Hardest of Hearts ( KLANCE )

I.

In the daytime, he was Keith. Just a normal guy with a normal life. But there was something about him that no one knew yet.
Because he had a secret.

•••

"Keith? Keeeeeith. Hello? Earth to Keith?" Pidge had been waving their hand in front of Keith's face for some time now, trying to snap him from his daze.

As the Korean boy tore his gaze from the sight in front of him to focus on his best friend, he felt his cheeks heat into a dark flush. Dammit, Keith. Focus.
"H-hey. Yeah, sorry. Got distracted."

"Of course you did." Pidge rolled their eyes, flicking him lightly in the arm. "C'mon, just go talk to him already. It's a perfect opportunity without Nyma around for once."

"What? No!" Keith spoke a bit more loudly than intended, nearly shouting before dropping his voice to a whisper. That was an all-too ridiculous idea, one that he didn't dare entertain for a single second. He couldn't risk just making a fool of himself like that.

"I can't 'just go talk to him', Pidge. You know that. Besides, he's busy, and I DON'T like him like that. At all."

This was a blatant lie, of course, but it was what Keith was trying to get himself to believe. Maybe if he told it to himself enough it would be the truth.

"Uh huh. Sure. Says the gay guy who just constantly stares at him like he's the most perfect being under the sun." Pidge raised a brow, casting him an all-too-knowing look. They'd seen the way their friend acted around others long enough to know what he's thinking.

"Shut up." He glowered in return, one corner of his mouth tugging a bit downward.

It was true, though, Keith thought, unfortunately.

Lance McClain was perfect in every way. He was gorgeous, with perfectly soft hair, expressive blue eyes, and the very light smattering of freckles across his nose that Keith had never gotten close enough to see in person. With sunkissed, warm brown skin and most amazing smile, Lance made the perfect model.
And everyone knew it.

Everyone loved him.

Including Keith.

Which might have been a bit silly and childish of him, considering he could count on one hand the number of actual, decent conversations they'd had together. The most they'd get was bickering in class over some ridiculous, inane topic that had come up.

They were certified 'Rivals'- according to Lance, anyway. Enemies. Hatred. Not in love.

But their daily arguing...... Honestly, it was sort of fun.

Keith and Pidge were soon interrupted by an attendant coming up to them, clearing her throat. "Excuse me, you're schoolmates of Monsieur McClain, yes? Would you like to come watch the shoot from a closer location?"

Clapping a hand over Pidge's mouth before they could even attempt to protest, Keith.... Panicked.
"Uh, who?"
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. He was an idiot.

"Who...?" The woman repeated, seeming clearly confused, and possibly mildly suspicious. "I'm sorry? Well, you're still allowed to watch if you like, but if you don't know him... He must have mistaken the two of you for someone else."

Keith gave an awkward, forced smile, watching as the lady walked away. Pidge licked his fingers after a tick, and Keith pulled his hand away with a disgusted face. "Gross."

"You asked for it, ruining your most perfect chance yet." Pidge shrugged, somehow managing to create an expression between a scowl and a smirk. "The way she said it, it seemed like he wanted you there. Like he asked for you specifically."