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Is that what it’s like having a crush on someone who doesn’t want you back? It steals your light?
Mason says, “I’ve seen it, bro. In the shower. You’ve got Thor’s hammer down there.”
Lack of support, especially from someone you’re interested in, is destructive.
Acceptance has an amazing effect on people who pretend they don’t need it.
Girls can be handsome and boys—boys like Emir—can be beautiful too.
It’s okay. He tightens his arms around Emir. It’s cool that everyone has their moments of overthinking.
She’s evolved into Grey two-point-oh.
Coach shakes his head. He’s talking about more than just Sebastian, more than Willie and Mason. It’s anyone who gets stamped with a label, who’s predicted to fail because of society’s rules, because of a stereotype.
You are not defined by who you love. It’s a slogan for a poster or a T-shirt, but, holy shit, it says so much. Sebastian can see, in vibrant Technicolor, the one thing that’s missing for him: respect. Not acceptance. Because that would mean Sebastian wants people to approve of him. Of his affection for Emir. He’s not searching for that brand of recognition. He wants people to respect him regardless of who he falls for.
Telling his friends about Emir is like coming out. How did it become that heavy? Why do people let things so precious to them turn into dark, unbearable secrets?
It’s an accident when the tears drip off Sebastian’s eyelashes. When did he become such a drama queen? “I can handle it.” “Check you out.” Mason whistles. “You came to camp a loser and you’re leaving a man.
Sometimes it’s okay not to be the perfect best friend. Sometimes it’s okay for your friends to take care of you.
Sebastian walks away with one thought: Willie and Hunter are perfect for each other.
“Just because people create rules doesn’t mean those are your rules.
“Those boys are ruthless. Thank the heavens we stopped having children after you, because now I have three sons when I only asked for one.”
Willie shouts, moving swifter than any boy on crutches should.
In his head, the soundtrack to Sebastian’s life with Emir is vibrant and loud, like electric indigo. It’s thunderstorms over a city. It’s neon-bright, like summer fireflies. The crappy PA system is playing M83, and it’s perfect.
She’s hip to hip with Willie, and Mason is leaning into her. Huh. That might work out.
Life is a summer storm of insecure thoughts. There’s an umbrella of precautions to prevent insecurity, but it doesn’t always keep the rain out of your face.
