Young Hearts (2025)

Eli didn’t. But he said yes anyway.

“When I’m with you,” he began, “I feel like I’m not waiting anymore. Like the waiting room has a door, and you’re on the other side.” He swallowed. “I think I like you. Not just as a friend. I think my heart beats different when you’re near.”

The screen door squeaked in the breeze. A dog barked two streets over. Young Hearts

Eli sat down on the step, close but not touching. He looked at the scuffed toes of his sneakers.

“Hey,” Eli said.

It started with Leo.

Leo finally looked at him. His eyes were red-rimmed, but he nodded. Eli didn’t

That was the first secret: the yes that meant I want to stand next to you.

“You know how to fix this?” Leo asked. Like the waiting room has a door, and

The next morning, Eli rode his bike to the yellow house. Leo was on the porch, knees drawn to his chest. He didn’t look up.