The Line Between Us

The walk to campus feels longer than usual. Maybe it’s the backpack weighing me down—or maybe it’s the thoughts I can’t stop replaying.

Fox Wilder.

His smug smile. His cocky attitude. His way of making every comment feel like a personal attack. I don’t even know the guy, but I already want to slam a door in his face.

Maybe I should consider moving out.

Because what happens when he finds out I’m gay? And worse… that I sort of find him attractive? He’ll probably blow a fuse, call me names, and demand I pack up and leave.

Just thinking about it makes my stomach twist.

Why is he like that anyway? Why so angry about something that doesn’t even concern him?

My phone rings, yanking me from my spiral. I dig it out of my hoodie pocket, plug in my earbuds, and answer without checking the screen.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Hi, honey! How’s school?”

Her voice is bright and familiar, and I can hear pots clinking in the background—she’s cooking. My dad’s voice filters faintly through, probably watching the morning news from the table like always.

“It’s fine,” I say, dodging the truth. “Busy. But good. How are you guys?”

“We’re good,” she replies, cheerful. “Your father says hi.”

“Hey, Cam!” Dad’s voice gets louder. “How’s the roommate situation?”

I sigh, glancing up at the sky like it holds the answers.

What am I supposed to say?

That my roommate’s an incredibly attractive, emotionally unavailable jerk who probably thinks queer people are contagious? That I’ve known him for less than twenty-four hours and I already feel like I need therapy?

“He’s… fine,” I say carefully. “Keeps to himself.”

“He doesn’t bring home strange girls, does he?” Mom asks, her voice turning suspiciously sharp. “Or throw parties?”

I hesitate.

Honestly, I have no idea what he does when I’m not there—but judging by his vibe? Yeah, he totally seems like the type.

“Not yet,” I answer. “But it’s only been a day.”

“Is he…” my dad starts, and I already feel the cringe crawling up my spine, “…homo?”

“Jesus, Dad,” I mutter. “You can’t say that.”

“Say what?” His voice is louder now, indignant, like he’s the victim here.

I grit my teeth. “He’s not gay if that’s what you’re asking. He’s a homophobe who made that crystal clear, actually.”

There’s a pause. And then:

“Well, good. That’s a relief,” Dad says, like we’re talking about a dangerous allergy I narrowly avoided. “I can tolerate anything from your roommate—but not that. You hear me, Cameron? You’re in college now. New chapter. Leave those bad decisions in the past. I don’t want you hanging out with any of those weird kids or going to parties—especially frat parties. Focus on school and make smart choices. No more—”

“I gotta go, Dad,” I cut in, voice flat. “Running late.”

He starts to respond, but I’m already hitting End.

The silence that follows is both a blessing and a curse. My ears are still ringing, not from the call—but from the anger boiling quietly beneath the surface.

“Jesus,” I whisper, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. “Why do I have parents like that?”

They love me. I know that.

But their love feels conditional. Shaped by rules and boundaries I never agreed to.

And the worst part?

Fox Wilder might be rude, reckless, and impossible—but even he doesn’t feel as suffocating as they do.

I walk into my first class and am glad I’m early. The professor hasn’t arrived, and neither have many other students. I find a seat near the front and sit down. To avoid talking to anyone and looking awkward, I tap a song on my playlist and pull out my notepad. I hum along as I flip through my textbook.

Someone taps my shoulder, and I look up to see a guy. The first thing I notice is his rainbow earrings and a tight black shirt underneath a black denim jacket. I pull out one earphone.

“Is this seat taken?” He points to the seat next to mine.

“No.” I shake my head. He smiles and sits down.

I plug my earphone back in and continue to hum. This time, I turn the volume down a bit to stay aware of my surroundings.

“I love that song,” the guy says, looking at me.

I turn to him. “Thanks.” I pause the music on my phone.

“You’re a fan of Lil Nas X?” he asks.

I chuckle and nod. “Yeah, he’s amazing.”

“True. I’m Landon, by the way.” He stretches out his hand, and I take it.

“Cameron.”

“Nice to meet you, Cam. Public Administration major?”

“Political science, actually,” I respond.

“Pub Admin?” I ask, and he nods.

Landon is good-looking. If his stereotypical outfit didn’t scream that he’s gay, his confident demeanor does. I mean without the choice of outfit and his style, Landon can pass off as a straight guy. I wish I had the guts to be as open about my sexuality. I’d love to shout to the world that I’m gay and let anyone uncomfortable with it fall off a bridge or drink piss.

“Is this your first time in this class?”

“Yeah. I’m a freshman. Just started yesterday.”

“Ooh. How are you coping?” he asks.

“Not bad. My roommate is an ass, though.” I shrug. Landon laughs.

“I get you. Mine is a homophobe and likes to say shit about me, but I don’t really care.” Landon shrugs. I notice a group of guys on the left side of the classroom staring at Landon. Some give him disgusted looks while others just stare because he’s good-looking. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, slim build, and a beautiful milky complexion. I think I’m slightly taller than him.

“I’m sorry about your roommate. Mine isn’t any different.” I mutter, and Landon chuckles again.

The professor walks in shortly after, and he begins the lecture. After class, I gather my things and prepare to leave.

“Are you heading to the cafeteria? I’m pretty hungry,” Landon says as we walk down from our seats.

“Sure.” We exit the classroom and enter the crowded hallway.

“When’s your next class?”

“1 PM,” I answer.

“I guess we have the same class then.”

As we walk to the cafeteria, Landon and I chat about random topics, and it’s surprisingly interesting. He asks if I’ve made any friends yet, and I admit I haven’t. He mentions that he doesn’t have many friends either, but most are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and his best friend is a lesbian.

“So, where are you from?” Landon asks as we take a seat with our food.

“Florida. Grew up in this little town before moving back here. What about you?”

“Born and raised in New York,” Landon says as we start to eat.

“What brings you to Seattle?” I ask.

“I’m still asking myself that,” he replies, and we laugh.

“Well, my parents moved here when I was ten since my father was born here. He spent most of his life in Seattle before moving to Florida where he met my mom. I went to high school here, and they thought it’d be best for me to go to university here, too. I’m an only child, so they don’t want me traveling out of state alone to study in some strange place.” I explain. Part of it is also because they want to keep an eye on my life choices. God, it’s sad to think about.

It’s not like I’m complaining. I never really planned on leaving Seattle anytime soon. I didn’t care much about colleges, as long as they offered a good education.

“That’s crazy, I guess. I’m not an only child, but I’ve always wanted to leave New York and move across the state. Part of this educational journey is me trying to explore.”

“Seen anything fascinating yet?” I ask.

“I guess,” Landon smirks.

“Landon, you are such a bad friend.” A girl squeaks as she sits down next to him.

She has dark brown skin and long curls—she’s beautiful.

“I’m sorry, Nat. I thought you weren’t coming to school today,” Landon says.

“Why not?” she asks. She hasn’t seen me yet, so I don’t interrupt their conversation to introduce myself.

“You were drunk last night and even passed out. I thought you’d be dealing with a hangover this morning,” he replies.

Nat rolls her eyes and turns to look at me. I smile politely. She tilts her head at Landon, as if asking him something. He rolls his eyes and smiles back.

“No, you slut. We’re not dating. We met in our first class together. Plus, he’s straight,” Landon says to Nat.

“No, I’m not… I’m not really straight,” I mutter, biting my bottom lip. Landon stares at me with wide eyes. Great, I just came out to a total stranger who’s gay that I’m also gay.

I don’t know why I outed myself, but it feels good to say that to someone for the first time.

“You’re not?” Landon asks.

“Yeah,” I mumble, and he smiles.

“I’m Natalie, by the way. But call me Nat. This nut job here is my best friend.” She gestures to Landon.

“Nice to meet you,” I say, smiling at her. “I’m Cameron.”

“Nice name for a good-looking guy,” Nat adds.

“Thanks.”

Landon still looks like he’s in shock as he smirks at me. I chuckle slightly.

“You still look shocked?” I ask Landon.

“Maybe. I guess now I’m allowed to say you’re pretty good-looking yourself.”

I feel my cheeks warm as I glance around the cafeteria before returning my gaze to Landon.

“Thank you, Landon.”

“So, Cameron, you’re a freshman?” Nat asks, leaning in with curiosity.

“Yeah,” I reply, taking a sip from my bottle of water.

“And a Bus Admin nerd too?” Nat smirks, causing both Landon and me to chuckle.

“Not really. Political science major, actually.” I correct her, and she nods with a smile.

“Oh, great. Here come these assholes,” Landon mutters under his breath.

Nat and I glance over to see what’s caught his attention.

Of course.

Fox Wilder has just walked in.