8

Biting his lip, a thought occurs to him. It's preposterous, surely, but it's a thought that's tantalizing once it's occurred. More importantly, it sets his imagination ablaze.

And Winston is weak.

His fingers fiddle with the loose strap of the book-bag, Winston's stomach swooping more than it's ever swooped in his life. Butterflies soar through his belly like it's a free sky and his hands feel clammy on his bag. He licks his lips and takes half a step back before he regains control. Breathes in deeply, holding it till the count of ten. Gazes up at Jason with wide eyes, and the strangest sensation in stomach—like he's free-falling.

Eyes sliding over every inch of Jason, Winston's breath is shallow and quick, heartbeat tripping over itself in his chest. His gaze flickering between Jason's pecks, and his thick arms, and his long legs, and his perfect face, Winston finally clears his throat again and forces out, "Wanna go on a date?" a pause, then he clarifies, "With me?"

Jason audibly gasps. His friends stop laughing at them. Gary, who is discreetly standing against the wall behind Winston, squeaks. Winston's cheeks flushes bright, and he licks his lips again, ducking his his head once more.

His fists squeeze tightly on the bag and he waits breathlessly for an answer. For a moment, he can't hear a thing, the entire world narrowed down to his the sound of his own heartbeat.

It's strangely freeing.

But his curiosity wins out and when he hasn't heard anything in a while, he looks up. He gazes right up into Jason's eyes, and seemingly manages to shock Jason out of whatever stillness had befallen him.

In turn, Jason's eyes start to widen, growing wider and wider until Winston realizes that Jason has stopped breathing. "Are you alright?" Winston asks.

Jason gasps. He takes a step back, turns toward his friends who instantly smile at him and pushes him right back around. Winston hears one of them say, "Come on, take the chance," under their breath and Winston has just started wondering what they mean by that when Jason looks down at him again.

Jason's eyes are damnably pretty, Winston thinks for probably the thousands time.

Jason's gaze then lowers to the floor; Jason clears his throat and scuffs his foot on the dingy grey floor. He looks smaller, suddenly, and he visibly gulps, clearing his throat and scratching the back of his neck. His buddy pats his shoulder and Winston's looks at it in envy, wishing Gary was closer and that he could lean on him.

But that's no good, he also knows He shouldn't be so dependent on Gary all the time, shouldn't need his presence to feel safe.

(Something is wrong with him, Winston sometimes think. When the moon is full and the nights are long and he lies awake in his lonely, tiny apartment, where nobody else ever comes---where he could never stand to seen, regardless.)

Jason clears his throat once more. His eyebrows are furrowed now, and he rocks on his heels a little. "You're asking me out?" Jason finally breathes, voice unusually raspy. He blinks and straight out points at Winston. "You are asking me out?"

Should Winston be offended?

"You're asking me out?" Jason repeats once more, and he sounds—soft. Vulnerable. Winston's chest squeezes tight, his hands tingling fiercely. His own eyes widen and he mutely nods.

Then he manages to get his voice working and adds lamely, "Ye—" Winston clears his throat and licks his lips. "Yes," he confirms, squaring his shoulders and looking right at the bigger, certainly far more muscular, man. "I am asking you out on a date," he adds, just so everyone is clear on what's happening. "With me."

Jason flushes, cheeks growing redder and the tips of his ears---visible thanks to the clean-shaves sides of his head---redden as well. Winston can't possibly resist licking his lip, stomach fluttering. Jason's gaze seem to fall right to his lips then, darkening, and Winston's stomach swoops again.

"Yes," says Jason. Winston blinks. Jason's flush deepens, and he repeats. "Yes, I'll out with you."

---

A/N: hey remember 2 years ago when i said this story is already complete? yeah i wasn't lying. i just completely forgot about it, orz.

also a reminder that this story is completely unedited, which means there's probably editing notes left in there for myself. i don't have any intention to actually edit this novel atm, hence why they're still there.

i do still have a wishlist full of (mostly) gay books i'd love to get on my bookshelves, if you felt inclined to toss some money around. link in my profile <3

hope you're having a fun time reading gay books, too XD