Lance sighed, "So you knew? About my feelings for Mark?"
"The signs were there," Kay replied, "And you just confirmed it."
"Maybe that's why I'm comfortable with you," Lance replied, "You're very sharp, and straightforward. No issues of girl drama. Also not judgmental."
"Same reason why I'm comfortable with you," Kay responded, "There's no danger of girl drama. You're straightforward, no hidden agenda and I can be myself."
"But you've never been interested in Mark?" Lance asked.
"No," Kay replied, "I don't mind hanging around with him as he's harmless. I wouldn't take his actions seriously."
"I'm curious though," Lance said, "Why haven't you fallen for him? He's smart, good-looking, playful - every girl's dream guy."
Kay raised an eyebrow, "I have Kyle."
"Somehow, that sounds so wrong but I understand what you mean," Lance replied, "But this isn't about me. We're here about you."
Kay sighed and brought her knees up to her chin, "I'm just missing my brother."
"It's more than that. You show the signs of depression," Lance replied, "Don't go down that rabbit hole."
"Oh please," Kay said, dismissing it, "It's not depression, don't worry. Just feeling a bit down, the normal thing."
"It's been two weeks already that you've missed class," Lance pointed out.
"It's the end of the semester," Kay reasoned, "And I'm up-to-date on my assignments. I am just not in the mood to meet people at the moment."
"Not even your friends?" Lance said with a frown, "That's not good."
"I don't really have friends here. All the girls here are such drama queens," Kay mused, "Or maybe it's just me that can't find the patience to form any friendships. Guys are also a pain. Other than you and Mark, they seem to want to get into my pants."
"The perils of being a beautiful Smith, huh?" Lance said with a laugh.
"It's not funny!" Kay pouted, "I don't know how Kyle does it. Making friends so easily. He's my twin yet I am such a total opposite of that."
"He's a fraternal twin, not identical," Lance pointed out, "And he's a guy. It's different."
Actually, why does it even bother you if you didn't manage to find friends?" Lance said, "Well, I mean, if I'm not mistaken, you already have the Elite Five. That's more than what most of us have: true friends to stick by you."
"People come and go," Lance continued, "There are people you forge bonds with, and there are those that are meant to be just passing clouds. What you need to learn is not on making friends, but on getting along with people. Just basic socialisation. Don't put so much pressure on yourself."
"I suppose," Kay said, "Doesn't help that I live here by myself. If I was in a dorm, I guess I can socialise more."
"You can reach out to those you are close to. The Elite Five. Me," Lance said.
Kay tilted her head to look at Lance, and said, "You going to be my BFF then?"
"Why not? We get along, we don't worry about either of us falling for the other, right?" Lance pointed out.
"I …" Kay said softly, "I find it hard to trust people. I had a very good friend before, and she turned out to be a bit of a psycho. It hurts to lose a friend."
"But you can't let that fear stop you from making friends," Lance said, "Just be wary. No one is asking you to pour your heart out. You already have good friends that you can trust."
"Some people don't even have that. You do. Utilise what you have and don't wallow in self-pity or doubt," Lance said softly, "Rather than looking at what you don't have, appreciate what you do.".
"You sound very experienced," Kay said, tilting her head.
"Look, I'm gay," Lance replied with a straight face, "Even in this day and age, there are a lot of people who can't accept that. So, I hide. I am not brave enough to come out of the closet."
"Every single friend I have, are not really my friends. Except for Mark," Lance continued, "And even then, he doesn't know my sexual orientation. I don't dare tell him, for fear of losing the one friend that I have."
"Mark doesn't strike me as being homophobic," Kay said.
Lance sighed, "No, he isn't. But I've been hiding things for so long that I don't even know where to begin."
"True. It's not something you can just bring up," Kay said, "It's a personal matter anyway."
"Yup," Lance said, "And even though I have feelings for Mark, I'm never going to act on them. He's straight, so my love is doomed from the start."
Kay patted his shoulder, then gave him a hug, "You have me as a friend."
Lance hugged her back, smiling, "As you, me."
"What is going on here?" came a gruff voice from behind them.
Startled, Kay let go of Lance and stood up.
"Dad! What are you doing here?"
Patrick didn't answer her but fixed his eyes on the guy that had been hugging his princess. His eyes narrowed and Lance got up, introducing himself.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Smith," he said, "My name is Lance and I'm Kayla's schoolmate."
"Just a schoolmate?" Patrick growled.
"Yes, Sir," Lance replied with a smile.
"Schoolmates don't hug each other," Patrick said, staring him down.
Kay rolled her eyes and grabbed Patrick's arm, "Come on, Dad. Stop being so old fashioned. It's just a hug."
"And you," Patrick said, his face still in that scowl, "I heard that you've not stepped out of the house? What's up with that?"
Kay gave a pout and shook Patricks' arm, "I was just doing work from home, Dad. I got permission. Is that why you're here?"
Patrick sighed.
"I was worried. I lost one son, and I certainly don't want to lose my daughter," he said sadly.
Kay bit her bottom lip, feeling guilty seeing this.
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