“No, it wasn’t racist or homophobic. He just… he basically called me a… a frigid virgin.” Embarrassment claws at my insides and I want to throw up, but the last thing I want is for Kyle to get expelled for hate speech, even if he is the world’s biggest asshole.
“I’m sorry you had to experience that,” he says. “Unfortunately you’re right, I can’t report what he said to you, but that doesn’t make it any less hurtful and wrong on his part. But I will vouch for both you and Stephen if this does get escalated and make sure decision makers know Kyle wasn’t an innocent party.” He leans in slightly and lowers his voice, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but between you and me, if someone hurt one of my friends like that, I’d have punched them too.”
I chuckle; glad he understands. “Thanks. I don’t want Stephen to get into trouble for this, he’s signed with the Warriors, and I’d hate for his career to be jeopardized because of me.”
“Well it wouldn’t be because of you; he was the one who reacted. Besides, he wouldn’t be the first pro-football player to throw a fist at someone who deserved it.”
“Fair point,” I say.
“Alright,” he stands and collects his bag. “That’s all I wanted to talk to you about, keep up the good work, and please, stay away from Kyle, he doesn’t sound like someone you want to get tangled up with even more.”
“I will,” I say, “thanks again.”
Stephen
Monday always feels like a long day; first day back after the weekend off, early morning training, a full day of classes, followed by evening practice. And the entire time all I’ve been able to think about is my kiss with Donovan. I’ve still got that voice in my head telling me I shouldn’t have done it, that it’s not fair on him, but fuck am I glad I did.
It took everything not to press him back onto my bed, cage him in and kiss him all night long. But with the drama that had gone on earlier, I needed to keep a level head about something, and follow my brain instead of my… well, cock. Which was very much on Team ‘Keep him on your bed and kiss him until he forgets who he is’.
Fuck, he tasted so sweet, like the Piña Coladas he’d been drinking but also something inherently him. I can’t wait to kiss him again. I know I need to give him time to think things over; if we start something up I’ll be asking a lot of him, to keep us a secret, on top of the one he’s already hiding and trying to break free of. Is him saying no the right thing to do… probably. But am I hoping beyond hope that he says yes… absolutely.
I should be back at the dorm already, but Coach Jenkins asked me to stay behind to talk, this had better be something quick and easy to deal with. He barrels into his office, filling the space with his frame, before crashing into the chair behind his desk.
After letting out a sigh, he looks at me. “Do you want to play for the Warriors, Choi?”
“Of course,” I say, wondering why he’d ask me such a question.
“Then why the fuck are you going around punching people?”
“Oh…” I look at my hands, not able to meet his angry glare.
“Oh. Really? That’s all you’ve got to say for yourself?” He sighs in exasperation. “Look, I know you hate to hear it, but you’ve got such a brilliant opportunity in front of you. And like it or not, you’re a role model now, to young kids and high school players everywhere, who rarely see themselves represented in this sport.”
“I know,” I murmur.
“Role models don’t punch people!”
“Coach—”
“I know, I know, the guy deserved it, I heard the whole story. And no, nothing is being officially reported so you’re off the hook, this time.”
I let out my breath. “I know it was stupid; it happened so fast I didn’t even think.”
“And I can understand that, someone says something awful about your friend, it’s natural to want to defend them. But you have to remember that your every move might be watched and scrutinized, even more so once the season starts and people see you with the team. So you need to start thinking before you act.”
“I will, Coach, I promise. I don’t want to mess this up.”
“Good, see that you don’t. I’m proud of you, I hope you know that.”
“Yes, Sir.”
The truth is, I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and I owe him so much.
“Alright, get out of here. See you at training tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow, Coach.”
His warning runs through my head as I make my way back to the dorm. He’s right, I need to start thinking, smartly, which probably means I shouldn’t be thinking about kissing Donovan as soon as I get back to the dorm… but I’m absolutely thinking about it.
