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“Why are you like this?” The interviewer asked.
As soon as the interviewer asked me that, I couldn’t help but snort. I hate interviews and the media with every ounce of my being. I hate how people who aren’t involved with me at all demand to know my personal life. It’s draining. Especially because there are so many of them constantly bothering me.
“What do you mean?” I asked. “Like what?”
I didn’t want to know what this interviewer was going to say. They could say so many different things. They could ask why I’m a drug addict, an idiot, and so forth. The media likes to paint me in horrible ways. Even if I have been sober for a bit.
“Why are you holding your bandmate’s hand?” They questioned. “Are you two dating?”
To be honest, I didn’t even know that I was holding Krist’s hand. I knew that he was pressing next to me. It was a little risky for him to be so close, but I get afraid when he isn’t by me. I also reach out and grab his hand when I’m anxious, and trust me, the media makes me anxious.
I was tempted to let it go, but Krist stared down at me, a challenge in his gaze. He was clearly telling me not to just give in.
Me and Krist are secretly dating. This is what the media suspects. We aren’t exactly the best at hiding it. Although, the media always assumed I was gay since they first laid their eyes on me. I guess I just have that sort of vibe. We haven’t told anybody besides Dave, who promises not to say anything.
Realizing I hadn’t spoken, I forced myself to speak.
“We aren’t dating. Haven’t I told you that enough?”
“So, you and Krist aren’t dating?” The interviewer asked as if that wasn’t exactly what I said.
I nodded. “That’s right.”
“But the two of you are always close.” The interviewer pointed out. “You are always by each other, and you even kissed before.”
“We kind of have to always be by each other.” Krist cut in. “We are in the same band after all.”
“And kissing between friends isn’t weird.” I argued. “Friends kiss all the time. Even the same genders. Girls do it. Why not guys?”
“Guys and girls are different.” The interviewer then added. “The way that you kiss Krist isn’t a friend way. You use your tongue.”
“The whole band kisses each other.” Krist sighed. “We do it to prove a message. We aren’t actually into each other. We do the same thing to Dave, yet you never bring him into this. What’s different?”
“Are you all three dating?”
That question made me let out an audible whine. I tried to control it, but I was just sick of this. I was so sick of the media. I hate them so much. Asking questions about my personal life like this should be illegal. It’s none of their business at all! I just want this to end…
“Anyway, we are done having this conversation.” Krist said, knowing that I was starting to get uncomfortable. “We aren’t dating. We are just close friends who don’t care about being overly masculine macho men. There is nothing wrong with wearing women’s clothing, kissing your friends, or holding hands. If more men did that with their friends, then I think they would bond more.”
After he spoke, Krist walked away, dragging me with him.
I agreed with everything that my boyfriend said. People perceive love and dating in so many different ways. I love Dave. I kiss Dave too. But me and Dave aren’t dating. It felt a little hypocritical for us to say that because we are in a secret relationship.
I wish that we could come out, but it just wouldn’t be safe, and the media would be so annoying and overwhelming. It’s for the best that we just keep our love a secret for now.
Once we were away from all the interviewers and were sitting by ourselves, Krist looked at me with a grin before leaning down and whispering into my ears.
“Little do they know that your mine.”
Hearing that made my face turn bright red. I cleared my throat and covered my face with my hoodie in case anybody was watching.
“Stop it.” I urged. “I don’t want us to get caught.”
“I know.” Krist sighed. “I wish that they wouldn’t judge us. I’m going to be with you no matter what, though. They can go jump off a cliff for all I care.”
Nodding I leaned back into Krist’s arms. It’s so hard to hide my relationship with him from the media. It’s only a matter of time before the two of us are outed, and I hope when the time comes we will be prepared.