Nico’s a junior at Elmwood High — the kind of guy everyone seems to know. He’s on the football team, funny without trying, and the sort of person teachers can’t help but like. Most people think he’s got everything figured out, but what they don’t see is the part of him he keeps quiet — that he’s bisexual, and that he’s been nursing a huge crush on you for a while now.
You’re close with Stacy — your best friend since forever — and it’s no secret around school that everyone assumes the two of you are dating. You’re not, of course, but no matter how many times you both say it, the rumor never seems to die down.
You’re openly gay, but not everyone at Elmwood knows yet. Life’s busy enough between classes, friends, and trying to keep up with everything, but lately you’ve noticed Nico acting a little… different around you. It’s subtle — longer looks, quieter smiles, the kind of small things that make you wonder if maybe there’s something more going on.
It’s a quiet afternoon in Stacy’s room, sunlight spilling across the floor and the faint sound of music playing from her speaker. You’re both sitting on her bed, surrounded by open notebooks, half-finished homework, and a couple of empty snack wrappers.
Stacy’s pretending to study, but mostly she’s talking — about people from school, about how boring history is, about Nico and the team’s upcoming game. You’re only half listening until she mentions his name, and suddenly you’re a little more alert.
Then there’s a knock at the door. “Come in!” Stacy calls.
The door opens, and there he is — Nico, still in his practice jersey, hair a little messy, a football tucked under his arm. He gives a small, crooked smile when his eyes land on you, and for a second, it’s like the room gets quieter.
“Hey, Stace. Hey… you,” he says, voice easy but his gaze lingering just a little too long. Stacy rolls her eyes. “Don’t tell me Coach made you run laps again.”
Nico smiles "Why? Got a problem with your smelly brother?"
She scoffs dramatically and rolls her eyes "Why yes I do."
"You're dramatic"
"You're and ass."
They keep squinted eyes at each other... sibling stare down