“Cameron?”Landon’s voice pulls me back.
I sigh, looking down.“I don’t know, Landon.Elias is great, but if I’m honest… he’s nothing like Fox.And as much as I hate myself for it, I think I really like Fox, even though he’s an ass.”
“Finally admitting you’ve got a crush on your roommate?”Landon laughs quietly, and I nudge him with my elbow.
“Shut up.”
“Maybe you can make Fox come to you,” he suggests, his voice low so we don’t attract attention.
“How?”
He leans closer, dropping his voice.“You and I both know Fox likes you, even if you don’t want to admit it.His problem is he’s confused—homophobic, a serial dater, and totally unsure about his own feelings.But deep down, he knows he wants you.”
“So… how am I supposed to make him come to me?”I ask, trying not to sound too eager.
Landon’s eyes glint with mischief.“Elias.”
Landon and I walk to the parking lot after my last class, his words still ringing in my head.Using Elias to make Fox jealous—it’s messed up.How am I even sure Fox wants me?Landon seems convinced, saying Fox is into me but doesn’t know how to handle it because he’s straight… or at least he thinks he is.
But am I even ready to get involved with someone like Fox?Why should I risk hurting Elias for a guy who might never change?At the end of the day, Fox is always going to be an ass.And I’m not interested in navigating that, especially not with someone so confused.
“You done thinking about it?”Landon asks as we reach his car.
“There’s nothing to think about.Hurting Elias just to make Fox jealous isn’t worth it.If I’m worth anything to Fox, he’ll come to me on his own terms.”I say, determined.Landon nods approvingly.
Suddenly, a loud, obnoxious voice cuts through the parking lot.“Hey, fag!”
We both stop, turning to see three guys coming toward us, Carter leading the way.I recognize him immediately, but the other two are unfamiliar.Carter glares at Landon, his face twisted with disgust.It’s almost funny, really—homophobia in college.I thought that was high school behavior.But I’ve noticed it’s mostly Fox’s buddies who mess with Landon because he’s gay.Carter especially; he doesn’t even bother hiding it.
“What do you want, Carter?”I ask, watching his reaction.He looks at me, surprised, like he didn’t realize I was with Landon.
“Oh, it’s Cameron.Fox’s roommate.You fucking him, huh?”His sneer is almost laughable.
“What do you even want, Carter?Why are you getting all riled up because Landon is gay?”I snap, my patience wearing thin.
He glares at me, spitting his words.“He’s disgusting.And I’m just surprised you’re always with him.Now it makes sense—you’re both fags.”
“What?”Landon says coolly, smirking.“Are you just mad because you couldn’t get it up when you tried to hook up with me?”
One of Carter’s friends mutters, “Someone better shut this slut’s mouth.”
“Leave him alone, Carter,” I say, stepping in between them.
“It’s fine, Cam.”Landon grips my arm, pulling me back.He’s used to this, but I can feel the tension in his grip.
Just then, a familiar voice interrupts.“What’s going on?”
I turn to see Fox and Blaze walking toward us.Fox’s eyes land on Carter, then flicks to Landon’s hand on my arm.Landon releases me slowly, and we exchange a look.
“Just having a word with your fag roommate,” Carter sneers at Fox, clearly trying to provoke him.What’s happening here?Aren’t they all friends?
“Fucking stop, Carter,” Fox warns, his tone sharp.
“Oh, wait.Are you fucking your roommate too?”Carter taunts, a smug grin on his face.
I roll my eyes at Carter’s childishness, grabbing Landon’s arm and steering him toward his car.The longer I’m around those small-minded idiots, the sicker I feel.We both slide into Landon’s car and as he pulls out of the lot, I glance back through the side mirror.I see Carter retreating with his friends, while Fox stands there, talking with Blaze.
"Ever had a real fight with Carter?"I ask Landon as he drives.
