Byler Oneshots

Will:-

Max walked me to the door of my house, her concern palpable. "Will you be okay?" she asked softly.

I nodded, trying to muster a confident smile. "Yeah, I'll be fine," I replied, though the anxiety gnawing at me suggested otherwise. Max gave me a small, reassuring smile before turning to leave.

I entered the house quietly, taking off my mask and holding it tightly in my hand. The thrill of kissing Mike was still fresh in my mind, but my fear of facing my father overshadowed that joy. I was halfway to my room when I heard his voice.

My mom and dad are divorced and he lives in another city, but he came here for only couple of weeks because of his work, and mom let him stay with us since he is my father.

"Will, what on earth are you doing looking like that?" he barked, his tone sharp.

I froze, turning slowly to face him. He was sitting on the couch, watching TV, but his attention was now fully on me. His eyes scanned me critically, and I could see the disappointment and anger etched on his face.

"Where were you till this hour?" he demanded. "And why do you look like that? And don't get me started on how you walk, like a girl. This is unacceptable."

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "I was at a party," I said, my words coming out shaky. "With some friends."

"A party?" he echoed, his tone dripping with disdain. "Dressed like this and walking like that? You should be ashamed. You were supposed to be home earlier. And what's with the mask? Do you think this is some kind of joke?"

I tried to muster a response, but my voice caught in my throat. The weight of the night, combined with his harsh words, was too much.

"Look at you," he continued, shaking his head. "This is what happens when your mother tries to raise you. She turned you into a girl or what!"

I felt a lump in my throat, but I fought to hold back any visible reaction. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He scoffed, turning back to the TV. "Sorry doesn't cut it, Will. You need to toughen up. Start acting like a man."

My chest tightened, and I struggled to breathe, but I remained silent.

I turned and walked up to my room, each step feeling heavier than the last.

Once in my room, I changed into more comfortable clothes.

Lying in bed, I couldn't shake the replay of the evening. Did Mike really kiss me? That kiss brought a warmth and happiness I haven't felt in ages.

"Did he really kiss me?" I murmured softly,
Smiling awfully, he made me forget my father's words.

Falling asleep to this, made me pray to see Mike in my dreams.

** ***

8:45 am

The next morning after the party, the school buzzed with whispers and rumors. Jason, one of the school's most popular basketball players, had sent out an invitation for everyone to gather in a specific classroom.