Chapter Text
As another day goes by in Roseville High, Mike finishes another session of his new hobby— track.
It’s still a weird adjustment for him. He’s never taken notice of his athletic abilities until James came into the picture.
James and Mike. What a story. Even though James fell in love with Mike, he had a small feeling it wouldn’t work out. And even though Mike ended up rejecting him, they still hang out constantly.
After Mike’s fifth practice lap, he goes to sit on the bleachers. While he’s catching his breath, James notices and runs over to sit with him.
Even though James may be fickle with love and crushes, he cannot deny that Mike will always be a soft spot for him.
Mike was so focused on regulating his breathing, he didn’t even notice James sitting next to him until he handed him a water bottle.
“Hey! Need this?” James asks, and smiles warmly at Mike.
Mike looks up and immediately smiles back. He grabs the water bottle offered and chugs it.
James giggles as water dribbles down Mike’s chin. He puts the bottle down and gasps. “Thanks, dude. I needed that.” he eventually says hoarsely.
“Anything for you!”
They smiled at each other and Mike leaned against James tiredly.
This was the kind of friendship they had. Pure and casual. Though, something felt different about it. James lit up Mike’s life in a way that Sandy never did… No, that’s not right. He loved Sandy with all of his heart. James couldn’t top her.
No matter how close him and James got, he could never top Sandy.
Once Mike got home, he decided to call the white cat herself to clear his head.
“Maishul!” Sandy joyfully started once she picked up the phone. “How are you?”
“Hey, Sandy!” Mike cheerfully greeted back. “Well, it’s another day of track, and another night of soreness.”
“Oh, poor you…” Sandy replied emphatically. “You sure this new hobby is a good thing?”
Something in Mike froze. If Sandy wanted him to stop doing track, he wouldn’t hesitate. But, that would mean seeing James a lot less…
After a few moments of silence, Sandy repeats herself.
“Maishul, you do like track, right? You’re not just doing it for this new boy?”
The words “new boy” rung in his head. It was weird to hear Sandy talk about James.
“Yeah, of course I like track!” Mike quickly replied after another beat of silence.
And that was true, he did like track.
But it wasn’t the running or the sports that excited him. It was James. Seeing James everyday and working alongside him was the highlight of Mike’s day.
Wait— no it wasn’t. The highlight was calling Sandy, of course.
But seeing James was a close second.
“I may have gotten into track because of James, but he’s not the sole reason I’m continuing it.” is what Mike told Sandy, and himself. “It’s fun, and good for me! The soreness will wear away eventually.”
“Well, good. As long as you’re happy.” Sandy replied.
Their conversation continued as usual, but Mike decided to cut it short. He was in need of some well-deserved rest.
“Bye, Sandy, I love you! I’ll call you when I wake up.” Mike spoke into the phone as he readied himself for his nap.
“Love you too, Maishul.” Sandy answered, and just like that, the phone call ended.
Once Mike was asleep, he dreamt about himself with another cat. It looked like Sandy, but something was off.
They were snuggling, holding hands, kissing, all the normal things a couple would do. Until Sandy spoke.
“I love you, Maishul.”
Out came James’s voice.
Mike woke up in a cold sweat and looked around.
He had a text from James asking if he wanted to hang out during the weekend.
Mike laid back down and took a breath.
“It’s just a dream. It doesn’t mean anything.” was what Mike told himself. “Me and James are perfectly platonic…”
He texted back: “Yes!”