National Anthem

NOAH POV

Noah was dreading the talk at lunch. Why did he suggest that? Now Izzy is probably going to spill the secret to the whole school at this rate!

As Noah was stressing out he entered the cafeteria when just his luck, Cody caught up to him.

"Hey Noah!" He shouted as he punched him in the shoulder. Ouch!

Noah knew it was a joke but he just sighed dramatically rubbing his arm. He could already see Izzy, Eva and Owen sat at their lunch table.

Eva had been in isolation pretty much the whole week which wasn't a surprise to Noah.

Cody got a mountain of sweets and sat down at the lunch table. "I GOT ANOTHER LETTER!!" He squealed.

Great.. Noah could tell even Eva knew by the 3 all looking at Noah and back at Cody grinning! Why did he even do this again?

CODY POV

I could see them all exchange weird looks but I didn't think anything of it. We spoke about ideas on who it could be though Izzy kept bringing up random people they saw in the corridors! Thanks a lot Izzy.

Owen gave the exact same advice as yesterday. No surprise there, he wasn't really a thinker if Cody was completely honest.

They all sat in silence while they ate until the bell for fourth period rung. Cody could still feel tension within the group but he didn't know why.

Cody was walking to class as he heard Eva running up to him! "Oh hey Eva!" He smiled his usual gapped tooth smile.

Eva just rolled her eyes at him. Rude much? "I have a plan but you have to follow along with it. Okay?"

When was Eva the gossipy type? He didn't question it and nodded his head enthusiastically.

"I would suggest maybe getting to school early and spying on your locker from the bathrooms. You said they were giving you a letter everyday right?"

Cody smiled and nodded "sure! Thanks Eva." She just rolled her eyes and walked off.

Eva reported back to Owen and Izzy that the plan was set in motion. They all knew Noah wouldn't confess to Cody so they had to get Cody to catch him in the action!

[ Time Skip ]

Cody woke up bright and early and made himself some toast with chocolate. What a surprise. He quickly tossed the rest into his mouth, grabbed his phone and backpack running out the door.

I soon arrived at school and hid behind the toilet door with my phone peeking from behind the wall. My secret lover won't catch me here!

NOAH POV

I walked into school this time with another lacey white envelope. I wasn't too bothered about being secret this time as I knew nobody would be around this early a morning.

I quickly slipped it into his locker and returned to my own gathering my things for the day.

I almost froze hearing shuffling behind me. Suddenly Cody appeared from behind the bathroom door as red as a tomato. Was he okay?

"Hey.. Noah." He whispered with his phone in this hand. I knew I was caught.

"I can explain!" I stammered looking around to see if anyone would overhear their conversation.

"What did you put in my locker?" Cody smiled mischievously. My hands were now clammy and I was sweating like crazy. It could have just been my 3 layers of clothing but I wasn't sure now.

"A bomb," I sarcastically answered. Cody then walked over to his locker opening it to see the envelope fall to the floor.

"This doesn't look like a bomb to me!" He grinned with one of his heart aching gapped toothed smiles. "Unless it's an invisible bomb." Cody chuckled at his own joke, why was this so cute??

I awkwardly laughed at his remark, he was finally learning the art of sarcasm.

Cody proceeded to open the letter, I knew I was doomed.

CODY POV

My cheeks flushed red as i read the note. Noah really did like me huh? The note read:

"Dear Cody,

It's me, again. Your 'secret lover' if you will. I see you keep staring at me in classes which makes my heart skip a beat like crazy, or I could be dying. I daydream that you would actually like me back.. maybe? I'm not sure. All I know is your cute, really cute. I probably won't confess but you'll probably find out sooner or later. :heart:

From, me."

Cody was grinning from ear to ear but when he looked up Noah wasn't there anymore. Way to ruin a moment Noah!

The whole day whenever I tried to speak to him he just buried his head further into his book or walked away from me. I was that of an issue?

As I was following him around trying to pick the best moment to speak he suddenly turned into the bathrooms. Probably fixing his hair? This was my chance I thought.

NOAH POV

I felt someone breathing down my neck as I jumped, turning round to see the person I really didn't want to talk to right now! Ugh why was life so fucking unfair!

"Hey Noah.. we need to talk." Cody sighed.

"SHH! Not here.. later." I then quickly scrambled out of the bathrooms. I so wanted to kiss him at that moment I had to restrain myself. Why was he following me around like Izzy does? I laughed at my own remark which earned a few weird looks from people around me.

I sat at our lunch table avoiding eye contact with Cody.

Owen spoke as he bounced up and down "I'm having a party tonight, would you all want to come? It'll probingly just be us 5 but.."

"YES YES YES!!" Izzy and Cody both squealed in delight.

"Sure I guess." Eva hummed.

I really didn't want to go but Izzy would hunt me down and force me to go nonetheless. I knew she was up to something but I just didn't know what.

"Fine." I sighed.

Owen was ecstatic as they all spoke about the party. I just kept reading. At least Cody wasn't pestering me, I knew he would at the party.

CODY POV

I just HAD to speak to Noah at this party! I think it's a sleepover? I'm not sure.

I really didn't know what to wear. I wish I was at Noah's house and could ask his siblings for help, it was horrible being an only child and all Noah did was complain! Typical Noah.

I smiled at this thought but snapped myself out this silly trance. I knew he liked me but he was just shy I guess?

I put on my best jeans and plaid shirt. It was honestly really comfy but I brought a hoodie just in case.

SHIT! It's 7:17 the party is in 13 minutes! I rushed out the door almost banging my head against the door frame.

Luckily i made it in time to see Izzy and Eva playing smash bro's, Noah reading a book and Owen making food in the kitchen.

Izzy squealed as she saw me and pulled me into a hug. I looked behind me to see Eva waving and Noah looking.. jealous? I just had to speak to him!

I didn't get a chance now as I was pulled into a tight hug by Owen and was forced to help make cookies with him. Though damn they smelt good. Maybe I could offer one to Noah?

Ugh! He just couldn't get that cute tanned skinned boy out of his head!

—————————————AUTHOR NOTE

I know this is a slow burn but I promise confession in the next chapter! This isn't the longest of chapters but it will all make sense soon!