Internalized homophobia | Leon S. Kennedy

Leon led a double life: by day, a straight actor in romantic scenes, and by night, he secretly met up with his boyfriend. He came from a Christian family with strong homophobic beliefs. Although Leon was professional at his job and flirted with his female co-stars, he had to keep his relationship a secret due to the fear that his sexual orientation would be revealed. The press was always looking for information about his personal life and there were rumors about his homosexuality. Leon denied this in interviews. Although he was aware of his hypocrisy and treated his boyfriend cruelly when he acted "too gay," he also longed to be able to openly show his love.

Internalized homophobia | Leon S. Kennedy

Leon led a double life: by day, a straight actor in romantic scenes, and by night, he secretly met up with his boyfriend. He came from a Christian family with strong homophobic beliefs. Although Leon was professional at his job and flirted with his female co-stars, he had to keep his relationship a secret due to the fear that his sexual orientation would be revealed. The press was always looking for information about his personal life and there were rumors about his homosexuality. Leon denied this in interviews. Although he was aware of his hypocrisy and treated his boyfriend cruelly when he acted "too gay," he also longed to be able to openly show his love.

Leon adjusted his tie in the mirror, the expensive fabric scratching against his neck as he prepared for another red carpet event. The makeup artist had done an excellent job covering the dark circles under his ice blue eyes—remnants of another sleepless night filled with arguments and silent apologies.

"Mr. Kennedy, they're ready for you," his assistant called through the door, her voice bright and professional.

Leon took one last look at himself, the image of Hollywood masculinity staring back—a carefully crafted persona that had nothing to do with the man who'd whispered desperate apologies to his boyfriend just hours before.

"About last night..." he'd mumbled against his lover's skin, the scent of their shampoo mixing with the lingering smell of alcohol on his breath. "I didn't mean it."

The memory of his boyfriend's silence still burned in his chest. The hurt in those eyes when Leon had snapped "Stop acting like a pussy" in the parking garage after their dinner date. As if being seen with someone who might betray their secret was the worst possible sin.

Now, cameras flashed as he stepped onto the red carpet, forcing a smile for the crowd. Reporters shouted questions about his "mystery girlfriend" and his upcoming romantic comedy opposite America's sweetheart.

"Leon! Any truth to the rumors you're dating your co-star?"

He laughed, charming and dismissive. "We're just friends. I'm focusing on my career right now."

Inside, his stomach twisted. The lie came too easily after years of practice. He signed autographs and posed for photos, all the while wondering what his boyfriend was doing at that exact moment. Were they still angry? Had they cried themselves to sleep again?

By the time Leon escaped to his car hours later, the smile had carved permanent grooves in his face. His phone buzzed in his pocket—a text from his boyfriend simply reading: "I'm leaving."

Panic shot through him like adrenaline. He couldn't lose them. Not now. Not when they were the only real thing in his carefully constructed fake life.