University Encounter

Disclaimer: This story is NOT intended to educate about protection or safe sex practices or any STDs/STIs. If you have questions about these topics talk to a doctor or health care professional!

After a few hours of playing video games, our stomachs started to grumble. So the three of us thought that we could go out to a nice pub to get some burgers and fries.

Luke also suggested that we could also invite his friend, the girl that saw us in the park. Jake already knew her from his courses so I was excited to meet her.

When we got to the pub we found a cozy table for four people. A few minutes later a pretty girl entered and Luke stood up and waved her over so that she saw us.

Luke was sitting next to me obviously and Jake and the girl were sitting opposite of us. When she was seated, she smiled at me and said:

"So you are the lucky guy that won the lottery and swept him off his feet!"

I was unsure if this was serious because it had an accusing sound to it. But the smirk from Luke and her mocking angry face was calming me.

I think Luke felt that I was a bit uncomfortable so he interrupted and started to introduce us properly. So I learned that her name is Lauren.

Since I already told our whole story this afternoon, Jake and Luke took the lead and told their part to her. In the end, she smiled "I hope I wasn't scaring you. It's kind of an insider between him and me. His other friends ..." "The ones that were sitting beside me in the lecture on Friday", Luke interjected. "... always try to find him a partner. They enjoy it to tease him at every opportunity they have. With his good looks, he shouldn't have any problems, but he is also a bit picky."

"Hey! I'm still here!" Luke protested and fake pouted.

I laughed at that and kissed him on the cheek feeling a bit of the rough stubble from his short-trimmed beard.

After that our food was already coming and we all had hunger so we devoured our burgers and fries.

We chatted for a bit after our meal and then decided to call it quits because tomorrow we had to get out early for our classes.

Lauren said goodbye first as her apartment was in the other direction. Luke walked about half of the way with us. When we parted he asked

"You said tomorrow afternoon you'll be free. Do you mind meeting me with my friends to review the lecture and notes from Friday?"

"No, that's fine. I already completed my notes so I'm prepared. So should we meet earlier in the cafeteria then, because then I'm eating there?"

"Sounds like a plan. So see you then. I write you tomorrow when we found a place. Good night."

And he planted a big smack on my lips.

With a big smile on my face, Jake and I walked back to our apartment and got ready for bed.

"What a day. I'm so exhausted. I wouldn't have gone swimming in the morning if I had known what will be happening the rest of the day!"

"Well, you decided to come out to me. But I'm so glad that you did. I wanted you to tell me when you are ready. Also, Lauren wasn't sure if it was you. But when you came home after 'learning' completely happy and telling me that you will continue 'learning' with them I was intrigued."

"Yeah, I thought that we weren't so noticeable in the park. But the kiss was definitely not planned but felt so right in the situation. I completely forgot that we were in the middle of the park."

Thinking back to that moment still filled me with so much happiness. But I also have actually never seen two guys kissing in public. Generally, PDA between people is rare. Sometimes a quick kiss or smack but not really making out with someone. Holding hands is quite common, though.

So we said good night and went to our bedrooms. I was excited to meet Luke's friends tomorrow and hope they like me and don't find me weird or too nerdy for their group.

Monday

Suddenly I heard my alarm go off. I yawned and tried to switch it off. I was still a bit tired after the exhausting day yesterday. Why is it always the weekend when I wake up early and feel motivated!?

I got up quickly and took a shower while toasting some bread for a quick breakfast. After a quick look at my phone and checking my weather app I decided to cycle to the uni today as the weather should be dry today.

The morning dragged on forever but at least I was able to focus on the lectures. Luke had different lectures because he is one year ahead of me. I don't know how I would concentrate on the lectures with him sitting beside me all day!

Just as I was entering the cafeteria and looking at my phone for a message from Luke I heard my name:

"Ben! Over here!"

I tried to locate the voice as the cafeteria was full of students on the lunch break. But since Luke is a bit taller than average I found him, my gorgeous ... boyfriend? Suddenly I was aware that we hadn't really decided what we are. I made a mental note to bring that up later.

So I tried to meander my way through to him. He was still standing in front of the monitors with the menu of today. So we decided to take the classic schnitzel with fries. It's quite good for canteen food and fills the stomach. After that Luke navigated to a table with some other students already sitting there. Luke greeted them and introduced me to them.

Some of them I recognized from the lecture on Friday. It seems that they recognized me as well. So we sat down and ate our food while chatting about mundane things.

After eating we all decided to go to the library. I saw that the university made some group working rooms so that was just perfect for us. I never thought that I would use one as I'm usually alone when learning, it helps me focus on the matter.

So I took out my material from Friday and asked them what they would like to go over. Some looked at me confused:

"Did you understand what the professor tried to teach us in the last two lectures? I think he lost me."

I had to suppress a small laugh and took a deep breath.

"Yeah. I think I do, at least I hope so" I snickered. That seemed to lighten the mood.

I was completely immersed in explaining the topic and using my notes that I lost track of time. After about two hours, Luke poked me in the side and wanted to talk to me. We walked to the corner of the room to speak a bit in privacy.

"I hope it isn't a big hassle for you to explain all of that to them. But I think they are thankful. At least I am." That last part was a bit delayed and I had to laugh a bit at that.

"I think you can return the favor in another way..." I said more seductively.

That was probably the signal for Luke he was waiting for. He grabbed my head and we made out. In front of all of his friends!

After what felt like forever we separated ourselves. Nervously I looked around and everyone stopped talking and looked over at us. Some seemed a bit shocked and some of them smiled.

"So I wanted to tell you all but I think that actions speak for themselves!" Luke announced triumphantly.

I tried to not sound too shaky after all the attention that always makes me feel uncomfortable. I hate being the center of attention! So to divert the attention I said:

"So, I think we wrap it up now and call it a day! I can send you the rest of my notes and you can go over them till next week. From my side, we can make this a weekly thing."

Everyone agreed and we walked out of the library.

When we were out in the fresh air. Luke grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side.

"I have a little surprise for you. I hope it's not too early for it but I think it will be ok. Come with me. I hope you have a bit of time and don't have any other obligations."

I followed him across the university campus to a part where I haven't been a lot lately because all the departments were grouped in an area so everything is in one place and you don't have to run all over the campus between lectures.

When we arrived I could read on the door of the building that it was an HIV information center. I stopped and looked a bit confused at Luke:

"What are we doing here?"

"Well, I thought we should get tested before we take the next step."

"Isn't it a bit early for that?"

"It might be, but if we get tested now, we don't have to do it later and can be more relaxed."

So I agreed to take a test together with Luke. It was really easy and anonymous and Luke paid for my test. So now we had to wait for about half an hour. We decided to take a walk outside and come back later to get the results.

During the walk, we barely spoke but it wasn't an awkward silence. I think we both enjoyed the company of the other as we hold hands and tried to process everything that was happening. And I think we both were a bit nervous about the test results.

I don't know how often Luke had done something (unsafe or not) but for my part, I didn't do anything that I know of, but I was still nervous.

When we returned to get the results the woman that did the testing was already waiting for us. She was smiling so I read that as a good sign.

But she said that she wants to talk to us separately for privacy reasons. Luke let me reluctantly go first and waited outside.

As I entered the clinically white room I sat on the uncomfortable plastic chair across from the woman behind her desk. In front of her was a clipboard with some pages of information.

After she looked at it for a moment and turned some pages she looked up at me and smiled. "So young man, I have your test results and it seems that you are free of any STD or STI that we tested for. Usually, that includes the most common ones and should be enough if you are not exposed to extreme situations and are not experiencing any symptoms."

I was relieved to hear that. Even though I knew that theoretically, I couldn't have any, because I was still a virgin, I was nervous.

She then asked me if I have any other questions and I was fine with that. After that, she informed me about other things like contraceptives, PrEP, and other methods to prevent the spread of STDs and said that it's advisable to at least test every six months. Before I could go she handed me the pages with all the information and wished me fun and a nice rest of the day. I was a bit surprised and blushed a bit.

After that, it was Luke's turn. As I was sitting in the waiting room I looked around and was amazed at the sheer amount of information about all the STDs, their prevention and contraceptives for women or people with a possibility to become pregnant. I thought for a bit and realized that Luke is really a caring person. That he wants me to feel comfortable and takes every step and action that it takes to comfort me.

Suddenly the door opens and Luke comes out, smiles, and opens his arms. I run to him and he hugs me. Then he said, "I hope you are negative as well because I am!" I was so relieved when he said that and I realized that I held my breath. I took a deep breath as I understood what that meant for both of us. That was probably the signal for Luke to be relieved as well. But to assure him I said, "Yeah, I'm negative as well!"

We both were happy and kissed in front of the woman who smiled broadly after we separated ourselves again and registered that she was still standing beside us. "Congratulations guys. You look so cute together and I am proud of you both that you decided to take the next step and be sure to play safe both for your health and that of your partner! And remember if you are cheating or playing with another person take appropriate measures and stay safe. Also, remember that it still is a good idea to test regularly about every 6 months. It soon becomes almost a routine and usually, you will become more relaxed. After all, if something is detected it can be treated with almost no harm because it's detected rather early instead of being unaware of your status."

After we thanked the woman and left the information center, we were both relieved that the other one is negative as well. But I still asked Luke "Were you nervous and did you ever do anything unsafe?" He thought for a while and then answered "Well not directly unsafe. I swallowed sometimes and usually did it always with protection but you never can be sure that nothing happens. Condoms can rip, and the other can have a condition that can be transmitted in other ways. But the test here seemed easy enough that I thought that it will be a good surprise and it will calm both of our minds if we take the next step. It might be not the typical order but if it's your first time we can be sure that nothing like a health concern hinders us."

I smiled at Luke and kissed him on the cheek. I was so happy that I have such a caring boyfriend ...? I remembered the mental note. "Just one more question: What are we? Are we a couple, boyfriend and boyfriend?"

"If that's okay for you I would like that. I mean for me it's no big deal. You heard Lauren yesterday saying that my friends tried to find me someone but I'm not someone that jumps on every opportunity but with you, it seems perfect. So I think that we should call ourselves a couple and I would like it if we stay exclusive."

"Yeah, I'm totally ok with that. I just thought every time I think about us I stumble and was unsure how far we are and what should we call ourselves. Remember it's still all new to me!"

"I'm glad that you give me the chance to be your first boyfriend and I hope I don't rush you into things that you don't want or make you uncomfortable."

"No, I'm fine for now. I'm glad that I have a BOYFRIEND now! Especially having YOU as my boyfriend. Gosh, it feels so good to finally say it out loud and not be ashamed of me and be in a relationship with a guy, with a handsome guy as well!"

"Hey, don't sell yourself short! I also have a boyfriend and he is cute and intelligent as hell!"

We both laughed together at our cheesy comments about each other. After a while, we decided to go home separately and rest for a bit. Also to study and do homework for the upcoming classes in the next few days.

I also remembered that I soon wanted to call my best friend per video call to get his reaction to my coming out. I also planned to speak with him about my coming out to my mom because we are friends for a long time now and he might be able to gauge the reaction of my mom from a different perspective. 

Oh my, so many things have changed and all of that started with a small piece of paper that this handsome guy threw in my backpack!

Hey guys! Thank you for reading my fourth chapter! I'm so sorry for letting you guys down for such a long time.

Time flies and so all summer I had different things come up. Some good and some let's say not so good things but all in all, everything is still fine.

I think the time we live in now is not the best, especially with the extreme heat we faced in Europe, the energy/gas crisis, and of course the war in Ukraine.

Well, I digress. Let's stay positive and hope everything will be fine in the end!

-kiroux