan shook his head, pretending to groan, but his face was already pink.
Aiden patted the grass beside him. "Come sit, drama queen."
Evan sat, keeping a little distance, though he knew it wouldn't last. It never did with Aiden.
They talked for a while—about random things again. Teachers, upcoming games, how Mara was convinced Aiden was a vampire because of how pale he looked in morning light.
"Tell her she's right," Aiden said, leaning back with a smirk.
Evan laughed. "You wish."
"I don't wish," Aiden murmured. "I take what I want."
Evan shot him a wary look. "That sounds like a red flag."
"Maybe," Aiden said softly, eyes glinting. "But you like red, don't you?"
Evan threw a small piece of granola bar at him. "Shut up."
Aiden laughed but didn't look away. The air between them shifted—just a little. But they were both aware.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the wind and a few distant birds.
Then, without warning, Aiden leaned closer. "Can I do something?"
Evan blinked. "Depends what 'something' is."
"This," Aiden said—and kissed him.
---
It wasn't like in the movies.
It wasn't slow or practiced or perfect. It was too sudden, and clumsy. Evan froze at first, unsure what to do, but then Aiden's hand brushed the side of his neck and all thought disappeared.
It wasn't short—but barely more than fifteen seconds—but when they pulled away, Aiden looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
"Wow," he said, breathless.
Evan's heart hammered. "That… that was…"
"Insane," Aiden finished for him. "Can I do it again?"
Evan's eyes widened. "Aiden—"
But Aiden was already leaning forward, grinning like he'd just discovered something dangerous and couldn't stop.
This time, the kiss was slower. Softer.
Evan felt his chest tighten in a way that was both terrifying and addictive. This time, he was more prepared, his arm circling around Aiden's, giving in more access.
Aiden was delighted, taking advantage. They both raffled each other, until when they finally parted again.
Aiden looked dazed. "Okay, that was definitely better."
Evan groaned, hiding his face against Aiden's shoulder. "You're unbelievable."
Aiden chuckled, still sounding breathless. "You started it."
"I did not!"
"You showed up looking like that."
Evan gaped. "I'm wearing a hoodie and jeans."
"Exactly," Aiden said, grinning. "Unfair advantage."
Evan laughed despite himself. "You're ridiculous."
"Yeah," Aiden said quietly, "but you like me that way."
Evan didn't deny it.
---
That should've been the end of it. At least what Evan assumed for the rest of the week.
Except Aiden didn't seem capable of pretending anymore.
Over the next few days, he kept finding excuses to kiss Evan again.
A quiet hallway after school? Kiss.
Behind the bleachers during lunch? Kiss.
In the music room when no one was around? Definitely kiss.
At first, Evan tried to protest. "Someone's going to see us," he whispered one afternoon as Aiden cornered him behind a row of lockers.
"Then they'll be jealous," Aiden whispered back.
"That's not how that works—"
Aiden shut him up with another kiss.
Evan melted every single time.
It wasn't that he didn't want it. He did—maybe too much. But the more Aiden wanted, the bolder he became, and that scared him.
One afternoon, they were sitting in the library's back corner, pretending to study. Aiden had a history book open, but his eyes hadn't moved from Evan's face in ten minutes.
"Stop staring," Evan muttered without looking up.
"Can't," Aiden said simply.
Evan sighed. "You're supposed to be reading about the Renaissance."
"I'm more interested in modern art."
Evan frowned. "What—"
Aiden leaned in. "You."
Before Evan could react, Aiden's lips brushed his again—quick, and teasing.
Evan's breath hitched. Glanced around anxiously, and whispered. "Aiden, seriously—someone could walk by."
"Then we'll make history," Aiden whispered.
"You're impossible," Evan said, smiling helplessly.
"I know."
---
But the funniest—and most terrifying—moment came a week later.
They were in the gym storage room. It was after practice, and Aiden had dragged Evan there under the excuse of "helping him look for something."
In reality, the "something" was clearly just another excuse to steal a kiss.
Evan stood against the wall, arms crossed. "You realize if Coach finds us in here, I'm dead, right?"
"Nah," Aiden said, stepping closer. "He likes me."
"I don't think that applies when you're making out in the equipment room."
Aiden smirked. "Making out, huh? Sounds like you already agreed."
Before Evan could respond, Aiden leaned in and kissed him—deep, and a little touchy.
He rarely gets touchy in consideration to Evans comfort, yet when he does, Evan doesn't seem to stop him.
They rumbled each other, breaths stalled and hot. Somehow Evan found himself seated and his crotch pressed against.
Evan felt his body tingle. He clutched at Aiden's hoodie, trying to remember how to breathe. At the same process — trying not to make a sound.
When suddenly—footsteps could be heard approaching.
"Crap!" Evan whispered. "Someone's coming!"
Aiden didn't move.
"Aiden!"
"Shh," Aiden said, still holding him close. Nuzzling against Evan's nape. "They'll leave," he whispered. Puffing out hot breaths—it ended up touching Evan's vulnerable spot on his neck.
Evan didn't realize when a sound slipped out, witnessing his mistake, he quickly slammed his mouth shut.
But the footsteps got louder. Evan panicky increased, trying to push Aiden off him. "Aiden, seriously—"
"Nope." Aiden kissed him shut. muffling his protest.
The door creaked open.
A voice called out, "Who's in here?"
Evan froze. Aiden, without missing a beat, parted slightly, saliva trailing behind. None of them made a sound.
"Must've been the ball," said the voice—Coach Richards, definitely—and the door shut again.
Evan exhaled shakily, half laughing, half horrified. "Oh my God, we could've died."
Aiden grinned. "Worth it."
"You're insane."
"Maybe," Aiden said, brushing his thumb along Evan's jaw. "But I'm also addicted."
Evan swallowed hard. "Addicted?"
"To this," Aiden whispered, kissing him again. "And this." Another kiss. "And maybe… this."
Evan's laugh broke between the kisses. "You're—crazy—stop—"
Aiden only smiled against his mouth. "Make me."
Evan didn't.
---
That night, Evan lay in bed staring at the ceiling, his heart pounding. His face flushed at the flashed memories.
He knew this was dangerous. He knew if anyone found out, everything would crash down.
But every time he closed his eyes, he felt Aiden's lips again—the weird sensation, the strange sounds he seemed to make somehow.
And yet, even with all the fear and chaos, he couldn't bring himself to regret a single moment.
♥ • ♥ • ♥
Two months had passed since they'd been dating and somehow no one in school had grasped suspicion.
If people noticed how often Aiden and Evan now talked, they chalked it up to something ordinary.
Like maybe Evan was tutoring Aiden in the gym (a ridiculous thought), maybe helping Aiden with history — which was, technically, true.
They weren't exactly hiding—they just… existed quietly, in the spaces between attention.
During lunch, Aiden sometimes dropped by Evan's table, grabbed his apple, and left with a grin.
Mara would try to muffle down her annoyance—finding the sight of their shameless flirtatious eye sore.
Theo had caught up to their relationship. He was shocked when he found out. They weren't purposely secretive when he was around, so it wasn't hard to catch up.
Sometimes during practice, Evan would occasionally sit in the bleachers pretending to read but secretly watching.
After school, they'd walk halfway home together before parting ways near a hidden corner, exchanging a look that said more than words ever could.
Evan had never felt lighter. Aiden had never felt more restless—he couldn't get enough of Evan, even going so far with the thought of eating him up.
---
A day came, Aiden with his usual approach towards Evans class. Having gotten no sight of him through the whole school.
He started a message.
> Aiden: You skipped school?
Evan: I'm sick.
Aiden: How sick?
Evan: Just a fever. I'll be fine.
Aiden: I'm coming over.
Evan: No, you're not.
Aiden: Try to stop me.
Evan groaned, typing a weak response.
> Evan: My mom's not home.
Aiden: Even better. You won't get her to block the door.
He didn't bother replying after that. He knew Aiden too well now.
---
A soft knock came about an hour later.
Evan dragged himself out of bed, half wrapped in a blanket, hair a mess, eyes heavy.
When he opened the door, Aiden stood there holding a plastic bag, wearing his football hoodie and a grin far too bright for the evening.
"You look terrible," Aiden announced.
"Wow. Thanks."
"Don't worry, I brought medicine."
Evan peered into the bag. "Those are… energy drinks and cookies."
Aiden blinked. "They're emotionally healing."
Evan sighed but stepped aside. "Come in, Doctor."
---
Inside, Aiden immediately made himself at home.
He helped Evan back to bed, switched off the main light, and began fussing like an overprotective parent.
"Did you eat?"
"I had soup for lunch."
"That's not enough."
"I'm not hungry."
Aiden crossed his arms. "That's not an answer."
Evan chuckled weakly. "You sound like my mom."
"Then listen like you would to her."
Evan groaned but smiled. "You're impossible."
Aiden grinned. "And yet, here I am."
He made instant noodles while Evan dozed, then sat beside him and fed him small spoonfuls even though Evan kept insisting he could manage.
By the time the bowl was empty, the fever had already begun to ease. Evan lay back, eyes half-closed, and whispered, "You didn't have to come."
Aiden leaned back in the chair beside the bed. "Yeah, I did."
---
When Evan woke again, the room was dim.
The clock on his wall read 6:47 p.m., and the smell of warm noodles lingered faintly in the air.
Aiden was sitting by the window, scrolling through his phone.
"You're still here?" Evan asked, voice hoarse.
Aiden looked up. "Obviously."
"It's late. Don't you have to go home?"
Aiden shrugged. "Not yet."
Evan hesitated. "Are you… waiting for my mom?"
Aiden looked at him for a moment, then shook his head. "You said she works night shifts, right?"
"Yeah. My dad's in another state for work too."
"So no one's home?"
Evan blinked. "Pretty much. Why?"
Aiden smiled faintly. "Good. Then I don't have to leave yet."
Evan rolled his eyes, though his heart gave a small, traitorous skip.
---
The evening softened around them.
They sat together in the small living room, watching random YouTube videos on Evan's old laptop.
When Aiden laughed too loud; Evan would shush him up, even though he wouldn't stop smiling too.
At some point, Evan stood up to grab a drink, but Aiden followed, hovering close like a stubborn shadow.
"You don't have to follow me everywhere," Evan said, opening the fridge.
"I do when you look like you'll faint any second."
"I'm fine."
Aiden tilted his head. "Then why are your hands shaking?"
Evan frowned. "They're not—"
Before he could finish, Aiden caught his wrist gently. "See?"
Evan blinked, realizing his fingers were trembling just slightly. "Oh."
Aiden smirked. "Told you."
Evan tried to pull his hand back, but Aiden didn't let go.
Instead, he stepped closer. "You look better, though," he said quietly.
"Better enough for what?"
Aiden's grin was small, crooked, and dangerous. "A thank-you kiss."
Evan's cheeks turned red instantly. "Aiden, I'm literally sick."
"Then I'll risk it."
"You'll catch the cold."
"Worth it."
"Aiden—"
He didn't get the chance to finish when Aiden immediately wrapped his lips.
The kiss started slow and soft.
Evan admitted defeat immediately, letting him do whatever he wanted.
The kiss deepened, their speed paced.
Aiden's hand began to trail dangerously, faint hunger humming from his throat.
Evan tried to pull back, mumbling, "You shouldn't…" but Aiden's hands were already on his waist, drawing him closer.
The counter edge pressed against Evan's hips. He gasped, and Aiden used the sound as permission, tugging down the oversized shirt from Evan's chest.
Evan's heart thundered. Every rational thought scattered.
He was dimly aware of the faint hum of the fridge, the soft buzz of the fluorescent light overhead, and Aiden's breath against his cheek.
Then Aiden lifted him slightly, guiding him to sit on the kitchen counter.
"Aiden—"
"Just one more," Aiden whispered, his voice rough with something he didn't quite understand.
Evan's protest died against his lips.
It wasn't the same as the other kisses — this one was deeper, slower.
There was something almost aching about it, something that made Evan forget everything and surrendered his mind to pleasure.
His hands slipped around Aiden's neck; gasping softly at the touch against his sensitive region.
Aiden's palms pressed against his back, guarding him softly, his hands trailing at his down area.
His head was buried in the nape of Evans neck, sliding soft kisses as he worked his way through.
Evan couldn't find his spine working anymore, his whole body turned jelly, trying to push off Aiden's hands working dangerously on his crotch.
His eyes reddened at the pleasure, letting out noises that sounded pleasant to Aiden's ears.
"Please… —s-stop… it feels weird." Evan struggled to let out the words, his head drooping against Aiden's chest. Letting out a final gasp at the release.
For a heartbeat, the world narrowed to that tiny kitchen and the sound of two people learning how to breathe through each other.
Then Evan suddenly swayed a little, dizzy.
Aiden stopped immediately. "Hey—hey, easy."
Evan blinked, dazed. "Just… a little lightheaded."
Aiden sighed, pressing his forehead against Evan's. "That's it. You're going back to bed."
"But I'm—"
"No arguing."
He arranged Evan gently, lifted him down with care, and helped him back to the couch.
Beginning to fuss over him again until Evan was wrapped in a blanket like a burrito.
Evan watched him from half-lidded eyes, smiling faintly. "You worry too much for someone at cause."
Aiden sat beside him, looking concerned, yet his gaze hadn't exhausted its cloudiness. "You make it necessary."
For a while, they just sat there in silence, both gaze locked at each other. Still, Evan's eyes were half closed.
Still in contemplation, he whispered worriedly, "Can you handle it on your own?"
Aiden smirked slightly, lifting his hand to graze Evan's cheek. Then dropped his gaze on the swollen patch between his legs.
"Don't worry about it. Give it time, it'll calm down."
Evan's breathing steadied. Aiden relaxed a little.
He tried to play it off by teasing. "So, how many points do I get for being the perfect boyfriend?"
Evan smirked weakly. "Three."
"Three? Out of ten?"
"Out of five."
"Okay, I'll take it."
Evan chuckled, the sound small and tired but full of warmth. "You're ridiculous."
"Yeah," Aiden murmured, glancing at him. "But I think you like that."
Evan didn't deny it.
---
Later, when Evan finally drifted off again, Aiden sat there for a long time, staring at him.
Something in his chest felt too tight. The tightness worsened, when the thought of separating himself from Evan flashed.
He couldn't bear; not being able to see his Evan even for a day. Aiden wasn't sure what built up this emotional possessiveness.
He had thought this would just be a form of curiosity, a temporary experiment.
But moments they've spent—made him question that lie.
He leaned forward slightly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Evan's forehead.
"Sleep well, nerd," he whispered.
Then he quietly stood, slipped into the small bathroom to splash water on his face, and tried to steady the wild rhythm of his heart.
Outside, the city hummed faintly. Less cry, more peaceful.
Yet Aiden wondered when everything had started to feel so dangerous.
♥ • ♥ • ♥
Evan sat in the school library, his hoodie hood up as always, a pencil twirling lazily between his fingers.
Across the room, through the wide glass panes separating the reading area from the hallway, he caught sight of Aiden surrounded by his teammates—laughing loud, easy as always.
The boy was sunlight personified, grinning as he nudged one of the players, while the others threw playful jabs and discussed.
He was so alive that it made Evan's chest ache just watching him.
Evan looked away before anyone caught him staring, pushing his glasses up with a small sigh.
He went back to highlighting a passage in his history textbook, pretending that the bubbling warmth in his chest wasn't there.
But then the door opened—and a familiar voice whispered close to his ear.
"Hey, hoodie-boy."
Evan jumped a little, startled. "Aiden! You—" His voice dropped immediately.
"You can't just sneak up on me here. Someone could see us."
Aiden leaned down over his shoulder, so close that Evan could smell his cologne— like fresh rain over cedar.
"Relax," he murmured. "I missed you." his little finger, secretly hooking itself with Evan's.
Evan's face heated instantly. Taking deliberate glances for wandering eyes. "You saw me yesterday."
"Yeah," Aiden said easily, his grin softening. "But that was yesterday. Today's a whole new day."
Evan couldn't help it—he smiled despite himself. "You're impossible."
"True," Aiden said. He glanced at Evan's notebook, then snatched it before Evan could stop him. "What's this? Notes on medieval politics? Wow, exciting stuff."
"Give that back," Evan muttered, reaching for it, but Aiden kept it just out of reach, a mischievous smirk curling his lips. "Aiden—"
"Fine, fine." Aiden finally returned it, chuckling. "You're cute when you're mad."
"Stop calling me that," Evan said quickly, glancing around. "People will hear."
Aiden tilted his head, watching him with quiet amusement. "You know, if we were a normal couple, I'd love to say it out loud, till wandering ears bleed."
Evan froze. The words hit him unexpectedly—"normal couple." He wanted to believe they were that. He really did.
But deep down, a small, uncertain voice whispered that they weren't.
Aiden's eyes softened when he noticed Evan's expression. "Hey, I didn't mean—"
"It's fine," Evan said quickly, forcing a smile. "You should go before someone notices."
"Not until you promise you'll come to the game this Friday."
Evan blinked. "The… game?"
"Yeah." Aiden leaned closer, grin returning. "Our final match before the regional qualifiers. You have to be there."
"I can't. I—"
"You can," Aiden interrupted. "Please, Evan. It's important to me."
That word. Important.
It slipped right past Evan's defenses. He sighed and gave a reluctant nod.
"Okay, fine. But I'm sitting in the back."
Aiden's grin widened, and before he left, he whispered, "You're the best," then brushed his fingers lightly across Evan's knuckles.
It was a small gesture, but it left Evan's heart racing for the rest of the day.
---
Friday came faster than expected.
The stands were packed, the lights flooding the football field with electric brightness.
The air was thick with cheering students, echoing chants, and the sharp scent of turf and sweat.
Evan sat in the back row, hood drawn up, notebook on his lap as an excuse to look distracted.
But his eyes never left the field. They kept finding Aiden—no matter how hard he tried not to.
He watched the way Aiden moved with effortless precision, shouting orders, sprinting, laughing when his teammates teased him after a near miss.
He looked free, like he belonged to another world entirely.
When Aiden scored the final touchdown, the crowd erupted in a roar so loud it shook the stands. Everyone cheered his name.
And Evan—he just sat there quietly, smiling to himself, proud and cheered secretly in his heart.
---
After the game, Evan tried to slip away unnoticed, blending into the crowd. But before he reached the gate, someone grabbed his wrist.
"Leaving without saying hi?"
Aiden's grin was playful, but there was something more—something almost gentle behind it.
His hair was damp with sweat, his jersey clinging to his chest.
"You looked incredible out there," Evan said softly, unable to stop the words.
"Yeah?" Aiden's grin turned softer. He felt an urge to pull Evan into his arms but paused because of his messy state.
"Then come celebrate with me."
"Celebrate?"
"Yeah. I got the car. Let's go get burgers or something."
Evan hesitated. "Won't your teammates—"
"They'll live," Aiden said, cutting him off with that confident charm. "Come on. You owe me after cheering for me."
Evan's protest died before it reached his lips. He followed.
---
They ended up at a small diner near the edge of town—the kind of place with neon signs and cracked red booths.
Aiden ordered enough food for three people, while Evan quietly nursed a milkshake.
The two of them talked about everything and nothing—schoolwork, movies, the weird new teacher who mispronounced everyone's names.
Aiden kept cracking jokes, and Evan found himself laughing so much his ribs ached.
Everything felt normal. Their love out of secrecy, like they were just two boys, having dinner after a good game.
---
Later that night, when Aiden dropped him off, the street was quiet. The porch light cast soft gold across Evan's face.
Aiden didn't move to leave right away.
"Evan," he said finally, voice low. "Can I—?"
Evan turned, heart hammering. His eyes gleamed knowingly yet he still asked, "Can you what?"
Aiden didn't answer with words. He leaned in slowly, his hand brushing against Evan's jaw, and pressed their lips together.
It wasn't desperate or hungry—just soft and hesitant. Like Aiden was afraid of breaking something fragile.
Evan's breath caught, but he didn't pull away.
When Aiden finally did, he smiled faintly. "That's… better than I imagined."
Evan's cheeks flamed. "You imagined it?"
"Every day since that night you got sick," Aiden admitted with a crooked grin. "Guess I'm officially hooked."
"Hooked?" Evan repeated, voice trembling with quiet laughter.
"Yeah," Aiden murmured. "You make me forget how to think."
Evan laughed softly, and whispered, "Goodnight, Aiden."
And as Aiden watched him disappear into the house, something inside him twisted—the feeling of separation tightened his chest even more.
---
"Hey, did you see Carter talking to Evans again?" someone whispered near the lockers.
"They've been hanging out a lot. Weird, right?"
Aiden brushed it off with a laugh when his friends teased him.
But when he saw Evan in the hallway—hood up, trying to blend into the walls—his chest tightened.
And later, when they met behind the old gym after school, Evan said quietly, "They're starting to talk."
Aiden hesitated. Then he stepped closer, brushed Evan's bangs aside, and said, "Let them. I don't care."
Because even though Aiden was still unsure of what this all meant, he knew one thing for certain—he couldn't stay away from him.
Words ~ 4065