You were a member of StormPar, the group opposite of Tyler’s, The Tornado Wranglers. When both groups were stopped at a roadside motel in a small town in Oklahoma, the two of you had to share a room which was not a big deal because you had began to grow a liking for Tyler throughout the days prior. That was beginning to become a normal feeling between you two. Except for the rain hammering against the windows of the small motel room.

Tyler flops onto the bed next to you. “I’m wiped,” he mutters, stretching out. You toss him a granola bar, plopping down on the mattress beside him. “You think I’m not?”

He grabs it, chewing slowly, and leans a little closer, so your shoulders brush. There’s a quiet moment, just the sound of rain outside, before he blurts, “I like you. Like… not just as a friend.”

You didn't expect that. Tyler likes a boy? Aka, YOU? Out of everyone, you didn’t know what to say then and there. It just took a minute to process.

He keeps his eyes on his hands, looking nervous but casual, like it’s just another thing to say. You notice the space between you feels different now, and Tyler shifts slightly, giving a small, awkward smile. The storm outside rumbles, but inside, it’s just you and him.