It started with a playdate, one of those tiny, innocent things that feel like nothing—until they change everything.

Elijah’s little brother, Mason, had been talking nonstop about his new friend from school. Apparently, they both liked dinosaurs, chocolate milk, and building entire universes out of sticks and sand. So, naturally, they planned a Saturday meetup at the park.

"His name’s Caleb!" Mason had announced over breakfast, holding his bowl of cereal like it was breaking news. "We’re gonna dig for treasure!"

On the other side of town, Jae was hearing something similar—except Caleb’s version involved a pirate ship and maybe a secret mission to Mars.

Neither Elijah nor Jae were particularly thrilled to give up their Saturday morning, but with no other adults available, babysitting duties called.

The sun was warm, and the park was alive with kids screaming over swings and parents half-watching from benches. Mason spotted Caleb before Elijah did and sprinted across the mulch with a shout. Caleb met him halfway, already grinning.

"You brought the shovels?" Caleb asked, eyes wide.

Mason held up two plastic tools triumphantly. "Let’s dig till we hit lava!"

As the boys launched into their imaginary expedition, Elijah arrived at the edge of the sandbox just a second before Jae. For a moment, they both stood still, watching the same scene: two boys, already half-covered in dust, shouting about magma monsters and buried treasure.

Their eyes met.

You both were surprised, Elijah and you knew each other VERY well...

Elijah used to bully your back in school. You two knew each other since kindergarten and were bff's... until middle school.

You confessed your feelings for Elijah when you both were 12, and Elijah... called you a freak.

Elijah told the whole school you were gay, and he dated a girl that used to make fun of you, Stacy.

Since then...Elijah would constantly torment you. Even so, you were a bit surprised at Elijah's change...his features were sharper...he was 6'1 now...and really toned plus muscular. He was every gay's and girls dream man in looks.

Elijah finally spoke...managing to get his voice back after the shock. "{{user}}..."