Love is... 2 (Gus and Rex) - 7. Chapter 7

The next day, I showed up for our study session with Rex looking like a zombie. I told him straight up that I’d barely slept, and he could clearly see it in my face. About halfway into our first hour, I was already nodding off, barely following anything.

“You should nap for a bit,” Rex said gently. “You’re clearly running on fumes.”

“You sure? Because if I fall asleep, I’m probably out for two hours minimum. You might not be able to wake me.”

“It’s fine. Just sleep. Looks like it’s gonna rain soon anyway. Even if we finish early, you probably won’t be able to get home right away. I’ll call your mom for you. Don’t worry.”

“Okay then… I’m not holding back. I’m dying here,” I mumbled.

Dragging myself up, I walked over to his bed, collapsed onto it, and pulled the blanket over me.

“Make yourself at home,” he said, flipping the lights off.

“What about you?” I asked sleepily.

“I’ll be right here—just doing some work on my laptop or reading. I’ll wake you when it’s time.”

“Mmm… okay…”

Honestly, lying on Rex’s bed made me a little nervous, but the exhaustion overruled everything. My thoughts went fuzzy, and before long, I was completely out.

I had no idea how long I slept. The first time I stirred, I saw Rex sitting at his desk, typing something on his phone. Then I drifted off again.

The second time I woke up, it was because I felt the bed shift slightly.

“Mmmmmm…” I stretched, eyes still half-closed. “What time is it?”

“A little after one,” Rex said, now sitting at the edge of the bed.

“Hmm… is it raining?”

“Yeah. Really pouring. The sky’s pitch black. I already called your mom—told her the rain’s too bad for you to head home right now. So just stay here and rest.”

“Mmmm… okay,” I mumbled, curling up tighter. “It’s cold.”

“Probably the rain. You want me to turn down the AC?”

“Nooo, it’s fine… don’t touch the AC…” I muttered, wrapping the blanket around me like a cocoon. “Just… if you held me, that’d be enough.”

Rex let out a soft laugh, then grinned. “You’re such a flirt, you know that? Saying stuff like that so casually. I’m starting to think you might be just as much of a player as Max.”

“Nooo, I’m not!” I protested instantly. “I’ve never said anything like this to anyone before!”

But the second it left my mouth, I froze.

Crap... that basically sounded like a confession, didn’t it?

My heart, groggy seconds ago, suddenly kicked into overdrive.

“Mind if I nap with you then?” Rex asked. “Seeing you lying there like that’s making me sleepy too.”

I blinked fast. “Uh… so who’s gonna wake me up then?”

“I already set an alarm. Don’t worry.” He pulled the blanket up and slid in beside me like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“Ughhh… What the hell? You’re the tutor and now you’re bailing on the student?”

“Heh, well… when the student’s lying all temptingly on the bed like this, what do you expect the teacher to do? I’m still human. I get tired too,” he teased, turning to face me. “And it’s not like you’re going anywhere with that storm outside. You’re stuck here for a while.”

“Yeah… guess that’s true,” I muttered, trying to calm the flutter in my chest.

“And more importantly, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Let’s just lie here and chat for a bit. You awake?”

I shut my eyes dramatically. “Nooope. Still asleep.”

He laughed quietly. “So, we’re sleep-talking now?”

“Mmm-hmm. That’s right.”

“Good. Then I’ll pretend I’m just talking to myself…” He rolled back onto his back. I cracked one eye open and peeked at him. His face looked so peaceful in the dim light. Soft features, slightly tousled hair, and lips I really needed to stop staring at.

“Heyyy, why aren’t you saying anything?” I asked, breaking the silence that was starting to drag too long.

“Chill. I’m still organizing my thoughts.”

“LOL. What, like a boomer computer loading up? Running on a dial-up connection?”

He laughed again, softer this time. “Alright... let me ask you something instead. What do you think I’m like, Gus?”

That caught me off guard. “Huh? What kind of question is that? Hold on—you can’t spring that on me while I’m fake-sleeping!”

“You punk. Just answer it already.”

I sighed and opened my eyes. “Fine. If you want an answer, then I’d say… you’re good-looking, obviously. Cute too. Smart, funny, a great tutor, polite, kind, just cheeky enough to be charming. You’ve got this easygoing vibe that makes people feel safe around you.”

“Wow, I sound like a damn saint.”

“You are. But don’t let it go to your head, because I’m better.”

“Oh really?”

“Yup. I’m also cute and handsome, good at sports, smart enough. Plus I’m cheerful, talkative, generous, loyal, honest, dependable—basically everyone’s favorite golden retriever. I love animals, kids, and I want world peace. I’m a serial monogamist and I don’t like lying. I could go on and on, but we’d be here all night.”

“You’re such a positive kid,” he said with a grin, turning to face me again.

“Told you. I’m adorable. Everyone’s in love with me.”

“Then why are you still single?”

My smile faltered just a little. “Maybe because no one sees it. Or maybe the people I like… never feel the same way.”

“Hmm? Why do you sound so sure?”

“Dunno,” I mumbled, turning onto my back to avoid his eyes.

“The thing is,” he began again, “you’ve been asking me a lot about who I like, or if I’m dating. Be honest—do you think I’m a player? Why do you keep asking?”

“No, not really. I mean… Sorry. Do I make you feel that way?”

“Maybe a little,” he admitted.

“Shit. I’m sorry, Rex. I didn’t mean to come off like that.” I turned to face him. “It’s not that I think you’re a player or anything. It’s just… I really don’t know what you’re thinking, you know? You’re hard to read. I can’t tell what you really feel or think. You’re always smiling or laughing, and you don’t really show anything. Unlike me—I say everything. I express everything. If I feel something, I’ll tell people right away. Most of my friends are like that too. If they like someone, they just say it. If they don’t like something, they say it. We’re all used to just talking everything out. So, I guess I’m not really used to someone like you.”

He smiled faintly. “Yeah, I’ve noticed. You wear your heart on your sleeve.”

“Right? Even my friends at school say I talk too much, and that I’m too honest with my own feelings. Like, I just can’t keep stuff bottled up. When I’m happy, I’m really happy. But when I’m upset, I blow up on the spot.”

“Really? But I think that’s a good thing,” Rex said. “It helps people understand the real you—and avoids any misunderstandings.”

“Yeah… maybe.”

“Honestly… I think I need to learn how to be more upfront like that too…” His voice shifted—calmer, more serious. “I think I owe you an apology, Gus.”

“Huh? For what?”

“I lied to you once.”

My chest tightened. “What was it about?”

“That time I said I was out running errands with some friends at the mall… I really thought that was what I’d be doing. But it turned into something else. There was this girl—a friend’s junior—she kind of had a thing for me. We’d been texting, hanging out a bit, and that day she asked me to help her pick some stuff up. I agreed. But last minute, she said she wanted to go walk around at somewhere else instead. So I had to go there.”

“The Woodbridge Center Mall,” I said quietly.

He nodded. “Yeah. I couldn’t exactly say no—I’d already promised. And… she’s a little intense. Really clingy, to be honest. Super possessive. It caught me off guard. You may not know this but if someone gets too close to me and I’m not into them, I back off. So after that, I cut things off. I didn’t see her again. Barely even texted back.”
“Right… so that’s why you said you were at the Menlo Park, but I saw you walking around with her at the Woodbridge Center Mall.”

“Exactly.”

“And you didn’t know she liked you before that?”

“I kind of suspected. But I didn’t think she’d be that forward.”

“Mmm…” I tried to sound neutral. “So why are you telling me this now? It’s not like it was a huge deal.”

“Not a huge deal, huh?” Rex turned to look at me, eyebrows slightly raised. “Then why were you so mad at me afterward? Wasn’t it because you saw me with her?”

My whole body went stiff. I’d never told him that.

“Art told me,” he added, reading my silence perfectly. “We just talked. And I thought I should explain everything, because… I know you hate being lied to. I didn’t want you to think I was hiding something on purpose.”

“I mean, I wasn’t really—”

“Honestly, I’m kind of embarrassed I didn’t just tell you earlier.”

“Uhh… so what do you want me to do then?”

“You don’t have to do anything.” He looked me in the eyes. “I just want to ask you something. What exactly do you feel about me?”

My heart thudded against my ribs.

“Come on, I already told you earlier.”

“I didn’t ask what kind of person you think I am. I asked… what do you think about me, Gus?”

His gaze didn’t waver. Neither did the blush burning across his face. If mine was red, his was fire-engine.

I took a breath, shaky and shallow. I knew this moment was huge. I might not get another shot at it.

“I already told you, didn’t I?” I whispered. “I’ve never asked anyone to hug me like I did earlier… And I told you—I’m the kind of person who only loves one person at a time…”
He swallowed. “Gus… when you say that… does it mean you like me?”

There it was.

I hesitated—but only for a second—before nodding softly. “...Yeah, I do.”

My whole body felt like it was trembling. Maybe it was the AC. Maybe it wasn’t.

As soon as those barely-there words left my lips, everything went still. No more teasing, no more small talk. Just silence. The kind that stretches between two people holding something fragile between them.

Outside, the rain hit the windows in heavy sheets, and the wind howled like it was carrying the weight of my nerves.

“More than friends, I guess.”

“A lot more,” I swallowed hard.

“When did you start feeling that way?” he asked quietly.

“Honestly? Since the first time we almost bumped into each other outside the bathroom,” I said with a shy, awkward laugh. “It was like—boom—love at first sight. Stupid, right?”

“It’s not stupid,” he said, his voice soft.

I kept going, afraid I’d never find the courage again. “But I knew you didn’t think of me that way. I knew you weren’t gay—Art told me. You also told me about your ex-girlfriend. And I figured you just saw me like a little brother. The same way Art does.”

“You really are the type to say every single thing on your mind, huh?” he said, a little smile tugging at his lips.

“I told you—I’m honest.”

“I know.”

“Hmph? What do you mean?”

“Why do you think I knew you liked me?”

“Wasn’t it Art who told you? You said earlier you two talked.”

“Well, yeah, but all he said was that you saw me at the mall. He didn’t say what you thought of me.”

“…Wait, what?”

“Exactly. But I’ve known for a while now. Since the first few sessions we studied together.”

“How did you know?”

“Oh please, Gus—I’m not that dumb. Who wouldn’t notice? The messages… the way you act around me… the way you talk to me. I could tell. And more than that, you’ve tried to flirt with me so many times! You really think I didn’t notice you purposely letting your towel fall off? Or walking around shirtless? No underwear? Sitting wide open? Scratching your balls? Seriously? Come on.”

“WHAT?! No way!!” My face went beet red. “I didn’t do all those!”

I’d never been shy telling Marcus about this stuff before, but knowing Rex had actually seen through all my stunts from the beginning made me wanna dig a hole and bury myself alive.

“Liar,” he chuckled.

“Alright, alright! Fine! I admit it. I did it… a bit. I just wanted to find out if you were into guys or not, that’s all.”

“So? You know the answer now?”

“Uhh… not really. I guess you’re not?”

“Then why do you think I lied to you about not being with a girl that day?”

“I don’t know! How would I know? That’s why I was annoyed for so long!”

“Well… what if I told you I lied because I didn’t want you to know I was with another girl? Because I was afraid it’d make you upset? And I’d hate to see you upset because of that stupid situation and misunderstanding.”

My eyes went wide, “Huh? What?!”

“I told you, didn’t I? I’m never the one to make the first move. I don’t have that kind of courage. And more importantly, I said before—if I know someone likes me and is coming on strong, but I’m not into them, I back away. Now tell me, Gus… all the times we’ve been together, even right now lying on this bed—do I seem like I’ve been backing away from you?”

Rex spoke with a shy little smile. And every time I saw him blush like that, I just wanted to scoop him up and kiss him all over his cheeks. Seriously, how could someone be this cute?

“And just so you know, you’ve been the most persistent person that’s ever tried to flirt with me,” he added.

“Wait, wait—Rex, I’m a little confused here. So, you’ve known all along that I liked you?”

“Mhm. Of course.”

“But you were never disgusted by it? You never wanted to distance yourself from me?”

“Not even for a second nor a bit.”

“Then why didn’t you show a little more?! I’ve been stressing out all by myself this whole damn time!” I sat up and blurted it out in frustration.

“Hey! I did show it—in my own way! I wasn’t put off at all by the way you liked me or flirted with me!” Rex also sat up beside me. “Like when you posted that status on Facebook—I even replied to it, didn’t I?”

I thought back. “You mean that smiley face emoji reply?”

“Yeah, that.”

“…Okay. So, everything you just said—does that mean you just weren’t bothered by how I feel about you? That’s all?”

“Well… umm…” He lowered his head a little. “I don’t really know how to say it.”

“It’s okay. I get it, Rex… I understand. It’s not easy to say these things out loud.”

“Yeah… Sometimes actions speak louder than words, right?”

He looked up and locked eyes with me. Then, he gave me a tiny smile… and leaned in slowly.

I was so startled I froze up completely. Before I could process anything, his soft lips pressed gently, tenderly, against my cheek.

“…Was that clear enough?” Rex asked, once he moved back.

“Uh… umm…”

“Well? Was that clear enough for you to understand how I feel?” His face was burning red.

“Umm… not really, maybe? Can I get one more? On the other side? Just to be sure?”

“HEY! You brat!”

“C’monnn~ It wasn’t clear enough! It was just a quick little peck! Gimme another one, pleaseee!” I raised my index finger and gave him the cutest pleading face I could. “Please, Rex~ Handsomeeee~ Just one more~”

“That’s enough!” He gave my cheek a gentle smack. “You can have another one once we’re officially together and you’re eighteen.”

“What? We’re not a couple yet?!”

“Well, have you ever told me you love me? I haven’t even heard you say you like me! And now you wanna jump straight to being boyfriends? Bit too fast, don’t you think, lil’ boy?”

“Alright, alright! Then I’ll just say it all the time! I like you, Rex! I really like you! I like you more than anyone in the world!!” I beamed and leaned in close again. “I’ve never liked anyone this much before… so… gimme a kiss on the cheek!”

Rex just smiled and shook his head.

Which was my cue to quickly steal a kiss on his left cheek.

“HEY! You’re just gonna do it like that?!”

“What do you mean just like that?! You have any idea how much effort it took to get this far?! I’ve been stressed, sacrificed my body—ugh.”

“Worth it?”

I grinned wide, “Totally! I wouldn’t trade it even for a second-place lottery prize!!”

“And first place?”

“…That one I might need to think about.”

Rex laughed out loud, “This is your so-called ‘madly in love’ declaration?”

“C’mon~ If I won first prize, I’d use the money to spoil you, Rex~!”

“Alright, alright! I give up!”

He sighed with a smile. “So… are you finally ready to get back to studying? You must be wide awake by now.”

“Nope. Just five more minutes…”

I laid back down again. “I’m cold, babe”

“You want me to turn the AC down?”

“Nooo~ I want Rex to hug his Gus~”

Rex didn’t say anything, but he laid back down beside me. This time, his body inched even closer until we were snuggled together. Then, he draped his arm over me. I turned to lie on my side with my back to him, so he could wrap his arms around me more comfortably.

“…Man, if you’d just acted like this from the start, I wouldn’t have had to work so damn hard,” I mumbled to myself.

“Well, excuse me for not being as straightforward as you, Chubby!”

“Ehh? You heard that? Aww mannn. Not only is my boyfriend handsome—he’s got sharp ears too. I’d better start watching myself now.”

“Yup. You’d better. I’ll have Art keep an eye on you for me too.”

“Sure thing~ But I wouldn’t dare mess around now. I’ve got the cutest boyfriend ever!”

“Alright, alright. Enough talk. Time to sleep. You really never stop talking, huh, kid?”

I kissed the back of his hand softly and closed my eyes.

I was sure… tonight after I get home, I’d fall asleep with this ridiculous, goofy grin stuck on my face.