Campus Crush novel Chapter 7

"What's wrong?"

"Y-you don't support it," he concluded. "That's why you didn't respond."

"I-I do! I just... I really like your shirt."

He gasped lightly, his eyes illuminating. "I have tons more!" And just like that, be sprang to life again, using animated gestures. "They all have different quotes -- ooh, maybe I could show you them sometime! Or maybe, if you come to the meeting tonight, I'll give you a pair to wear. And you can keep it!" His enthusiasm was radiating, and I could feel that the joy of being gay was something he held dear to his heart. In less than a minute, Lucas had already fashioned plans and ideas for us to hang out, and I couldn't refuse.

I didn't like labels, but I was sure that I wasn't straight. I was something, just not that. I didn't exactly know what name to put to it, but maybe Lucas could help with that. Maybe going to this meeting could help me make supportive friends. Lord knew I needed that now more than ever.

"Lucas, maybe we could grab some breakfast right now?" My cheeks began to heat up just because I was actually asking another human being to do something with me.

Eagerly, he nodded and started walking backwards. "We could go to the new dining hall!"

I followed him to the elevator and we waited for it to come up.

"I can't believe it! I'm gonna call my aunt later so we can squeal and fangirl about you!" He clasped his hands, springing up just slightly. I knew he'd be a handful, so I'd be sure to introduce him to Ava if I saw her. They might get along very well, plus she obviously supported the LGBT+ community as well.

Lucas led the way to Chase Dining Hall, thankfully not too far from our dorms. It was a buffet-type dining hall, and that may contribute to the fact it was increasingly popular. We had to swipe our ID cards at the register first to be let in.

"I'm getting butt loads of chicken," Lucas told me, dragging me over to the serving counters. We grabbed plates and he snatched up a tong, shoving all kinds of meat onto his plate.

"I'm the most unhealthy person you'd meet. I eat a lot but my body digests too quickly," he explained.

I decided to go for some classic bacon and eggs, with a bagel and hot chocolate.

"Casper?" I heard someone call my name. It was a slightly high-pitched tone so I inferred that it was Ava. I looked at her and smiled.

"Hi."

"You came! That's great. My friend's still getting his food."

I nodded, feeling a bit queasy about this friend of hers. All I knew was that his name was Nash, he was gay, and he just got out of a long-distance relationship.

"Well, this is my, um, room neighbor, Lucas," I introduced. "Lucas, meet Ava."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify