This is an AU where Trip is younger than Ash. It's also a high school AU. Enjoy!

Trip slouched in his seat while Miss Juniper lectured the class. He'd been doing the same all year. Not like he would ever pass anyway, so what was the point of trying?

Well, he would've dropped out if it wasn't for the boy in 12th grade he had an obvious crush on. However, him being the quiet 10th grade kid who never payed attention in class and was a loner all the time, Ash hardly ever noticed his existence. But he was determined to change that before Ash graduated.

As he walked through the halls, he felt something slip under his foot as his entire body started to fall forwards. His books were scattered all over the floor. He started to pick them up when he felt a hand touch his, before quickly withdrawing.

"Oh, sorry, I was just helping you", apologised the boy in front of him with dark hair and eyes.

Trip's eyes glistened as the boy handed him his book. He could hardly move as his entire world was sitting in front of him.

"Oh...th...thanks...", he uttered, staring at the boy until the very last second, until he turned the corner and he couldn't see him anymore.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yesssss! Haha!"

From around the corner, Ash giggled in admiration as Trip celebrated their interaction.

-The Next Day-

Trip staggered around the hallway, making an effort to find his crush. However, he came across someone else first. Three people. Who cornered him. And pinned him against a wall.

"Um..."

"Listen here, loser"

"Can I...?"

"We saw what you did with Ash yesterday. Let's get something straight. Ash isn't interested in a pathetic gay who never tries to do anything but fail. So you march your ass away from him a-woah!"

The boy talking to him was suddenly dragged to the floor. The two others backed away in fear from the talk boy with black hair, who stood defensively next to Trip.

"Actually, I am interested in him, so you three can match your asses away from him and leave us alone. Got it?", he threatened subtly while giving them death stares.

It wasn't long before they were alone again.

"Th-thanks for helping me"

"Thanks for having a crush on me"

At this moment, Trip's mind was full of: 'Oh my gosh! He knows! What do I do?'

"U-um, do you wanna-"

"A date would be great"

Ash pulled the younger boy into a brief kiss before walking away, a little slower than usual so he could hear him celebrate again. To be fair, he was celebrating too.

I had to look up the American education system for this haha. I hope you enjoyed! Requests are always welcome!