In a story that could have been ripped straight from a modern day romantic comedy, a 17-year-old high school student has come out of the closet by asking his straight footballer friend to their high school homecoming dance.
Unwilling to let National Coming Out Day pass him by quietly, Alexander Duarte, a student at Valley High School in Santa Ana, California, decided to ask his good friend Erick Pineda to be his homecoming date - coming out to fellow students in the process.
The result was, well, really wholesome and sweet.
Holding a banner that read: “I know I’m GAY, but can I take you STRAIGHT 2 HOMECOMING?”, Duarte surprised Pineda after class - with dozens of the pair's classmates watching on and cheering.
Visibly touched, Pineda was quick to hug his friend and say "yes".
“He’s been there for me through some really hard times,” Duarte said, explaining why he decided to ask his friend.
Speaking to magazine, Pineda, who is captain of the school football team, said: "It’s very important for me to be going to Homecoming with Alexander because I’m setting an example for not only my school, but also my community."
"I knew how important this was for my friend and seeing the support from the staff and students was amazing."
He added: "I’m very grateful to be the captain of the football team. The team is very supportive and multiple teammates have approached me to congratulate me and have given me 'RESPECT' for my actions."
