12."She is He"

"Why are you quiet? say something, answer me?" Ian said raising his voice.

Sitting on the bench, looking at his angry best friend Leo was searching for words. what should he reply for keeping it secret and not confronting Ian with the truth about that night.

After a long time, which seemed like eternity Leo opened his mouth trying to explain.

"Reply to me dammit, I am asking something" Ian said.

"Will you let me speak, without an argument or interruption. I will tell you everything you want to know. Just don't judge me" Leo requested.

"I and Zoey had an argument that night, she always thought I was treating her just like friends nothing more" Leo started explaining.

"I know all of it, I spoke to Zoey already You just tell me why didn't you tell me it was you who kissed me" Ian questioned sounding harshly this time.

"Please I requested you not to cut me while I speak. Can you do that for once" Leo said politely

"Why should I? If it wasn't for zoey I would have never found out you kissed me. You never intended to tell me. Is that what you call friendsh.." before he could complete his sentence Leo cut him.

"Yes that's what I call friendship!" Leo said yelling at Ian. "You know what, Friends don't kiss each other and that's exactly what happened that night. What was I suppose to say when I myself wasn't sure why and how it happened" Leo said

"You were drunk Ian it wasn't your mistake but I wasn't, I knew exactly what was happening and I didn't stop myself or you for that matter. I couldn't sleep that entire night thinking how to face you next morning. But when I met you who didn't remember his first kiss I thought its better to forget about it". Leo went on explaining

"Have you listened to yourself every time you talk about that kiss, you always refer to your kisser as "SHE" she made me feel this, she made me feel that, she is love of my life and so on. How was I suppose to tell you, it wasn't she but he, A man who took away the most precious moment of your life, your first kiss. Especially someone who has always dated women and has never been interested in men. What do you think it would have made you feel" Leo said finally getting chance to take it out his system.

"I still made up my mind and gathered courage to tell you, when we went for dinner at restaurant after school. Remember, I asked you who would you want to be the one you kissed and after I heard what you said I couldn't hurt you or made you feel less of a man because you really cherished this feeling of first kiss. I thought it was better for you to keep it as a beautiful memory" Leo said with teary eyes.

"I am your bestfriend Ian, I shouldn't have done that to you ever. I was guilty all along, I even tried to avoid you for days because I didn't know how to face you afterwards. We know each other since childhood Ian. You know me better then my parents. I lack social skills perhaps that's the reason you are my only friend whom I care for so much. How could I ruin it. I was afraid of losing you Ian. Trust me I never meant to hurt you with my silence. I thought it was the only way to keep our friendship. I don't want to lose you Ian, our friendship means the world to me" he said and with that tears which he couldn't hold anymore started to fall on his cheeks.

Ian who wanted to say something but controlled himself after he saw his bestfriend in tears. He could see how hurt Leo was for what happened that night. He wanted to wipe his tears but hesitated. Perhaps he was feeling indifferent after knowing his soul kisser is by his side.

"My mom must be looking for me, and you need to go home too. Lets go" he said and slowly got up and started walking followed by Leo. When they reach there home none of them said good bye or even looked at each other.

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Ian decided to avoid school for few days, he made all sorts of reasons and excuses to not see Leo until he is back to his normal self. However, it was not easy for Ian he couldn't stay away from Leo more than a day. He kept watching over Leo's bedroom window every evening to get glimpse of him but was always disappointed finding his bedroom's lights off. Perhaps Leo is keeping himself busy practicing he thought.

Paul called Ian to check on him as he wasn't attending school. After avoiding his calls for three days finally Ian answered.

"All well Ian, where are you? Paul said from the other side.

"Sorry Paul, I was not keeping well so couldn't reply to your calls and messages" he lied.

"That's already Ian, as long as you are ok. How you feeling now?" Paul enquired.

"I am alright, will be back to school tomorrow" he said

"Ok than, see you tomorrow" Paul said in excitement.

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Next day Ian walked to school alone, he didn't wait for Leo to message neither he informed him he will be going to school today.

After taking his seat in the classroom he became restless as his eyes couldn't find the person he wanted to see the most.

"Hey Ian, I missed you my friend" Paul said hugging Ian with one hand over his shoulder.

"I missed you too buddy" Ian replied with grin, "quickly tell me what all have happened while I was gone". He enquired.

"Nothing much I was bored, I felt like an alien from another planet with no one to have fun around. It was cruel of you both to leave me alone, how can you both fall sick at the same time" he said pouting.

"Both? What happened? Where is Leo?" Ian couldn't hide worry in his voice.

"You don't know? Really? So called best friends", Paul said scanning Ian all over with astonishment.

"The day you were absent he came alone, I asked him about you but he was clueless. He looked lost entire day, he sprained his ankle during practice, his team mates say Leo wasn't paying attention. I believe he was not keeping well" Paul finished.

"Lets catch up with him today after school, what say?" Paul asked considering Ian agreed after all Leo is his best friend and neighbor.

"No, not today" Ian said immediately. "I have missed my lectures last few days and I need to complete it" Ian said touching his neck avoiding Paul.

Ian was feeling pathetic at school today, he was excited rather apprehensive to face Leo, he thought of different excuses to say to Leo once they face each other. But without Leo school was boring and lonely place to Ian today, he was barely holding on not seeing Leo last 3 days only to find out he won't see him another few days as he is resting due to injury.

After reaching home, Ian felt hopeless like a dying plant which isn't watered for last few days and wont survive another day without it. He knew he had to do something, He cant just ignore his friend, who is rather hurt physically and emotionally.

He picked up his phone to make a phone call, but then changed his mind. Talking to Leo wont do any good, he had to see him desperately he thought. Ian never knew this feeling of missing for someone, he never felt the urge to see him so much.

I need to see him now ! Ian said pulling himself together proceeding towards Leo's house.