The Boy Next Door's Hands-On Curriculum

Kenneth Parker, my childhood friend—and the person I've secretly had a crush on—isn't into men.

In the end, I find myself wandering into one of those shops out of sheer loneliness and buying myself a toy.

That night, just as I'm about to follow the instructions to use it, someone suddenly opens the bedroom door. Kenneth stands in the doorway, his face frozen in complete and utter shock as he stares at me.

Blushing furiously, I try to pull the blanket and cover myself, but Kenneth rushes in and takes the toy from my hand.

He says, "It's alright, Xavier. I'll show you how to use it."

I used to harbor feelings for my childhood friend, Kenneth Parker, but I never told him about it because he wasn't into men.

Kenneth had the kind of face that seemed to attract every woman around him. He'd been catching their attention ever since he was a kid.

I got so used to seeing him receive love letters every day that I would have been more surprised if he didn't get one.

We had been friends since childhood, so I was the one tasked with handling all his love letters. I always felt especially happy whenever I tossed one in the trash, and I thought of that happiness as my possessiveness over my close friend.

This went on until we turned 16—when one day, a young man with a gentle, delicate countenance handed Kenneth a love letter, blushing as he did.

Instinctively, I ducked behind a wall, wanting to hear Kenneth's response. I couldn't quite put my finger on the feeling, but there was a bitter ache in my chest.

It was only then that I realized I probably had feelings for Kenneth.

I hid in the corner, filled with anticipation for Kenneth's response. I secretly hoped he would accept the love letter, but at the same time, I desperately wished he would turn the guy down.

Kenneth said, "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in men."

I couldn't help but feel my heart break at that moment. I had finally realized I had a crush on Kenneth—only to also realize that he didn't like men. His response made it clear that I had no chance before I could even get started.

It was an unrequited love story that ended before the first chapter.

I began to suppress my feelings for him and, gradually, I started avoiding him.

It wasn't long before Kenneth reached his breaking point. He pulled me aside and asked, "What's the matter with you, Xavier? You've been so out of it lately."

I glanced around nervously, feeling incredibly guilty. Then I chuckled awkwardly, stammering, "I-I'm fine. I don't think there's anything wrong with me. I'm sure you're just imagining things."

Kenneth grabbed my shoulders and looked at me intently. His voice held a tinge of hurt as he said, "You're not usually like this, Xavier. You haven't been acting like your usual playful self with me lately."

I lowered