“And just so you know, your sexuality doesn’t change a thing between us. It’s yours to share, when and how you choose. I won’t say anything to Maddie or the others. But whenever you’re ready, I’ll be there. Right beside you.”
I sit up a little straighter.
“I trust you, Remi. I really do. And you’re right, I don’t want to keep hiding. I want the people in my life to know me for who I really am. I want to be able to fall in love without being afraid. I want to have what Noah and Jamie have.”
He smiles, gentle and sure.
“And you will. I believe that.”
Something flickers in his eyes then, something soft and unfamiliar, but it’s gone before I can quite place it.
We let the conversation drift, easing into lighter topics. The tension lifts. We laugh again.
And when we walk home, it’s in silence, but a silence that feels warm. Quietly intimate. Safe.
Just as we’re about to part ways for the night, Remi turns back suddenly.
“Seb… the play tonight.”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for convincing me to go. It was… it was worth it.”
I don’t say anything. I just wait.
After a pause, he goes on.
“You know, I always thought I was open-minded. I’ve never had a problem with people being gay. But tonight, for the first time, I didn’t just understand. I felt it. That kind of love… It's just love. No labels. No conditions.”
His cheeks flush. I feel something twist in my chest.
And before I can stop myself, I step forward and wrap my arms around him.
Remi stiffens, just for a second, then melts into the hug.
I rise slightly onto my toes, my mouth close to his ear.
“Maddie’s lucky to have you, Remi.”
Then I let go, turn away, and head for my room without looking back.
Not until I reach the door.
And when I do glance over my shoulder, he’s still there,
frozen in place, wearing an expression I can’t quite read.
CHAPTER 8
REMI
It’s three thirty in the morning, and even though I’m physically and mentally exhausted, I can’t sleep. Not even close.
Seb’s confession has completely thrown me. I was already struggling to be around him without feeling like my skin was on fire from the need to touch him, but at least when I thought he was completely off-limits, that helped keep my thoughts in check.
Now I know he’s not straight. And somehow, it feels like a wall I thought was unbreakable has suddenly come crashing down.
Theoretically, something could happen between us… if I weren’t in a relationship with his best friend.
