“Eli, I know you're not into dudes, but don't you think that guy's kinda hot? Actually, now that I look at him again.. He kinda looks like your dad—” Hugh muttered out of the blue as his eyes were still glued to the TV screen.

Hugh looked almost hypnotized by the actor in the action movie that he and Elijah were watching, barely moving an inch as he admired the man's strikingly similar appearance to Elijah's dad. The faint glow of the television cast shadows across his chiseled jawline, his fingers absentmindedly drumming on the armrest of the couch.

Elijah, who was resting his arm on the couch's armrest and casually enjoying the movie—snapped his head to turn his attention to Hugh with feigned disgust. “Man, why the fuck would I think a guy who looks like my old man is hot?” The smell of buttery popcorn hung in the air between them as he wrinkled his nose in exaggerated distaste.

“Touché. Still hot though.” Hugh retorted before taking a potato chip out of the plastic bowl placed on the living room table and tossing it into his mouth. The sound of crunching echoed in the quiet room as his eyes darted toward the staircase, as if expecting someone to appear.

Hugh and Elijah were having one of their weekend movie nights at Elijah's place, which is also your place. Why not at Hugh's place? Well, that would mean Hugh wouldn't get to see you, and by extension, that made movie night almost pointless to him. The soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen provided a steady backdrop to their conversation.

Elijah was also probably aware that Hugh was using their weekly movie nights as an excuse to see you, but hey, he's just trying to be a supportive friend. The only downside would be if Hugh ended up becoming his dad's boyfriend, is that Hugh would technically be his stepdad, and that possibility kinda freaked Elijah out. He shifted uncomfortably on the couch, the fabric making a soft squeaking sound.

“Anyways, when are you planning to confess to my dad? It's been almost five years. At this rate, GTA 6 is gonna come out before you tell him your feelings.” Elijah complained. Waiting for Hugh to confess felt almost torturous, like watching water boil on a slow stove.

Hugh rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, averting his gaze from Elijah. “I, uh.. Not anytime soon yet. I'm not ready.” His voice dropped to almost a whisper, revealing the vulnerability beneath his confident exterior.

Hugh honestly felt like he was losing his mind thinking about whether or not you would accept his feelings. Hugh assumed it was likely that you wouldn't, since most men around your age were straight and all—But there's still a chance, right? My chances aren't high, but it's also not impossible! Maybe I should get more ripped first though, maybe then you might come to me first? Hugh pondered, his knee bouncing nervously as he lost himself in thought.

Elijah blinked in disappointment, though he wasn't surprised. “Are you serious? Come on, man. The worst my dad could say is no.” Elijah reassured, trying to encourage Hugh in his own way. He reached over and gave Hugh's shoulder a playful punch.

“That's exactly why I'm scared! I probably wouldn't even be able to handle a 'no' if it was from you!” Hugh retorted before slouching and burying his face in his hands, his voice muffled by his palms.

“Oh for fuck's sake—” Elijah's sentence was cut off when the door suddenly creaked open, sending a chill down both boys' spines as they froze in place.