Previously that evening~
"Wait!'' Edward called after the black haired girl. Clary turned around to look at him blankly. Although she didn't exactly have a favorable impression of him, she still politely asked, "What is it, junior?"
Edward didn't beat around the bush and straightforwardly ordered, "Come with me."
"What-"
"August," He cut her off with a single word, making her follow him without any other argument or objection.
Edward crossed his arms and leaned on the wall. "I'll get straight to the point. You have to get senior August to a party."
"Why?" Clary raised her eyebrow, "Why do you want me to get him there?"
"I'll be honest with you. Senior and I are in a relationship."
Clary smiled sadly, "I know."
Edward was surprised, "He told you?"
She shook her head, "No, of course not. But you know, it was really hard to ignore the sparkle in his eyes, the look of pure happiness whenever he caught as much as a simple glance of you in the corridor. Even if you don't deserve it, he still likes you."
Edward didn't argue and continued, "Okay. Since you already know, explaining the rest is going to be a lot simpler."
"Look, I need to break up with him. It's for the best."
"...Why?" Clary couldn't help but stammer a little, "J-Just why? Finally, senior August, someone who used to be so lifeless, looks happy for once. For once, he looks like he deems life worth living. So-" She clenched her fists, "-Why do you want to take it away from him?"
"I...I have reasons beyond mentioning."
Clary always had a hot temper. Although she didn't like August anymore, he was still a precious friend to her. She felt herself getting angry on his behalf and clutched his collar. "Why, you trash? You say you're going to leave him? Then- Why did you give him hope in the beginning?"
"I'm sorry," Edward knew she wasn't the one he had wronged, but still found himself apologizing when confronted by the few who actually, genuinely care about August. "I never loved him. I'm really sorry."
She finally couldn't take it and slapped him. "YOU ASSHOLE!"
"You...Why didn't you dodge?"
Edward didn't know why he didn't dodge. Maybe because he knew he deserves all her aggression, all of her and August's hate for what he did. Clary had put all her strength in that slap. A red 5 finger mark appeared on his face.
He silently turned his head, facing her again. Edward's tone was just like before as he continued, "Can you do that? I mean, get senior to this party. I'll take care of the rest."
Clary looked up and asked cautiously, "You'll break up with him? Really?"
"Yes," He nodded.
"I'll end things with him there, completely," He promised, "I swear. It's just that, this way, things can end faster without hurting any of us too much. I'll text you the location later. I hope you can do that for your friend," His gaze was pleading as he assured, "It's the best for August. Please."
Clary was still apprehensive but for some reason, her gut told her to trust this man just this once. She agreed, "...Okay. Better keep your promise."
"Of course," His gaze was down, as if ashamed to face her.
She started to walk away when Edward suddenly called, "Wait!"
Clary turned around and scowled, "What now?"
"Just..." He smiled sadly, "You're a good friend. I hope he can have more friends like you. Please, he deserves better than me," His eyes became misty but his lips remained curved, voice wavering, "I hope you'll help him to find someone who genuinely loves him. Do that as a last favor to me."
"I would've done that even if you didn't ask. I don't know your circumstances but if there's one thing I'm sure of, you're real trash, Edward Felix."
"I know."