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Toby doesn’t ask I don’t complain

“Do you wantmy voice doesn’t sound too pitiful “Or wanna coot the armor, by the way”

Toby doesn’t look at ht “Nah, I think … I think I should go home and take care of some backed-up homework Study a bit, maybe For that … test I think there’s a test Can I take a rain check?”

A rain check? He’s never taken a “rain check” for anything That isn’t even a phrase he uses, ever That’s not his thing Where did that come from?

Still, I’uy he saw on Halloween, regardless of whatever dark anti-hero he dressed entle nod and, despite the heaviness in ht, sweetie”

Toby flinches, throws me an aard, lopsided s over his shoulder

And as I stare after hiht: Sweetie?? Did I just call Toby Sweetie?? When have I ever called Toby that term of endearment? Who in the hell am I??

It doesn’t matter More days pass just like this one Toby and his aardness Me andlike their shit doesn’t stink

When Friday hits, and I’ve spent yet another lunch period eating at a table byToby the freedom to sit with his theatre buddies, I’m ready to pull out my hair and scream

Instead, I sis “Hey, you wanna hang out this weekend? Tonight, maybe?”

We’re at the exit to the cafeteria Bodies are shuffling around us on their way to class Toby shifts his weight aardly froht “Well …”

“Feels like it’s been forever” Don’t sound too desperate “I ive him an easy out “But I feel like we need souys are still boyfriends “Nothing too serious Just a little hangout, that’s all”

You are helpless, Vann