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I Want to be Apart of Your World…
Turkish Quandale Dingle seemed to always be surrounded by couples. It was almost like they taunted him. “Look at us! We are happily in love and you’re not!” The couples said. Except, Turkish Quandale Dingle had someone in mind. He blocked his feelings though, mostly. He knew his crush would never like him back. He was almost certain. Blue Tie Kid lived rent free in his head. Every thought involved this mystery boy and he had no idea how to get rid of it. Blue Tie Kid was the popular boy who the girls would not stop obsessing over. Of course, Turkish Quandale Dingle saw all the appeal. Turkish Quandale Dingle had his own fair share of popularity but none of it compared to his one and only. So many risk factors came with Blue Tie Kid. He was of course a boy and probably not gay but he was also one of his closest friends. How could he deal with losing the love of his life AND bestfriend?
“Turkish, look!” Tomato boy, another of Turkish Quandale Dingle’s friends ran up to him. “Turkish, we just got invited to a Sweet 16!” Tomato Boy wipes the sweat off his face from running, his face red as always. “Sick!” Turkish Quandale Dingle took the invitation from Tomato Boys wet hands, taking a closer look.
“I also heard Blue Tie Kid is going to be there.” Turkish Quandale Dingle looked up at the boy. “What?”
“He’s going to be there. Don’t you like him?” Tomato boy giggled.
“Shut up! Someone’s going to hear you!” Turkish Quandale Dingle covered his sweaty friends mouth and looked around. Coast is clear.
“But, uhm.. Cool. I just, I don’t know it’s going to hurt seeing him there.” Turkish handed the small paper back to his friend. “Oh come on, please! I’ll be so bored! And you never know!” Turkish Quandale Dingle understood that his friend was trying to be supportive but he didn’t really understand his situation. If people found out he liked Blue Tie Kid he’d by the joke of the century! If Blue Tie Kid found out he liked him then that would be the end of his world. Distraught. “I’ll think about it.” Turkish looked down at his phone. “Shit- I gotta go. I’ll text you okay?”
Turkish Quandale Dingle quickly made it to his classroom, coincidentally where Blue Tie Kid was also at. The sight of the boy made his heart flutter in a way no other girl could. How could he resist his beautiful smile, outgoing personality, and long lashes that could easily blow him away. “Turkish! Man am I glad to see you.” Blue Tie Kid tapped the chair next to him, indicating for him to take the seat. “What’s up.” Turkish said with an awkward smile. "Well, guess who just got asked out! Im going with this gorgeous girl to someone's Sweet 16. I know it's weird that she asked me out but the world changing and we can't stay behind the times!" Blue Tie Kid laughed, holding onto Turkish Quandale Dingles shoulder. He let out a slight chuckle. "I wonder if he felt that way with people like me…" Turkish thought. "-Anyway, are you going?" Blue Tie Kids eyes were like beautiful orbs of light Turkish Quandale Dingle was just aching to explore. His eyes were like the sun and he the moon, waiting for the next solar eclipse to happen. "Uh, don't know yet."
"What! You should go, man! Everyone one I know is going. I want to have a fun time with all my friends. That includes you, bro."
Friend, of course. Thats all Turkish Quandale Dingle will ever be to him. "Uhm. Fine. Ill go."
"Fuck yes! I'll see you Saturday, man." Blue Tie Kid smiled his awful smile. His smile with perfect white teeth, never to go rotten.
The day had arrived several days later and Turkish Quandale Dingle could not get it out of his mind. Well, he couldn’t get Blue Tie Kid out of his head. He needed to set things straight with his friend first, though.
‘hey man js wanted to let u know that i’m going to that stupid party pick u up @ 7’ Turkish Quandale Dingle sent the text to Tomato Boy. ‘Ding!’ Tomato Boy had already responded.
‘kay see u their’
Tomato Boy: Notorious horrible speller.
Turkish Quandale Dingle went through his closet, finding the closest thing to formal he could find and threw it on his bed. “This is good enough for me.” Turkish mumbled. He quickly got ready and looked in the mirror for 30 minutes straight, trying to make himself look perfect. Perfect for him. ‘Ding!’ His phone rang.
‘yoo were u at im ready ho’ Tomato boy sent a spam of texts. Idiot, it’s not even 7 yet. Turkish Quandale Dingle gave in though, it wouldn’t hurt to arrive early to the party. Just to settle in.
Although Turkish Quandale Dingle only had his permit, it didn’t stop him from driving his friends anywhere and everywhere. Which is what Tomato Boy exploited his friend for. “What’s up bro.” Tomato Kid dapped his friend up and sat in the seat.
“Hey.” Turkish Quandale Dingle didn’t look back up from his phone, trying to find the perfect playlist for the way. “Perfect!” Turkish looked back up and firmly grabbed the steering wheel. “Alright let’s go.” The car starting back up and driving away.
They had finally arrived to the party but it seemed like they were the last ones to get there. “Oh, thought we were gonna be early.” Turkish Quandale Dingle looked at his phone, checking the time.
“Yeah, it’s cause you drive like a fucking grandma.” Tomato Boy laughed. “Say that again and i’m never driving you anywhere anymore.” Turkish Quandale Dingle rolled his eyes. “Yo, there’s everyone let’s join them.” Tomato Boy and Turkish quickly made their way to their friend group, saying their ‘whats up’s and ‘yo’s. “Mannnn, i’m glad you made it.” Blue Tie Kid resting his arm on Turkish’s shoulders. “Yeah man, had to support… Our friends Sweet 16 party.” Turkish awkwardly chuckled. The touch of his friends arm made him tense until he had finally removed it, making him ache for the warm arm to come back to his freezing shoulder in need of warmth.
“Hey guys, let’s go dance.” Blue Tie Kid ripped his eyes away from Turkish and turned to the rest of his friends. Everyone agreed, joining the dance floor.
“Dude you are so red right now.” Tomato Boy bumped Turkish Quandale Dingles shoulder. “Says you.” Turkish Quandale Dingle snapped back. The group of boys all formed a circle in the dance floor, dancing to songs that made them physically ache but they danced anyway for the fun of it. “What up kids, let’s turn up the dance floor with this next song!” The Dj announced. ‘Carnival’ By Kanye West blasting across the venue. “Hell yes!” Blue Tie Kid yelled, instinctively, everyone followed. Turkish Quandale Dingle always admired that about Blue Tie Kid. He was inspirational and confident. Things Turkish couldn’t dream of having himself. The boys danced and giggled, other kids joining in on the fun too. Turkish couldn’t dare to take his eyes off of Blue Tie Kid. He awkwardly danced in this storm of boys until his angel pulled his hand to join in. Turkish Quandale Dingle earning the confidence to dance along to the song, Blue Tie Kid happily supporting him and dancing along.
The others could feel the tension. It seemed like it was only them that were too blind to see it. Two boys clearly in love, too afraid to say it to one another. The song had sadly come to an end and the friend group split in two. White Shirt Kid guiding Blue Tie Kid to the punch stand.
“How long have you and Turkish been a couple? I’m so happy for you two!” White Shirt kid smiled, pouring a couple of red concoction into his clear plastic cup. “Wha- We aren’t dating. We’re just friends bro, don’t be weird.” Blue Tie Kid nearly choking on his drink.
“Man, don’t lie to me. I see the way you two look at each other. Tell me, where’s your opposed “date” you let bragging about?” White Short kid calmly taking a drink from his cup.
“She cancelled last minute.”
“Did she cancel last minute or did you just decide you didn’t want to be seen around with her when the real date is right infront of you?”
“Stop talking shit bro. I’m gonna go talk to everyone else.” Blue Tie Kid left in a flurry, stomping his way outside to catch some fresh air.
Walking outside only to be met by Turkish Quandale Dingle. “Oh, hey man.” Turkish looked up from his phone, quickly putting it away in his pocket. “Oh. Hey.” Turkish Quandale Dingle could practically hear the disappointment in his voice. He couldn’t help but ask what was wrong. “What’s up dude?” He punched his shoulder, in hopes to cheer him up. “Nothing. Just White Shirt Kid mocking me. He thought we were a couple. That’s ridiculous.” Blue Tie Kid chuckling at himself. Turkish could feel his heart skip a beat. Then twice. Until he left like his heart could stop beating entirely. “That’s crazy.” He laughed.
“That’s what I said!”
“Errr… Speaking of, where’s your date?”
“Ugh why are all of you guys up my ass about her! She fucking cancelled on me, okay!” Blue Tie Kid yelled, startling Turkish Quandale Dingle.
“Oh. Sorry. Didn’t mean to touch a nerve.” Turkish looked away.
“I- I didn’t mean to yell my bad, bro. I just- Girls are so fucking complicated.” Blue Tie Kid rubbed his hands on his face. “Uh, yeah…” Turkish Quandale Dingle knew he couldn’t relate but he tried. For his friend. Blue Tie Kid looked back up at Turkish Quandale Dingle. The light perfectly hitting his face, making him look like a perfect statue Leonardo Di Vinci built himself with no flaws.
“You’re gorgeous.” Blue Tie Kid blurted.
“What.” Turkish Quandale Dingle froze. And it seemed like so did his friend.
“Uh- I mean. Fuck. I didn’t mean to say that. You just look good. Like, no homo.” Blue Tie Kid awkwardly laughed. His face turned red and he quickly started to walk away. “Wait! Blue Tie-“ Turkish ran to him, grabbing his hand. “What do you mean ‘gorgeous’?” He turned Blue Tie to face him, demanding an answer. “It was nothing dude. Let me go!” Blue Tie snatched his hand away. “Ah-“ Turkish stepped back.
“Don’t tell me that word is getting to your head. It was a slip up. Don’t get it twisted.” Blue Tie fixed his hair, calmly walking away.
“Blue Tie… I love you.” Turkish whispered but not quiet enough for Blue Tie not to hear.
“What was that?” Blue Tie kids eyes widened, snapping his head back to Turkish Quandale Dingle. “Fuck.” Turkish knew he was screwed. “I-“ Blue Tie Kid interrupted him. “-Did you just say you love me?” His words stopped stinging. They felt more sincere and genuine. Soft enough to put him to sleep. “Yes.” Turkish knew he couldn’t stop fighting it. He accepted his fate as the gay kid who would not hear the end of it. “Turkish…” Blue Tie walked toward him, reaching his hand out.
“I like you too.” He smiled his beautiful smile.
“Are you lying? Is this a wicked dream?” Turkish Quandale Dingle blinked a couple of times, trying to confirm his theories. “No.. I like you.” He pulled him into a hug. His warmth from before had finally overcome him. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Turkish said in disbelief.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Blue Kid shot back. Their smiles would not leave each others faces. At risk of staying that way forever.
“Fine… I understand. You have no idea how much this has killed me. To be so afraid of you hating me.”
“It took me a while to get past these feelings. What White Shirt Kid said only added fuel to the fire. But the wrong one. It made me realize how badly I want to be your boyfriend. I want to hold your stupid hand. I want to dance along with you to these stupid songs. I want to kiss your stupid face.” Blue Tie Kid admitted. Turkish Quandale Dingle had done it. He had found the one for him. Sure, it was just getting started. But to him that hug had lasted a million years, wanting it to last a million more.