Chapter 36
"Uh, uh."
Koi was being pulled along when he suddenly realized what was going on. It was still awkward, and he thought to himself that it would probably stay that way for a while. He hurriedly followed Ashley.
"Now, tell me."
Ashley led Koi to a secluded spot behind the school and, once they were alone, finally spoke up. The opportunity was there, but Koi still couldn’t find the words.
I’ve joined the cheerleading team, and I’ll have to dress in women’s clothing. I’ll need to practice the choreography too. And now they’re saying I need to skate. I don’t even have skates! Why? Because I don’t have the money!
"Koi."
Ashley spoke gently to Koi, who had his eyes tightly shut.
"Tell me, or I can’t help you."
His voice was soft, but Koi could tell he genuinely wanted to help. Still, after all the layers he had built around himself, Koi couldn’t bring himself to open up.
"Koi."
Ashley said again when Koi just lowered his head.
"Don’t you trust me?"