Chapter Text
Lamine Yamal was a seventeen-year-old high school student who was known for being incredibly outgoing and extroverted. He loved going to parties, hanging out with his friends, and getting drunk whenever he had the chance.
School, however, was a completely different story. He wasn't exactly a dedicated student. In fact, he was constantly getting kicked out of class because of his terrible behavior, yet he didn't seem to care about it at all or make any effort to improve.
At the same school, in the same grade, there was another seventeen-year-old boy named Pau Cubarsí. Pau was the complete opposite of Lamine. He was introverted, hardworking, and extremely studious. He always paid attention in class, took his studies seriously, and rarely, if ever, got into trouble. He didn't have many friends, but he had a small circle of people he trusted, and that was more than enough for him.
Unlike Lamine, Pau absolutely hated parties and couldn't understand why anyone would willingly spend an entire night surrounded by loud music and drunk people. He had never been to one, and that was definitely not in Pau's plans.
The two boys barely knew each other. Neither of them would probably care if the other changed schools. They had never spoken, nor did either of them have any interest in changing that.
In Lamine's eyes, Pau was nothing more than a weird, quiet nerd. He had never noticed any particularly striking quality about Pau, other than those green eyes.
In Pau's eyes, Lamine was a loud, obnoxious, and troublesome boy who seemed to have absolutely no respect for anyone around him. It would never cross his mind to become friends with someone like Lamine.
· · ─ ·ʚɞ· ─ · ·
It was Monday morning, and the students were sitting in History class. As usual, Lamine was doing everything except paying attention to the teacher. He was sitting beside his best friend, Nico Williams, whispering and laughing instead of listening to the lesson.
Pau, meanwhile, was taking notes on what the teacher was saying. They had an important exam coming up the following week, so he needed to prepare.
-Bro, have you seen Amara? She's so hot. I swear, I want to hook up with her so badly, but I heard the rumors surrounding her.- Lamine whispered to Nico.
-Brooo, for real.- Nico replied, trying not to laugh. -I heard she's already been with tons of guys, though. She's such a bitch. She'll probably get pregnant at eighteen.- Nico whispered back to Lamine.
-HAHAHA! I've heard that too, but I mean, what could happen if I end up hooking up with her? Not that I'm in love with her or anything. Amara is only useful for that, and that's all.- Lamine whispered to Nico.
The two boys burst into laughter.
-And what do you think about Emma? I really love her green eyes and her dark chestnut hair. I think it really suits her.- Lamine whispered to Nico.
-Yeah, but have you seen her body? Gosh, I love her waist.- Nico whispered back.
-The best part is that she isn't a slut like Amara.- Lamine whispered to Nico, trying not to laugh but miserably failing.
The two boys burst into laughter again.
A few seats away, Pau was desperately trying to concentrate on the teacher's explanation. Their laughter was making it nearly impossible for him to focus.
Gosh, it irritated Pau so much. Lamine always seemed to find it funny to start talking in the middle of class and disturb everyone around him, especially Pau.
-He's so damn noisy. I can't stand him.- Pau thought to himself.
And that was only one of the many things Pau hated about Lamine. If he had to make a mental list of everything he disliked about him, it would go something like this:
He's noisy.
He's mean.
He's irritating.
He's rude.
The way he talks.
The way he dresses.
The way he interacts with his friends.
He's such a...
Pau couldn't continue his mental list because he was interrupted by Lamine, who was laughing again with Nico.
The teacher, who had been writing something on the board, immediately turned around and looked directly at Lamine and Nico.
-Lamine. Nico.- The teacher said, clearly annoyed.
The two boys immediately looked toward her.
-You both have continuously interrupted my classes in the past. Is there something you wish to tell the class, since I can see that you're both laughing very hard?- She asked in an authoritative tone.
-Yeah, no.- They both said.
-If I see you both laughing or talking in my class again, I'll take stricter measures.
Lamine simply shrugged.
-Yeah, yeah, whatever.- Lamine said.
The teacher turned back to the board and continued writing.
-Gosh, she's so fucking annoying. Don't you think so, Nico?- Lamine whispered to Nico.
-Yeah, her classes are so boring.
-Well, let's continue our list of the hottest girls in the class.- Lamine whispered to Nico excitedly.
-Yeah!- Nico said while grabbing his pen, ready to write.
The list looked like this:
1.
2. Amara aka the slut
3. Lynie the hot emo
4. Elizabeth the fatty hot girl
-Mhm... And who do you think we should put in first place?- Nico whispered to Lamine.
-Bro, isn't it obvious that it should be Emma? Those green eyes and her hair. Gosh, every time I see her, I get a hard-on.- Lamine whispered to Nico.
-Woah... You are sooo in love with her. Have you talked to her before?- Nico asked Lamine.
-Yeah, I have. She's kinda interesting to talk to! I love her personality and her big smile.- Lamine said while looking at Emma.
Nico followed Lamine's gaze.
-Ohhh, it seems Mine is really in love.- He said, laughing at his friend.
Lamine immediately rolled his eyes and looked directly at Nico.
-Gosh, you are such a pain.
-LAMINE, NICO.- The teacher said again, this time even more furious.
-I told you both that if you keep talking and laughing while I'm trying to explain and continue interrupting my class, I shall apply severe consequences to you both.
-And what would these serious measures be?- Lamine asked in a defiant tone.
-Watch your tone. You will be exchanging seats, and you will be sitting here at the front so I can observe you and ensure you don't continue interrupting my class. Marc, please exchange seats with Lamine. Lamine, come to Marc's seat.
The entire class went silent, and Lamine stared at her in disbelief.
-Wait, what? Why do I need to sit at the front?- He paused. -And next to this freaky nerd?- he added, referring to Pau.
-Don't call your peer that. And do I have to repeat myself? You keep interrupting, and at the front I will make sure you don't continue doing so.
Lamine rolled his eyes and started packing everything into his backpack. He grabbed it and headed toward Marc's seat, which, of course, was next to Pau's.
When he arrived and took his seat, he looked in Pau's direction, avoiding his eyes.
-Don't talk to me, freak.
-It wasn't in my plans to talk to you, anyway.- Pau replied in a cold tone.
-Good.
Pau wanted to scream. He could barely stand having the boy next to him. Lamine acted as if the world revolved around him and treated anyone he thought he could look down on poorly.
-This is going to be the longest class of my life.- He muttered to himself, quietly enough for Lamine not to hear.
· · ─ ·ʚɞ· ─ · ·
After what seemed like hours to Pau, the bell finally rang, and everyone rushed out for recess. Pau and Marc walked together and stood in a corner of the schoolyard while they waited for Hector to join them.
While they waited for Hector to arrive, they started talking.
-Gosh, it was a nightmare being seated next to Lamine.- Pau said, clearly irritated.
-I know. I could see from behind how tense you were.
-I can't even stand having him near me. His entire presence irritates me so much.
Hector suddenly arrived where Marc and Pau were standing.
-Hey! What are you two talking about?- Hector asked enthusiastically.
-We're talking about Lamine and how Pau had to sit next to him.- Marc said.
-Wait... What? You had to sit next to Lamine?- Hector asked, shocked.
-Yeah, and it was terrible. I had to because he apparently can't even shut his fucking mouth for a second. He keeps talking and talking, and of course, the teacher thought it would be a good idea to sit him beside me.- Pau said irritably.
-Oh... Yeah, I'm glad I wasn't you. I can understand how fucking annoying that boy can be. He's so mean toward everyone unless you're his friend or a pretty girl with green eyes.- Hector said to Pau, clearly empathizing with him.
-Yeah, I know.- Pau said. -Well, let's stop talking about him, or I'll get even more depressed.- He added sarcastically.
Hector and Marc laughed.
-Yeah, yeah. Let's move on to the next topic. Marc, how are you doing with that new girl you've been telling us about? Her name was...- Hector paused for a moment.
-Aurora.- Pau said.
-Oh yeah, Aurora!- Hector said.
-Oh, well, everything has been going excellently. We've moved from Instagram to WhatsApp, so that's a great step for us!- Marc smiled and continued. -She's the sweetest girl I've ever met. I swear I'm in love with her.
-Ohhh! I see. Well, I'm glad you're doing well with her. I hope to see you progress with her!- Hector smiled at Marc. -Don't we, Pau?
Pau remained silent, staring at a spot on Marc's shirt.
Pau had to admit that he didn't consider himself a normal guy with "normal" tastes, or with the tastes society imposed on him.
No. He had to admit that he liked guys more than girls. Probably.
He had liked around two guys throughout his entire life.
The first guy he had liked was from his old school. His name was Eder, and Pau had literally fallen in love with him for the stupidest reason.
That reason was that Eder treated him well.
In the mind of twelve-year-old Pau, small gestures were enough. Asking him how he was feeling that day, what he had eaten, or if he had studied for the upcoming exam. Such silly questions that didn't mean anything to Eder were more than enough for Pau, at that age, to start developing feelings for him.
When Pau decided to confess his feelings to Eder, Eder didn't feel the same way. He told Pau that relationships between girls and girls or boys and boys were a sin. It was written in the Bible, he said. And those who committed such sins would go directly to hell.
To be honest, Pau didn't understand why a book should dictate how someone was allowed to feel toward another human being of the same gender.
Pau never had the courage to contradict what the Bible and society said about homosexuality, so he simply found it easier to hide his feelings and force himself to start liking girls.
He had kissed someone before, and of course, it had to be a girl. A girl named Sophia had messaged him on Instagram, and they had started talking. To Pau's surprise, she was very interesting and fun to talk to, but nothing more than that. He never saw her as anything other than a friend.
One day, Sophia asked Pau to have dinner with her at a restaurant. Nothing too luxurious or special, just a regular restaurant. He didn't want to reject Sophia or hurt her feelings, so he simply accepted, and they agreed on a day and time.
The day finally arrived, and there they were. Pau didn't order anything too expensive, and neither did Sophia. They only ordered a main course. Pau ordered pasta with Bolognese sauce, while Sophia ordered a Spanish potato omelet.
Once they finished eating, Pau felt the need to pay the entire bill himself, so he did. He didn't have much money other than what his mother had given him for dinner, but luckily, he managed to pay for the entire meal.
After dinner, they walked together to a plaza and took a seat.
Sophia started talking about how delicious the food had been, while Pau simply listened to her.
At one point during the conversation, Sophia started looking directly into Pau's eyes, and Pau did the same. He noticed that Sophia was beginning to lean toward him.
She wanted to kiss Pau.
Pau immediately panicked.
It was going to be his first kiss. The first kiss of a fifteen-year-old boy. He didn't know what to do, so he simply followed Sophia's lead and leaned toward her as well.
Their lips met.
He was kissing a girl.
Once the clumsy kiss ended, Pau looked into Sophia's eyes. It seemed like Sophia had enjoyed kissing him.
But Pau?
Pau hadn't.
As hard as he tried, he couldn't force himself to like girls. He wasn't attracted to Sophia.
After Pau returned home, but not before walking Sophia back to her house, he immediately blocked her on Instagram.
He wasn't ready to continue with the lie.
And the second boy Pau had liked was... Marc.
Pau found Marc extremely attractive. His face, his deep voice, his height, his body. Basically, everything about him.
But Pau didn't only like Marc's appearance. He also liked his personality and how understanding he was.
On Pau's first day at his new school, he was lonely and afraid. Everyone already had their own groups, and of course, he wasn't included in any of them. He was sitting alone in a corner of the courtyard.
Until Marc approached him.
It was Marc's first day at the school as well. He didn't have any friends either.
-Hey.- He greeted Pau first, a bit shyly.
Pau immediately looked up and saw a boy smiling at him and extending his hand toward him.
-Hello.- Pau said very quietly. He was very shy.
He extended his hand and shook Marc's.
Marc immediately sat next to him.
-It's your first day as well, right?- Marc asked while looking directly at Pau.
-Yes. I don't have any friends, and you're the only person who has approached me to talk.- Pau said while avoiding Marc's eyes. He was very shy.
-It's my first day as well, and I don't have any friends either. But you know what? We can be friends if you want.- Marc said, smiling at Pau.
Pau immediately froze.
-Re-really? You want to be my friend?- Pau asked shyly.
-Yeah, I'd like to be your friend. But... Have we even asked each other's names yet? My name is Marc!- Marc said, smiling at Pau again.
Pau found that gesture very sweet. He started to feel more comfortable and looked into Marc's eyes.
-My name is Pau.- He said, a little less shyly, smiling at Marc.
-Glad to know you, Pau!
Gosh... That was what Pau loved about Marc. His entire being. The way he treated Pau, how sweet he was toward him, and how protective he was of him.
But Pau had learned to hide his feelings. He didn't want to lose another friend and end up alone again.
This time, he would never confess to Marc. He would always hide his feelings for him.
-Pau, are you there? What are you even thinking about?- Marc asked.
Pau blinked and immediately directed his gaze toward Marc's eyes.
-Oh, yes, sorry. I was thinking about...- Pau had to lie.
-I was thinking about Lamine and his terrible taste in fashion.
-But haven't we agreed that we should stop thinking or talking about Lamine?- Hector asked, raising an eyebrow.
-Yeah, sorry, my bad. What were we talking about?- Pau paused. -Oh yeah, your girlfriend, Aurora.- Pau pointed toward Marc.
-I was saying that I've progressed with my girlfriend. We went from Instagram to WhatsApp, and we're planning to see each other next week, maybe after school!- Marc said happily.
Gosh, those words were destroying Pau. He couldn't stand seeing Marc... his Marc, with someone else who wasn't him.
He couldn't stop thinking about Marc kissing Aurora's lips instead of his.
He definitely needed to make an even greater effort to hide his feelings for Marc.
-Oh, seriously? I'm glad you're progressing with your girlfriend!- Those words came out of Pau's mouth, but it felt like they were burning.
-Yeah, we're very glad, Marc!- Hector smiled.
-Thank you, guys! I'll keep you all updated!- Marc smiled at both Hector and Pau.
· · ─ ·ʚɞ· ─ · ·
Once they returned from recess, they had math class. Pau was once again trying his best to concentrate, but unfortunately, Lamine had to start being noisy again.
As soon as Pau heard Lamine laughing, he clenched his jaw.
-This stupid boy. I hope he gets expelled already. I seriously can't stand him.- Pau muttered to Marc, who was sitting next to him.
-Bro, can this idiot just shut up? He's so annoying.- Marc replied.
-For real.
Pau tried his best to ignore the noise and focus on the teacher's explanation, but he miserably failed when he heard Lamine and Nico laughing once again.
It was a long class. He had to put up with those two boys laughing the entire time.
Luckily, once the teacher finally ran out of patience, she didn't make Marc change seats with Lamine, so Pau didn't have to deal with Lamine sitting beside him again.
Eventually, the final bell rang. Pau immediately began packing his things, relieved that the school day was finally over.
As he was putting his books into his backpack, he noticed Lamine approaching him and Marc.
Lamine stopped in front of them and smirked.
-Oh, God. Look at this freak. I bet Marc and Hector are his only friends. That's pathetic.
Pau could feel his jaw clench once again, and his entire body began to boil with anger.
Pau simply couldn't understand why Lamine hated him so much. They had never even exchanged a word before, and he couldn't understand Lamine's behavior toward him.
But if Lamine hated Pau, then Pau hated Lamine.
The feeling was mutual.
Before Pau could respond to Lamine, Marc stepped in and positioned himself in front of Pau.
To be honest, Pau wasn't the type of person who wanted to fight. He considered himself a peaceful person. But if he had to put some stupid boy who was disturbing him in his place, he wouldn't hesitate.
Luckily, he didn't have to worry about that. He had his friend Marc to protect him from people like Lamine.
And that only made Pau fall even more in love with Marc.
-So what if he only has two friends? What's your problem with that?- Marc said to Lamine.
Lamine laughed and raised an eyebrow.
-Oh... What is this? Aww, are you protecting your little friend, Pau Cubarsí, because he isn't capable of doing it himself?
Marc immediately reacted. He grabbed one of Lamine's arms and squeezed it firmly.
-I'm sure Pau is capable of defending himself, but what harm could a little extra help do?- Marc said, squeezing Lamine's arm even harder.
Lamine's smile disappeared, replaced by a pained expression.
Before Lamine could get himself out of the situation, he glared at both of them before pulling Marc's hand away from his arm.
Then he turned around and walked away, heading directly toward his group of friends: Nico, Gavi, Ferran, and Pedri.
To be honest, Pau didn't hate any of them except Lamine.
Actually, he didn't really hate anyone. He had barely spoken to most of his classmates, and when he did, it was usually just a short conversation. Still, he believed he got along well with the rest of them.
So he was sure that whatever problem Lamine had with him came entirely from Lamine's side.
Pau looked at Marc and smiled. He was genuinely grateful to his friend for defending him.
-Thanks!
-Don't worry about it.- Marc replied with a smile.
The two left the classroom and waited outside for Hector.
Once Hector finally came out, the three of them headed toward the bus stop together.
On the way there, Pau and Marc told Hector everything that had happened with Lamine.
Hector stared at them in disbelief.
-Wait, Marc actually confronted him?
-Yeah.- Pau replied.
Hector laughed.
-Lamine seriously deserved to be put in his place, but I could have done it myself.- Pau said in a sarcastic tone.
-I know you could have done it yourself, but help is always better, Pau!- Marc said with a smile.
-Yeah, Pau. We're your friends, so we'll always be here for you.
-Yep. I'll always defend my friends.- Marc smiled.
Friends...
What an interesting word to describe someone's relationship.
Pau didn't want to only be Marc's friend.
He wanted to be more than that.
The three continued walking toward the bus stop, chatting about what had happened.
Pau, however, remained mostly quiet.
He listened to his friends talking while thinking about Lamine. He still couldn't understand how someone could be so loud, reckless, and disrespectful.
As far as Pau was concerned, Lamine was the most annoying person he had ever met.
And he absolutely hated him.