Boyfriend Goals

by Riley Hart

There would be a whole lot less problems in the world if everyone just spoke the truth.

His auburn hair was short and styled neatly. He didn’t run his hands through it like I did. Somehow, I knew that wasn’t something Milo ever did when he was uncomfortable or unsure. Freckles danced across his nose and cheekbones. He had wide doe eyes, the color of the sky on a perfect spring day, and apparently the ability to inspire poetry-like thoughts because I sure as shit didn’t usually think of things that way.

“I like you a lot. You’re one of my first friends, but it’s too early to love me anyway. I’m comfortable with the fact that it will come with time.”

“You know…it’s okay to need someone sometimes, Milo. It’s okay to want to stand on your own too, but needing someone doesn’t make you weak. It’s not unique to you.”

how had I ever lived in a world where I hadn’t had the privilege of kissing Gideon? How had I survived it? Been happy in it?

“I need to order a car. I’m going home…to tell Gideon I love him.” I’d still give him a piece of my mind, though, too.

I know it doesn’t always make things easy, but I’m not sorry about who I am. I like me.”

“I’m not sorry about who you are either. I’m so fucking crazy about you. Don’t you know that?” He looked up at me with big, blue, trusting eyes that had the key to unlock everything inside me. “I’m in love with you.”

“Milo, your boyfriend just admitted he’s crazy in love with you, and you’re annoyed he said it before you?” “Yes, yes I am.”

“I love you too. You make me happy in ways I didn’t know I needed. You’re smart, kind, funny, and talented. You accept people as they are. You accept me, and you love me for it, for all those pieces of me that other people think are strange. You are…” He stepped in closer again, wrapping his arms around my waist. “My favorite person in the whole world…even when you make mistakes.”

“You’re my favorite person too. You make me feel wanted, and that’s even better than feeling needed. I never had that before you. I didn’t feel wanted or like I belonged. Even if it doesn’t make sense to others, and even if we’re different, we fit together, Lo.” I brushed the back of my hand against his cheek. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I don’t ever want you to feel like I don’t trust your judgment or that I’m embarrassed of what might happen. But you have to understand that I’m not perfect, that I’ll make mistakes and so will you.”