Football season had ended. Ashton felt relieved yet a little lost at the same time because now he had a load of free time and he didn't know what to do with it.

At first, he thought he would just spend time with Luca but he didn't want to come off as clingy and annoying.

So, instead, he headed over to Benji's house after school to ask him something.

When Benji opened the door, he was instantly welcoming with warmth as he he ushered Ashton in and over to the kitchen.

"I have chips, you want chips?" he asked, rummaging through the pantry.

"Oh, no thanks," Ashton replied, taking a seat on the stool.

Benji ignored him and took out a packet of chips anyway, pouring the contents into a bowl and pushing it Ashton's way.

"Eat," he demanded, sitting down on the seat next to him.

Ashton rolled his eyes but reached out and grabbed a chip anyway, happily munching on it.

"So what's up? What brings you here my good friend since we were little twinks beginning high school?" Benji asked, a grin spreading over his lips.

Ashton's eyebrows lifted at his friend's words, "Uh, that was oddly specific. But I'm here to ask you about you know..."

Benji tilted his head to the side and furrowed his eyebrowes, "No sorry, I don't know, Though do tell me."

Ashton released a sigh and placed his face into his palms, silently wondering how to word what he was about to say.

"The gay," he whispered as if someone were to hear though they were alone in the house.

A loud laugh escaped Benji's mouth and he almost dropped out of his seat in the process

"Why so serious? Why so spooky about it, it is Halloween soon isn't it?" he questioned, biting his lip in thought.

Ashton scrunched up his face, "No, I'm just not too educated on it much you know?"

"Ashton what is there to be educated about? You're gay, bi, pan, unlabled, or whatever. That's all there is to it."

"You're right. I guess it's just new to me is all. Like I feel as if people have a right to know and it scares me because I'm not emotionally ready to tell anyone soon. I mean, I told my parents in the heat of the moment, and I don't want that to happen again," Ashton explained, followed by a groan.

Benji nodded his head, "Okay yeah it makes sense. Honestly, Ashton, there's nothing much you can do. You just have to know that you're going to have to tell the world one day and maybe Luca's timing will be completely different to yours but you just have to work it out together. You'll figure it out, just get used yourself for a bit first."

Ashton smiled weakly but it was very much genuine.

"Thanks for the advice. It's good to know I can rely on you," he said truthfully.

"Anytime," Benji smiled.

"You're a life saver Benji."