Page 53 of Hey, Stepbro

"Does anyone else know?" Justin finally asks.

"No," I reply. "Only us. We've been keeping it a secret, but I figured I had to tell you. It's been eating away at me—having to hide."

My two friends look at each other again, grinning. Pablo speaks first.

"Brock, you know this is going to be tough. People won't understand, and you could get into a lot of trouble."

"I know the risks, but I love him and I want to be with him. I can't change how I feel, and I don't want to hide it anymore."

"Be careful," Justin says. "We'll support you, but don't do anything dumb."

"You bet your asses I won’t."

After a few moments, they both look at me with smiles on their faces.

"Just like that, Brock is off the market," Justin wisecracks.

I laugh, relieved they’re so supportive.

"Yeah, I guess so," I say.

Pablo grins. "Gotta say, I'm a bit jealous. You found the one."

I smile, knowing that it's true. Ihavefound the one.

"Guys, there's one more thing I need to tell you," I say, my voice serious.

Justin and Pablo look at me, their expressions turning serious as well.

"What is it, man?" Justin asks.

"I'm thinking about coming out to the team," I say.

Both of their eyes widen, and they exchange a look of concern.

"Brock, are you sure about that?" Pablo asks.

"I know it's risky," I say. "But I can't keep hiding who I am. And besides, Blakely deserves to be recognized as my partner, not some hidden fucktoy."

They both nod slowly, understanding where I'm coming from.

"Well, we've got your back," Justin says.

"Yeah, man," Pablo agrees. "We'll support you no matter what."

A rush of gratitude towards my friends overwhelms me, and I know that I'm lucky to have them.

"Thanks, guys," I say. "I really appreciate it."

Justin and Pablo both smile, and we sit in silence for a few moments. Finally, I stand up and take a deep breath.

"Well, here goes nothing."

I make my way towards the center of the locker room, where all the other members of the team are gathered. They look at me with curious eyes, wondering what I could possibly have to say. I clear my throat and take a deep breath.

"Hey, guys," I say, my voice shaking slightly. "There's something I need to tell you all."

Everyone goes quiet, their eyes shooting toward me. I steel myself.

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