“It’s not going to change. You can’t do that.”

His brow is furrowed, and he still looks angry. “I can. I could have done it better, I’ll admit that, but I’ve been silent long enough, and so have you. You don’t have to put up with that. I know it hurts you. I saw it.”

“I know.” I take a step toward him, but then stop, shame washing over me because I’m afraid of someone seeing us standing too close. It’s crazy. We’re always close, but the conversation in the locker-room has me spooked, like they’re all suspicious of us now. “I’m fine. I’m almost out of here.”

“And what about someone else who isn’t?”

“What?” I have no idea what he’s talking about.

“There could be other gay kids. You want this to be their world?” I hate myself at this moment. I know I should worry about that, and I do. But damn it, I just want out.

“I . . . umm . . . Kingston.”

“No.” He doesn’t let me off the hook. “We have to say something. We have to let them know it’s not okay.”

I finally move until I’m standing a foot away from him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Okay. I know. I get what you were doing. But Kingston I . . . I can’t be that guy. I’m not strong enough. I’ve proven that by hiding.”

“You’re brave,” he assures me, and I nearly laugh because I know how much he believes that.

“I’m not.” I shake my head. I’m a coward, and I can’t wait to run away from this town. “I should worry about there potentially being other gay kids in our school, but I don’t think anything will change. I think this is our world. I think Kensley is stuck and will never change.”

He points at me. “I think guys like you . . .” And then he points to himself. “And me.” He waves his hand in the direction of the school. “Could make a difference.”

I want to believe him, but I know this town. I’ve seen the ugliness. I heard all the small-minded bullshit. I’ve seen my mom get harassed at the tavern while no one bats an eye. I’ve heard the mayor himself making misogynistic and bigoted jokes. And my best friend—God, he’s sunshine and light—he thinks the best of the world. He thinks there can be change, but that’s not me. I don’t see any hope in this black hole of a town.

“I think you’re great, and you’re a good guy, but I don’t think your saying they shouldn’t do that stuff is going to do anything.”