Summary:

He repeats it like a mantra, “Hockey players don’t like boys.” Ilya squints, brows furrowed with fury. He challenges, “Who cares?” “Well, do you—like boys?” Shane asks, then. It’s so earnest, his bottom lip trembling like he might cry again. Ilya doesn’t know how to answer, because he doesn’t know the answer, but he would move Heaven and Earth to make those tears go away. Ilya turns his chin up, resolute, “Who cares? I like you.” At eleven years old, Shane realizes he’s not like other boys. Naturally, his best friend is the first person he tells.