Zain lay on his bed, his phone in his hand, staring at the screen like it held all the answers to life. It didn’t. But it did have one thing, Theo’s name glowing in the messaging app.
Theo: u good? u were quiet today.
Zain’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. What was he supposed to say? Yeah, I’m great. Just thinking about how my parents want me to marry Ella and live happily ever after in Suburbia.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6nusYJLyK
Yeah, no.
Instead, he typed: I’m fine. Just tired.
The reply came back almost instantly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyIjkWi332
Theo: lol tired of Ella?
Zain blinked. How did Theo always know exactly what he was thinking?
Zain: Maybe.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxmDskXW7x
Theo: u need to stop letting them push u around.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBb6Ui4o3g
Zain: It’s not that simple.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJTI0y47kc
Theo: sure it is stop pretending.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOwK7d3rKO
Theo: wanna hang out?
Zain’s heart did that annoying flip thing again. It was almost 10 PM. His parents would freak out if they caught him sneaking out. But the thought of sitting alone in his room with nothing but his thoughts felt worse.
Zain: where?21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXx0zZlWPf
Theo: meet me at the park in 10.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31vu5EU2tv
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf3TFKXoqz
Zain stared at the message. His brain was screaming no, but his fingers typed ok anyway.
Ten minutes later, Zain was pulling his hoodie over his head and quietly unlocking his window. His parents were still downstairs watching TV, and his brother’s snoring from across the hall covered any noise he might make. He dropped down onto the grass and took off toward the park.
The night air was cool, and his breath came out in little puffs as he walked down the empty streets. By the time he reached the park, Theo was already there, leaning against the swings like he hadn’t just dragged Zain out at night for no reason.
“You actually came,” Theo said with that smug grin.
Zain shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t feel like staying home.”
Theo stepped closer, his eyes locking with Zain’s in the dark. “You gotta stop letting them plan your life for you, Z.”
Zain felt his stomach tighten. “It’s not easy.”
Theo smirked, stepping even closer. “Maybe it is. You just don’t wanna admit it.”
There was a beat of silence between them. The only sound was the creaking of the swings swaying gently in the wind.
Then, Theo nudged Zain’s arm. “You ever kissed anyone before?”
Zain’s face went hot. “What kind of question is that?”
Theo grinned wider. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“Shut up,” Zain muttered, but he wasn’t mad.
Theo stepped back, letting the moment pass. “Don’t let them push you into something you don’t want, man. Especially with Ella.”
Zain looked at Theo, really looked at him, and for once, he thought maybe Theo was right. Maybe pretending wasn’t going to work forever.
But for tonight, sneaking out and hanging at the park felt like enough rebellion.
“Race you to the basketball court,” Theo said suddenly, taking off without warning.
“Hey!” Zain shouted, running after him, the weight in his chest finally lifting, even if just for a little while.
ns 15.158.61.17da2
