LUCA
*Is this real?*
He doesn't let go. Not even a little. His hands grip Julian's shirt like if he loosens his hold, everything will disappear and he'll wake up back in his room—alone, panicking, pretending he's fine. So he holds on tighter.
JULIAN
You're gonna wrinkle my shirt.
Julian says softly. Luca immediately responds.
LUCA
I don't care.
Julian lets out a quiet laugh, one hand coming up to rest on the back of Luca's head.
JULIAN
Yeah… I noticed.
Julian glances at the clock. 10pm.
JULIAN
Its late.
LUCA
Wait—
He pulls back just enough to look at him.
LUCA
You're not leaving, right?
JULIAN
You want me to sleep with you in your bed?
LUCA
Yes! I mean No. Don't leave.
Julian smirking slightly
JULIAN
So… yes or no?
LUCA
I—
He freezes.
LUCA
Just… don't go.
Julian's expression softens a little at that.
JULIAN
I wasn't planning to.
Luca blinks, processing that like his brain just lagged.
LUCA
…oh.
He immediately grabs onto Julian again.
LUCA
Good.
They stay like that for a moment.
Neither of them moves.
LUCA
…you can sit.
JULIAN
Wow. I feel so honored.
Julian says teasing lightly. Luca nudges him, but doesn't let go. They shift a little, ending up sitting on the bed, still way too close.
Silence.
LUCA
…you're really staying?
JULIAN
Yeah.
Luca relaxes , like his entire body just unlocked.
LUCA
Okay.
Silence.
LUCA
You can… stay here.
JULIAN
I figured that was the plan.
LUCA
Ok good.
JULIAN
So...
LUCA
so?
JULIAN
Mia knows i like you. What do we do.
LUCA
…what do you mean what do we do.
JULIAN
She told me she liked me.
LUCA
I know—
He immediately clamps his mouth shut.
LUCA
I mean—
He groans, dropping his forehead onto Julian's shoulder.
LUCA
Can we not do this right now?
Julian's softly amused.
JULIAN
Avoidance. Nice strategy.
LUCA
Yes. I'm very good at it.
Silence.
LUCA
We can… deal with it tomorrow.
He tightens his grip on Julian again.
LUCA
Right now you're staying. That's the only plan.
JULIAN
I like that plan.
LUCA
Me to.
They lay down on the bed. Luca is still clinging to Julian like letting go isn't an option.
LUCA
Juju.
JULIAN
Ya
LUCA
Is this real?
Julian smiles softly pulling him a little closer.
JULIAN
Yes. Yes it is.
Luca yawns.
LUCA
Good.
JULIAN
Are you tired?
LUCA
No I-
Luca falls asleep mid conversation. Julian yawns and falls asleep too.The morning light sneaks through the blinds. Julian stirs, half-awake, and notices Luca curled up against him. He smiles softly, brushing a strand of damp hair from Luca's forehead.
Luca murmuring in his sleep.
LUCA
Juju…
Julian chuckles quietly, careful not to wake him. A few moments later, Luca's eyes flutter open.
LUCA
…Are you still here?
JULIAN
Always.
Luca sits up a little, hugging his knees. Julian leans back on his elbows, watching him.
LUCA
So… school today.
JULIAN
Yeah… we need a plan.
Luca looks down, cheeks still a soft pink.
LUCA
We… can't let anyone know about… us. Especially not Mia.
JULIAN
Agreed. So… what's the plan?
Luca whispers, almost shyly.
LUCA
We… act normal. Like nothing happened. We sit together, maybe hold hands when no one's looking, but… keep it private.
Julian smirks softly, moving closer so their shoulders touch.
JULIAN
Sounds perfect. Our secret world.
Lucas grinning now.
LUCA
Exactly. Just… you and me.
They share a small, comfortable silence, just enjoying the closeness, before reluctantly getting ready for school.
Luca whispers they grab their bags.
LUCA
Don't let Mia notice.
JULIAN
I've got you. Always.
They open the door surprisingly no one's there. They start walking by themselves.
LUCA
*I wana hold his hand.*
Luca grads Julian's hand. Julian glances at Luca he's looking down blushing. Julian squeezes Lucas hand. They get to the front of the school. Luca let's go of Julian's hand. They walk in to school and see the group. Ethan runs up to them stopping right in front of them.
ETHAN
THERE YOU TWO ARE!!! GESS WHAT HAPPENED!!!
LUCA
What?
ETHAN
THEO AND RILEY FINALLY GOT TOGETHER!!!
LUCA
FINALLY!!!!
ETHAN
THATS WHAT I SAID!!!
JULIAN
No way.
ETHAN
YES WAY!!!
Julian looks at Theo
JULIAN
is this true?
Theo blushes.
JULIAN
That confirms it. You never blush.
Riley comes over.
LUCA
I heard you two got together.
RILEY
Ya and?
LUCA
Since when did you like him?
RILEY
Since none of your business.
LUCA
Since when where you two dating?
THEO
Last night when I gave her a bouquet.
Riley blushes a little.
LUCA
Riley your blushing.
RILEY
AND????
THEO
Do it again and I won't stop her.
LUCA
Do it. I dare you.
RILEY
…
She steps forward.
Luca backs up immediately
LUCA
Okay wait—
ETHAN
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Julian's trying not to laugh.
JULIAN
You started that.
LUCA
And I'd do it again.
He grins.
LUCA
So… when's the wedding?
RILEY
I'm actually going to kill you.
THEO
Ignore him.
LUCA
No seriously—colors? Theme? I'm thinking—
He looks at Julian for half a second.
LUCA
—blue would look good.
Julian raises an eyebrow slightly, a small smirk forming.
JULIAN
Yeah?
LUCA
Yeah.
That moment lingers just a second too long.
RILEY
…oh my god.
ETHAN
WAIT—
LUCA
WHAT??
ETHAN
Nothing. Yet. But I'm watching you.
LUCA
Good. Enjoy the show. Now dack to wedding planning. I say we do the bride aka Riley in a light blue and the groom aka Theo in nave blue and all the gests shades of blue and green. Thoughts?
RILEY
THAT YOU DIE.
LUCA
Wo wo wo. We are keeping it PG 14 here.
ETHAN
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA IM DEAD!!
THEO
You're not helping.
LUCA
I'm helping a lot actually. This wedding would be a disaster without me.
RILEY
It's not a wedding.
LUCA
Denial is the first stage.
RILEY
I'm going to—
Theo grabbing her arm
THEO
No. School property.
LUCA
Thank you Theo, finally someone respects the rules. Ok for the flowers I was thinking white Lillys.
THEO
Riley go ahead.
RILEY
NOW LETS GO.
LUCA
Wo wo wo. PG 14 please.
RILEY
I dont give a shit about PG 14.
Riley punches his stomach hared.
LUCA
OHH—
He doubles over dramatically.
LUCA
I've been attacked—
Ethan is losing it.
ETHAN
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
THEO
I warned you.
Luca weakly pointing at Riley.
LUCA
This is why you're not in charge of the wedding—
RILEY
I will hit you again.
Luca immediately straightening.
LUCA
Noted. Feedback received.
Julian is trying not to laugh.
JULIAN
You're unbelievable.
LUCA
And yet you like me.
Silence.
Everyone freezes.
LUCA
… WAIT—
ETHAN
WAIT—
RILEY
OH MY GOD—
THEO
You just said that out loud.
LUCA
I DID NOT—
Julian smirking slightly.
JULIAN
You did.
LUCA
*I need to leave. I need to leave the country.*
ETHAN
WHAT IS HAPPING
JULIAN
Its an inside joke of ours.
LUCA
y...ya. *oh my god Julian saved me!!!*
ETHAN
Ok.
He says not fully believing it.
THEO
Im watching you two.
The dell rings.
RILEY
We should head to class or Mr. Carter will scream at us.
LUCA
For real
They head to class.Julian and Luca sits next to echother cuz thats there assigned sets. Luca slids a note to Julian that says "Are we actually a thing or am I delusional". Julian looks at it and slips it dack. He wrote "you literally fell asleep holding me.". Luca gose bright red. Ethan notices.
ETHAN
Let me see the note.
He whispers.
LUCA
NO!
He whispers dack. Ethan takes it out of Lucas hands. Luca snatches it dack defor he can read it and eats it.
ETHAN
…did you just—
Luca muffled
LUCA
No.
ETHAN
YOU JUST ATE IT—
Julian is trying not to laugh.
JULIAN
He definitely did.
THEO
That's concerning.
RILEY
That's not normal behavior.
Luca is swallowing, proud.
LUCA
You saw nothing.
ETHAN
OH THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING GOING ON—
Teacher from the front:
MR. CARTER
Do you all want to share with the class?
Instant silence.
LUCA
No.
MR. CARTER
Then I suggest you stop talking.
LUCA
Yes sir.
Ethan leans over again.
ETHAN
You don't eat paper unless it's serious.
LUCA
It was a boring note.
ETHAN
Then why'd you eat it??
LUCA
Because I was hungry.
Julian quietly.
JULIAN
You had breakfast.
LUCA
Not emotionally.
Julian actually laughs under his breath. Luca freezes.
LUCA
*I made him laugh. I win.* I eat paper. It tastes good.
Julian catches on instantly.
JULIAN
He eats it all the time.
Riley whispers to Theo.
RILEY
I'm telling you, something is happening.
THEO
Yeah. And we're gonna find out.
ETHAN
Oh I'm already on it.
MR, CARTER
Now I will hand out the homework for today then you may head to your next class.
Mr, Carter hands out the homework. Then everyone heads to the next class.
LUCA
Juju come on we are in english next and if we are late Mr. Reed will destroy us.
ETHAN
For real you two should start running. I have art so im fine.
THEO
Same here.
MIA
I got PE.
RILEY
Same.
LUCA
See you guys at lunch.
ETHAN
If you survive.
LUCA
For real.
Julian and Luca start running they get there just in time. They sit down next to echothe in there assigned sets.
MR, REED
Now let's begin. Who knows what a simile is? Luca?
LUCA
It's a type of animal.
MR, REED
I admire your stupidity. I think your the first person to ever say that. Its impressive.
LUCA
Thank you.
He says proudly.
LUCA
Wait. That's mean.
MR, REED
Like your answer.
LUCA
I admit defeat.
MR, REED
Is what your brain is saying.
Julian is trying not to laugh.
LUCA
Your supposed to dack me up.
He whispers.
JULIAN
There is no dack up.
LUCA
Traitor.
Julian says quietly
JULIAN
You said it was an animal.
LUCA
I panicked.
MR. REED
Understandable. Thinking can be difficult under pressure.
JULIAN
This is gold.
MR, REED
Julian why dont you join him.
JULIAN
What?
MR, REED
What is a simile?
JULIAN
It is when you compare two things using like or as.
MR, REED
Correct. A rare moment of clarity in this room. Now we have a group project. Pars of two. You will be reenacting a scene from a movie or book but you will have to change it a dit. You will have 2 weeks for this. You will de graded on creativity, teamwork, and presentation. I will allow you to pike your groups. Go on start.
Luca looks at Julian.
LUCA
Wana de my partner?
JULIAN
Nah I was thinking of going with Alex.
LUCA
Your leaving me? *I thought we could work together. Now he's leaving me?*
JULIAN
Ya
Lucas face falls.
LUCA
Oh ok.
He says quietly.
JULIAN
Im joking.
Luca looks at him with tears in his eyes.
LUCA
Not funny!
Julian hugs Luca.
JULIAN
It is.
His voice drops to a whisper.
JULIAN
You know i would never leave you. Especially you.
LUCA
…You really mean that?
JULIAN
Always. You're stuck with me.
Luca sniffles a little but grins, wiping his eyes.
LUCA
Fine… but only if you promise not to hog all the fun ideas.
JULIAN
Deal. But fair warning… I might be slightly more creative than you.
LUCA
Oh it's on…
They exchange a competitive-but-soft glance, a tiny bubble of mischief forming between them. Everyone else in the class starts pairing off, but Julian and Luca just sit there, hands brushing under the table without anyone noticing.
MR, CARTER
You are also allowed to use the rooms in the library.
LUCA
Let's go.
JULIAN
Yup.
The grad the Chromebooks, pencils, and notebooks and head to the library.
They walk in to a room. Luca closes the door. Julian sits down.
JULIAN
Spicy.
Luca blushes. Luca sits down on the chair next to Julian.
LUCA
So what scene should we do?
JULIAN
Who about one frome Lord of the rings.
LUCA
Ya that sounds fun.
JULIAN
I know. *I wana kiss him.*
Julian looks away avoiding eye contact.
LUCA
What's wrong?
JULIAN
Nothing. *shit I cant look at him.*
LUCA
Tell me what's wrong. Did I do something?
JULIAN
What! No!
LUCA
Then tell me what's wrong.
Julian looks at him.
JULIAN
*shit I looked at him.*
Julian leans in close, there noses are touching.
JULIAN
Its that your to cute.
He says in a serious voice. Luca truns into a tamto.
JULIAN
I wana kiss you.
LUCA
*Why is his voice so attractive when he he's serious.* Wha-
JULIAN
I wana kiss you.
Luca stays silent.
JULIAN
Your making me think you want me to kiss you.
LUCA
Ah ah ahhhhhhh-
Julian kisses Luca. The kiss ends, and both pull back slightly, hearts racing.
LUCA
Did anyone hear that?!
JULIAN
No… I think… maybe…
Suddenly, the door creaks. Both freeze. Julian's hand still brushes Luca's.
LUCA
Abort! Abort!
They scramble to look like they're just studying. Books open, pencils moving. Their faces are hot, but neither can stop sneaking glances at the other. Theo pokes his head in.
THEO
There you two are. Its lun- what happend
LUCA
Noth-
THEO
Julian NEVER blushes.
LUCA
We..uhh.. saw a really cute girl.
THEO
Sure… but that's not why he's turning tomato red. Especially not you, Luca.
JULIAN
He's telling the truth.
THEO
What ever. Its lunch time come we are all already in our table.
They head to the cafeteria. Julian stoped blushing but is still flustered and Luca is still a tomato. Nothing new. They sit down.
ETHAN
Heyyyyyyy
JULIAN
hi.
LUCA
H...hey.
A girl comes over and looks at Julian.
EMMA
Hey. Your really cute.
JULIAN
Oh uh thanks.
EMMA
My names Emma. What's yours.
JULIAN
Julian.
LUCA
Excuse me? We where in the middle of a conversation.
EMMA
dose it look like I care? Wait thats rude. May i join you guys.*got to be nice to snach him.*
ETHAN
Sure
Emma sits next to Julian. To close to Julian and Luca notices immediately.
LUCA
So Theo how's it going with you and Riley?
THEO
Be quiet.
RILEY
Shut up!
LUCA
I don't want to. Now back to the wedding we did colour's and flowers now I'm thinking of themes.
RILEY
I'm actually going to murder you.
LUCA
Ok but I was thinking tropical theme cuz it would go so well with the colour's and flowers.
THEO
Ok but Riley will literally murder you.
LUCA
Try me.
THEO
Try you?
LUCA
Absolutely.
RILEY
You wouldn't survive.
LUCA
Bold words from someone having a beach wedding.
RILEY
IT'S NOT A WEDDING.
ETHAN
I kinda like the tropical theme.
RILEY
ETHAN.
ETHAN
What? Palm trees are cool.
Emma looks at Julian.
EMMA
Do they always do this?
JULIAN
Pretty much.
EMMA
And you just put up with it?
JULIAN
I've known Luca too long.
LUCA
Aww.
JULIAN
That wasn't a compliment.
LUCA
I'm choosing to believe it was.
JULIAN
You do you.
LUCA
Thank you i will.
JULIAN
Once again not a compliment.
LUCA
Well I chose to believe it was.
EMMA
He's concerning.
JULIAN
I know.
LUCA
Thank you.
JULIAN
Once again not a compliment.
LUCA
I don't care.
EMMA
How are you two friends?
LUCA
We are not.
JULIAN
We are more then friends.
Julian whispers and only Luca catches it. He truns tamto red.
ETHAN
Why are you red?
LUCA
A dakj djidji. Ahhhhhhh.
THEO
Why are you questioning Luca being red he's always red.
ETHAN
Fair.
The bell rings saving them.
LUCA
I've got PE next what about you guys?
THEO
Same.
ETHAN
Same over here.
MIA
Nah I'm in art.
RILEY
Same I'm in art.
JULIAN
Im in PE too.
EMMA
O my god sameeeeee.
LUCA
Then we'll see you in the gym. Come on guys we need to head to the changing room.
They start walking to the boys changing room and go inside ane there the only ones cuz there late but the Coach Daniel won't care. So they start changing and Luca sneks a peak? At Julian and sees his abbs. Lucas face gose bright red.
JULIAN
You like what you see?
He says just loud enough that only Luca hears.
LUCA
Shut up.
JULIAN
Fine.
They all finish changing and head out and join everyone else in laps and Emma runs up to them.
EMMA
Hey. Ohhh Julian you look so good.
JULIAN
Thanks.
He says not really caring but Lucas still mad.
LUCA
So Julian what you wanna do tonight?
JULIAN
How out just Netflix amd chill?
Julian winks at him. Luca gose bright red.
LUCA
Sounds good.
EMMA
Isn't that like a date? Like Netflix and chill? And why is he red? Like dose he like you or something cuz he would have no chance cuz your straight.
THEO
Nah they do this shit all the time the dorm mates they share spoons And he's always red by this point you should only be question if he isn't red. Also he would have a pretty good chance with Julian like I said they share spoons and straws and call echother hot well not directly but still.
LUCA
Theo.
EMMA
Luca are you ok?
She asks really sweetly.
LUCA
Ya I'm fine.
JULIAN
Not for long.
He whispers but Luca still hears it amd truns into a tamto again.
ETHAN
This hsit is better the Netflix.
The bell rings they all go to change everyone else ends up leaving beside Julian and Luca.
JULIAN
Wanna have some fun.
LUCA
What do you mean?
JULIAN
You'll see.
Julian truns on the shower and pulls Luca in with him and locks the stall door. The water drenches booth of there shirt showing there adds through there shirt. Luca blushes so dose Julian but not as much.
LUCA
So you ment showing me you adds nice.
JULIAN
Not just that.
LUCA
Then what?
JULIAN
This.
Julian kisses Luca and pins him against the wall. They pull apart and start kissing agin. One of those intense movie kisses. The showers still running. They pull apart again.
LUCA
We are going to get caught.
JULIAN
Probably. But we can head home now let's dry off and head back.
LUCA
I agree.
They trun the shower off. Then dry off and head back to the dorm. They get back and go in to Lucas room. Luca hugs Julian as tight as he can.
JULIAN
You good?
LUCA
Ya.
JULIAN
Ok.
A few hours pass of them just talking.
JULIAN
It's late lest go to bed.
LUCA
Only if u stay again.
JULIAN
I was planning to.
LUCA
Good.
They fall asleep. Luca clung to Julian again.