It was a Tuesday morning. During geography and history class, Elias glanced at Nael out of the corner of his eye. Nael, focused, was nibbling on his pen while writing. Elias felt his heart race. He forced himself to look away and concentrate on his notebook. Stop thinking about him like that, he's your buddy... he kept repeating to himself. But the rapid beats in his chest left him in no doubt: he wanted to tell him, to tell him everything.Nael, on the other hand, was experiencing a similar internal conflict. Elias had occupied his thoughts for months. He loved the way he laughed, his little dimples when he smiled, and how he always seemed to understand what Nael was feeling without him having to speak. But admitting that? Impossible. What would their friends think? And Elias... how would he react?After class, the group hung out in the park behind the school. The boys were playing football, but Elias and Nael, tired, had sat down on a bench away from the others. Elias observed the others.
"Are you okay?" Nael asked as he sat closer.
Elias hesitated. "Yeah, just... I'm thinking about some stuff."
Nael raised an eyebrow. "Stuff like what?"
Elias felt his heart racing. It was now or never. He looked away. "Nael... Do you promise not to make fun of me?"
Nael frowned, intrigued. "Of course. Go on, tell me."
Elias took a deep breath. "I think that... I love someone."
Nael felt a knot form in his stomach. He tried to stay calm. "Seriously? Who is it?"
Elias hesitated for a moment before murmuring: "It's a boy."
Nael was left speechless. His heart raced. He hadn't expected that, but a strange warmth spread through his body. He placed a hand on Elias's shoulder.
"Don't worry, you can tell me anything. I won't judge you."
Elias timidly raised his eyes. "It's you, Nael."
A magical moment
Silence settled in. Elias thought he had made a mistake. He was about to get up, embarrassed, when Nael grabbed his arm.
"Wait!" Nael said hurriedly. "You know what? I think I love you too... but im not too sure... but i want to try to love you too"
The two boys stayed for a moment looking at each other, their cheeks red, a shy smile forming on their faces. It was as if a huge weight had lifted. They started laughing nervously, but it was a sincere laugh, a laugh of relief.
They decided to keep it to themselves for now, preferring to live their story slowly, at their own pace. Their group of friends continued to not notice anything, too busy talking about video games or soccer matches.
Elias and Nael, however, knew that something special had just been born between them, something that would make their last year of middle school unforgettable.