Prologue, Chapters 1 & 2: Reflection and Grasp
(click the title to go to the chapter itself)

I am commenting in general across all chapters of the story so far posted. Pete is written as a smart, caring, and likable guy with a sensitivity towards himself and his friend Earn. But you sense that he embraces his entire life in the same manner. You like him immediately and you want whatever that is going to happen in the story to be good for him (while knowing at the same time that it might not). I like the easy delivery and flow of the story. The style is very matter-of-fact so the reader (that's me ^__^) sort of just slides right into the rhythm of the relationship between the two characters. They are very relatable in that way. The conversations and asides (provided by Pete) set up and reinforce the closeness of their relationship, how long they've known each other, common experiences they've shared, their working relationship on the cheer team, and so on. These help set the stage for Pete's dilemma over his feelings toward Earn and where they might come from. The prompt in the story is Pete noticing Earn seems to be concerned or otherwise engrossed in Noh. Earn's attraction to Noh is handled with enough vagueness (after all, WE already know Earn has it bad for Noh but Pete doesn't) to incite emotions in Pete, providing him the opportunity to notice his reaction and try to understand it. As he ponders its meaning, he begins gathering clues that may eventually add up to a profound discovery about himself. But we have to wait for what might or might not come to pass. I like the slow burn on that issue. It fits in well with the casual openness of the friendship we are witnessing. Sometimes awakening happens like an avalanche, but it is also nice to watch someone figure it out for themselves piece by piece. Especially a smart and observant person like Pete. I look forward to wherever you'll take this in the future.