The Beautiful You - Jeki Lopez - Wattpad

The Beautiful You

Reads 17,988
Votes 1,841
Parts 51
Time 7h 9m

Reads 17,988
Votes 1,841
Parts 51
Time 7h 9m

Seventeen-year-old Apollo Reyes-Perez is struggling to understand two things: his identity and his best friend's suicide. But when Amory Hartmann, the new boy in town, catches his attention, he discovers that the answers to those questions may be more complicated than he had anticipated. 

......

After the passing of his best friend, Apollo is left in an unfamiliar world, or perhaps one he never understood. Swimming, friends, and family. That was Apollo's universe. Until one day it wasn't. His friends expect too much, his parents don't talk enough, and swimming feels wrong. It only took one day for his life to change. 

Isn't the world supposed to stop when the person closest to you is gone? That's what he believed. But when the realities of growing up as a Mexican-American teenager hurdle towards him, he must accept the simple fact that life goes on. This becomes abundantly clear when Amory Hartmann enters his life, forcing Apollo to face the parts of himself he intended to keep hidden. Pieces of himself he's been too afraid to share with a boy. 

Will Apollo learn to leave the past behind him and move towards the future, or will his demons keep dragging him back to the darkest point of his life?

Featured by @TeenFiction

🥇1st place LGBTQ+: The Novelists Awards 2022-2023

🥉3rd place Romance: The Pride Awards 2023

💜 @YARomance Undiscovered Book of The Month {November 2022}All Rights Reserved

Table of contents

51 parts

Sign up to add The Beautiful You to your library and receive updates

or

Content Guidelines

You may also like

The grand life of Philip | ✓ by aiyorii

"I think you have internalized homophobia." Philip looked at her, his mouth slightly curved. "Jokes on you." -- Philip is a seventeen year-old teenager who just wants to try to live. Severely affected by a fatal accident that he deems himself to be responsible for, living only gets harder for him. His world, very small--school, home. But it grows in size when Fletcher Handerson, the school's star basketball player is determined to get to know him, because he is trapped by Philip's silent stares which scream more day-by-day. Things change. After all, it is high-school. ~~ Warning ⚠️: Mentions of suicide, self harm and mental disorders.

Home for the Summer (BOYXBOY) by dreamy_lights

Apollo Quinn is entering the summer before his senior year with one promise to himself; He needs to truly live. After 17 years of being miserably bored, he planned on finally finding himself. Maybe getting a girlfriend, maybe going to a party. No matter what he did, it needed to be big: Something utterly life changing. The only issue? Nicolas Young. While 5 years ago, Apollo and Nicolas had been best friends, these days, they never spoke. Nicolas lived across the country and Apollo was a bit too stubborn to reach out. When Apollo's mom let him know that Nicolas would have to fly from Vermont to California and spend the entire summer in their house, Apollo knew he was doomed. What he didn't account for was how utterly life changing their new friendship would become. 🌊🌊🌊 90,880 words Some content may be upsetting to certain readers! Be sure to read the warnings at beginnings of more triggering chapters.

Look After You by vinylplanets

Chicago had never greeted the Valentines with open arms. Instead it greeted them with a slap in the face and reality served on a silver platter. Living with such a large family and such a small income was harder than anyone could have imagined especially when your best form of income comes from your mom being a hooker. Alexander is a middle child in the large family. At the prime age of fourteen he's starting to become confused about many things in his life such as where he fits in, what he wants to do when he's older and his sexuality. Nolan is in the same boat. Though he is not part of the Valentine family he got the privilege of living down the street from them. He had a slightly smaller family with only a slightly better income. But the only things Nolan feels he needs is astronomy, books and his best friend Alexander who is always getting them into trouble. TRIGGER WARNINGS : suicidal thoughts/mentions, abuse, underage drinking, some sexual content, cussing. If there's any questions about the triggers feel free to message me to ask started: November 1st, 2018 completed: November 30th, 2018

Count The Stars by sunburststrat

Elijah Rosen, an introverted seventeen year old with a love for football, sneaks out almost every night to get away from the problems he faces during the day. He feels like his anxiety is taking over his life, and the only place he can go to escape it is the pitch black night right outside his window where he can be alone and let his thoughts run wild. But after he finds Adam Chang sitting at the bottom of an empty pool in the early hours of the morning with puffy red eyes and bruised hands, he begins to find comfort in something other than the dark. Only, Adam has a few problems of his own. And with pressure coming from his family, his friends, his school, and his own mind, Elijah isn't sure how he'll make it through the year. ------- "I think if you weren't here, I wouldn't be okay. I'd..." I trailed off, not wanting to say the words that we both knew were true. "Hey," he said softly, "I'm just glad I'm here, then." He started to let go of me, but I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him like I never had anybody else before. "I'm glad you are too." (featured by FreeTheLGBT: 1/13/2022)

Blurred Lines [BxB] COMPLETED by zoetbennett

Time stretches out, the beat of my heart like a ticking clock. Spit it out. I slowly look down at his lips, making it as clear as possible. Rhys's breath hitches in his throat, and my heart soars. "He's my best friend," I whisper. *** Maverick and Rhys have been best friends for as long as they can remember. But when a photo of Maverick kissing a boy goes viral, they find themselves growing apart. Between a clingy girlfriend, constant social pressures, and hectic lacrosse games, Maverick and Rhys find it increasingly more difficult to ignore the inevitable changes to what they've always known. *** Notable Rankings! #48 on boyxboy list 🏳️‍🌈 #93 on lgbt list #15 on bisexual list #7 on gayaf list *** Warnings and Disclaimers inside--please read them!

Clusterfuck by logophile_e

Toby Wentworth's life is a clusterfuck. For a lot of reasons. And one of them just happens to be the fact that he is very gay, and also so far in the closet that he's practically in Narnia. But then there's this guy. This guy in his calculus class who winks at him. And suddenly, they're partners for a project. And Toby cannot stop thinking about him. Toby does his best to balance school, work, relationships, and the biggest secret he's ever kept as life goes on. He does, honestly. He tries so very hard. But things like drama, bizarre coincidences, and, of course, his crippling tendency to overthink have been making it difficult, and it's really not fair. But Toby just cannot stop thinking about that boy. And there are times when he wants to hate himself because of it. Sometimes, Toby's life sucks. He'll admit it. But as aggravating as the feeling of being just out of reach of a romance he desperately craves is, there's something... thrilling about it. Something that, no matter how many times he tries, cannot get him to stop this madness. He's in trouble. Absolutely. But maybe trouble can have its benefits. *** cover art by me! Final chapter upload: 5/7/21 Word count: ~65k

He Says He's Just A Friend by jms777

Emmet and Clay did not meet on the best of terms, but that doesn't stop them from becoming fast friends. As their bond grows stronger, they will do whatever it takes to maintain this new friendship. Even though that may not be all that either of them wants. After years of living in a conservative southern town, Emmett has developed a hard shell that is not easily pierced. It's gotten even more difficult since breaking up with his first serious boyfriend left him feeling devastated and betrayed. Then a new friend comes along to peel back all the layers of protection, making Emmett feel happy again, and perhaps making him feel something more. The loss of his father at a young age left Clay with severe anxiety. His girlfriend says he's emotionally distant - because he is. Clay never gave much thought to his sexuality. He started dating because all his friends were, and although his relationships never seem to work out, he continues to try, because that's what's expected. The steady track he's been traveling is suddenly upended when he becomes enamored with a boy he just met. Now Clay has to figure out what he wants and how far he's willing to go to get it.

When He Got Married by ryanaureoholt

"It was the best orgasm I've ever had. It was so intense that for a second there, it felt like my soul would escape through my nipples." Luke and Daniel have been best friends since forever. When Daniel marries the love of his life, Alexander, Luke discovers new feelings, feelings he doesn't quite understand. While Daniel gets the job of his dreams and travels around the world, Luke meets Veronica and falls in love with her. When Daniel's marriage falls apart because of his work, Luke is already engaged. On the day of his wedding, Luke realizes what his feelings mean, but it's too late. Slowly and gradually, they grow apart, but when Luke finds a way out of his marriage, he reaches out to his best friend. Will Luke be able to confess his love for Daniel? Will Daniel be able to love a man he thought of as his brother? Read to find out what alcohol can do. [40,000 Words] #3 - GayMarriage - 02/24/21 #8 - GayRelationship - 10/28/20 #34 - GayCouple - 10/26/20 #208 - MaleXMale - 12/14/20 #234 - GayRomance - 12/14/20 #315 - GayFiction - 12/14/20 #396 - MxM - 12/14/20 #408 - ManXMan - 12/14/20 #541 - Bisexual - 12/14/20 #650 - WattPride - 12/14/20 #858 - LGBTQ - 12/13/20 #863 - GayLove - 12/14/20 #865 - LGBT - 12/13/20

(BoyxBoy) Behind everything unspoken by HariGudsir

GAY STORY Short about book: He is someone who is trapped in himself and walk completely alone.Victorio Adey have "friends",but just because one reason.He can't be alone.What will happen when one of his friends cousin comes inside his life?Victorio and Alann aren't similar on first view,but they fill something even on first sight. Alann is mysterious and weird guy.They are both cold,repulsive and they will not match each other,but as time goes by something will happen with bouth of them. And that will be the moment when they realise friendship isn't enough. -I will try to be active and I hope you will enjoy. ,,Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." -William Shakespeare -This isn't my first book,but it is my first gay book.I needed so much time to decide to write about this theme,but I hope you will like it.Also,I'm sorry about bad eglish grammar...English isn't my Native language.

Football Boys by NatureProductions

| Novel | Version 1 ~ Published early 2018 ~ Burdened with undeniable romantic feelings for his best friend, Greyson feels as if his life has become a typical tragic story of a one sided attraction. For the most part, he's right as his love story is both emotionally draining and convoluted for a lack of better words. But neither of the friends anticipated that things would quickly escalate after a drunken kiss. ________________________ "My fist stung with a burning pain as I stood over Ace's unconscious body. A bit stunned yet remorseless as a multitude of gawking eyes bore into me, I was numb. And sluggishly turning to meet Greyson's watery eyes, it was as if my mind had turned to a word stealing mush."

Crash and Burn (BoyxBoy) by SarahEvansxox

I pulled myself out as I shut my eyes in pain as little bits of shattered glass tore into my flesh. I managed myself out of the vehicle. I attempted to make my legs work again by standing slowly. I gathered all my strength before attempting to pick my brother up once again and walking as his feet dragged behind us. An explosion rang in my ears and sent me shooting against a tree on a wet patch of grass. Then it all goes black... ...::::...::::... Jeremy Mathews is a nerdy type of emo guy. He was involved in a tragic bus accident on his way from school. He's forgotten minor details of his life like his favorite outfit and color, but he's also forgotten some major things like his parents, his bully, his crush, his friends, his academics, and anything in between. He suffers from severe memory loss, no scrapbook can save him from this one. Martin Valve is Jeremy's bully. He's hated him since as long as anyone could remember but... no one knows why. Joyce Valentine is Jeremy's best friend and defender. She's always there for him. He can always find a safe place with her, including when he loses his memory. Xander Timmons is Jeremy's crush. He's the greatest guy you'll ever meet. Quarterback of the football team, nice, smart, and an all around good person. Will he be able to help Jeremy remember the details of his entire life, or maybe just the minor one that is, Xander. Xander has always been fond of the younger boy. He doesn't know why but he does know he cares for him, a lot. All Xander wants is for Jeremy to be the same guy he used to be. The nice, charismatic, loving, and sweet guy he's so used to. He'll do anything to get him back. (Sorry for the poorly written description) *complete* *In editing*

Favorite Friend by writing00introvert

Two childhood best friends. One accidental kiss. A summer that changes everything. *** Felipe Rivera has a problem. Several problems, really; as if his anxiety disorder and his strained relationship with his father weren't enough, he's also been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember. Now that it's their last summer together before they go to separate colleges and leave the suburb they grew up in behind, he's determined to keep his feelings for Aaron bottled up. However, things quickly move beyond his control, and what was supposed to be a summer like every other turns out to be something that might just put their friendship to the ultimate test. Content warnings for themes of anxiety/mental health issues and recreational drug use

Want Me (BoyxBoy) by Heather_gO

-Completed- ~ This can be read as a standalone, but I do suggest reading my other series first! But it is a heterosexual romance, so if you're only interested in reading boyxboy, then just read this one! Like I said above, this story is about a HOMOSEXUAL couple! So if you're not cool with that, don't read it! Go enjoy my other books!! ~ -Mature Content (18+)- When two lovers' best friends meet for the first time... lots of feelings can rise. Attraction, confusion, lust... love? Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that come with being in a homosexual relationship? Will their best friends accept their secret relationship? What about their families? Will love be enough if that's all there is? Find out what happens when a bisexual guy falls for a straight one... from the straight's point of view! #2 in #lgbt #2 in #spicy #1 in #gaylovers #1 in #pride #2 in #bisexual #1 in #straightguy #3 in #gaypride #1 in #comingout #2 in #homosexual #2 in #homosexuality

Possessing Caden (boyxboy) by M0CHIMILK

Caden's one and only friend Ethan would go to the ends of earth and back for him. Ethan may come off strong but Caden and him have been close for years and neither of them would ever want to change that. When feelings start to surface, Caden must figure out where his heart lies without damaging or potentially sacrificing their friendship. What happens when another very important boy comes into the picture? Will Ethan remain his typical possessive self? Or will he do what must be done to keep Caden happy? Caden finds his whole world shifted upside down in a flurry of emotions and drama. To add to that, is the love of his life hiding a potentially dangerous secret from him? DISCLAIMER: STORY HAS GRAPHIC LANGUAGE, SEXUAL CONTENT, AND VIOLENCE. Also trigger warning: rape and depression. This story is rated mature, please don't report my fans comments as offensive because of language when the entire story features strong language as well 😂

So Where Does that Put Us (boy x boy) by LifeDeep

"When something terrible happens to someone, everyone feels sorry for you at first, they take your hand and cry fake tears and say how 'special' you are, how strong you are. But after a while they forget...Then they don't see a person anymore they just see this terrible thing and think you're terrible because of it...It's like a little switch that goes off in people's heads: one minute everyone is your friend and they care oh-so much, then, when things die down, they become terrified of you. You'd be surprised to see what fear can make someone do." Justin Ivanov has never led much of a normal life, but when his sister passes away, his entire world falls apart. Trapped in an abusive relationship and in a school where everyone is scared of him, Justin continues to deteriorate, pinning all his hope on his confused best friend, Ben Fulton. He struggles to keep his family together without them finding out the hidden secret of his sexuality. But the more he fails, the closer he gets to losing himself forever. Ben Fulton doesn't understand what depression is. He doesn't understand why people have it or how to fix it. But when the sudden death of his best friend's sister leaves him feeling empty, he comes too close to comfort with just what depression can make someone do. Trying to sort out his own emotions, sexuality, and future out, Ben also has to balance trying to save Justin. But the more he tries, the more his feelings grow for his best friend, and the closer Justin gets to destroying himself.

$Once in a Lifetime {BxB English} by Iris_Hayley$

Two straight guys. The first, twenty-one years old, committed and loyal to his girlfriend for two years. Sociable, kind, and good-hearted. The second, twenty-three years old. He has dated so many girls he can't even remember their names. He has no real friends. In fact, he's disliked by everyone, given his cold and aggressive demeanor. He's perceived exactly as he presents himself. A dark-haired guy with tattoos and attitude problems. "I know what I did was wrong. It was wrong of me to kiss you... You're free to hate me. You can decide never to see me again. But before you go, please eat..." their eyes locked, until he sighed and looked down. "And if that's what you want... I won't bother you again" he said with his head lowered, when he felt the other's hand caressing his face. He shook his head negatively as he stroked his cheek with his thumb. "I don't want that..." 🖤New Chapter : Every Tuesday & Friday🖤 ~ Warning : contains mature content (violence, strong language, sexual content intended for 18+ audiences only) ~ #3 gaylove / 66,1k. stories #2 wattpride / 18,9k. stories #9 lgbtlove / 17,1k. stories

The pretty boy from the song (Boyxboy) by Semstories

In an all boys boarding school surrounded by football players 18 year olds Alex, Sam, Jason and Parker have two years left in school. Two years, to find out who they really are or want to be, two years to heal and learn. No one said this was going to be easy. When Jason has to change school because of an incident, he doesn't expect to like it. And he doesn't. but he likes someone. Alex is an introvert. A quiet kid who doesn't like talking to People (except for his best friend Sam) and who likes to be on his own. but that changes when he gets a Roommate. Sam Is Alex' best friend. And Parker is his roommate. They dislike eachother... Until they don't. READ FULL BEFORE STARTING THE STORY: TW: This book is written lightly, but has also some really serious themes that I want you to know about before reading. It talks about abuse and there are some scenes where a character is having a panic attack. If this is too close for you and you don't feel comfortable reading things like that then It might be best to not start reading /genuine <3 I want you to know before reading that this is a book with a good ending! I'm saying this because I know how devastating it is for some people after reading a story all night. If you've made it this far, thank you for reading! Much hugs to everyone:)

Impossibly Drowning by AlessandraDolenti

(Drowning Series - Book Two) Maybe that's it. We eventually go numb; because you can't break a heart that's already broken. Elijah-James Augustus; A boy who has seen nothing but hatred, yet some how he's filled with so much love. Covered in scars (both physical and mental) and the mastered art of concealing his violet painted skin. Violent father, addict brother, absent aunt, and unwanted feelings for his best friend... What could go wrong? Answer: Just about everything ** Books: Silently Drowning *Impossibly Drowning Learning to Float (Coming soon) Swim to me (Coming soon) Secretly Drowning (Coming soon) Drowning in Red (Coming soon) ** ==================== Started: May 20, 2025 Completed: Ongoing... ==================== Previously known as: "Self-Negligence" Copyright © 2025 by Alessandra Selene Dolenti

Hollow | BxBxBxB by ElijahDiva

Connor Johnson seems like an ordinary boy on the outside, but on the inside he's plagued by depression, an eating disorder and complex anxiety. So what happens when he finally hits the end of the line and is forcibly sent to a home for troubled boys? Where love runs rampant in the air and tensions soar as high as the clouds. TW's (these will not be included at the start of chapters so take this as a final warning) Anorexia & Eating Disorder Self Harm Drug Abuse Abuse Smut PTSD Hallucinations/Schizophrenia Suicidal Thoughts & Ideation Hospitals Anxiety Slow Burn This story is NOT promoting, encouraging, romanticising or glorifying topics such as abuse, suicide, self harm, disordered eating, sexual abuse/misconduct or anything like that, it is just showing what the affects of it can be like especially for LGBT+ young people. Please be respectful in the comments and if anyone is struggling do reach out for support!

One of Those Nights (boyxboy) by 5am6am7am

High school pretty much sucks for everyone, and this is no different for Reiss Irving. As his life starts crumbling around him in the most cliché ways he finds love (in a hopeless place). More love than he can handle. As a guy with no self esteem Reiss struggles with understanding why a bunch of guys are suddenly fighting over him. He finds himself enjoying the attention, but in the end he will have to choose just one. ____ Have I ever told him I'm gay? "Have I ever told you I'm gay?" I voice my thoughts. My friend's eyes widen and his jaw drops open. I honestly don't care that whatever other kids are in class already heard me. "No, you haven't. Thanks for telling me though I guess." he says breathily, his face completely incredulous. My grin widens and I nod at him. "You're welcome." ____ [BOOK 2] (can be read seperately)

You may also like

Slide 1 of 20

The grand life of Philip | ✓ cover

Home for the Summer (BOYXBOY) cover

Look After You cover

Count The Stars cover

Blurred Lines [BxB] COMPLETED cover

Clusterfuck cover

He Says He's Just A Friend cover

When He Got Married cover

(BoyxBoy) Behind everything unspoken cover

Football Boys cover

Crash and Burn (BoyxBoy) cover

Favorite Friend cover

Want Me (BoyxBoy) cover

Possessing Caden (boyxboy) cover

So Where Does that Put Us (boy x boy) cover

Once in a Lifetime {BxB English} cover

The pretty boy from the song (Boyxboy) cover

Impossibly Drowning cover

Hollow | BxBxBxB cover

One of Those Nights (boyxboy) cover

The grand life of Philip | ✓

"I think you have internalized homophobia." Philip looked at her, his mouth slightly curved. "Jokes on you." -- Philip is a seventeen year-old teenager who just wants to try to live. Severely affected by a fatal accident that he deems himself to be responsible for, living only gets harder for him. His world, very small--school, home. But it grows in size when Fletcher Handerson, the school's star basketball player is determined to get to know him, because he is trapped by Philip's silent stares which scream more day-by-day. Things change. After all, it is high-school. ~~ Warning ⚠️: Mentions of suicide, self harm and mental disorders.