[KHALI]
I groaned when someone suddenly opened the blinds in my room. I don’t have to guess who it is. It's my obnoxious best friend, I know.
"What the heck, Jey!" I whined as I took a pillow beside me to cover my face from the sunlight.
"Don't fucking give me that attitude. Explain," I could hear her say sternly.
I didn’t fret, and so she tried to pull the pillow from my face, but I was getting tired of arguing, so I just let her be. I sighed heavily as she tossed the pillow to the side.
I sat up, furious at her, and asked, "What do I need to explain?"
"Jane called Reese earlier. Reese was panicking, but she refused to tell me what had happened. I'm quite sure you're the only person I know who met Jane today. Now tell me, what the hell happened?” Her arms were folded across her chest, and her pensive gaze was directed at me.
I didn't respond and simply averted my gaze. I'm not sure how I'm going to explain that her jerk best friend did something wrong.
"KHALI LUCIANO!” she called me by my full name, and because I had no idea what to say, I covered my ears with the pillow once again.
"The hell, Khali! I'm not leaving here until you tell me what happened! Did you do something bad to Jane?" she demanded, yanking the pillow from my face. I know I shouldn't be annoyed, knowing it was my fault, but I'm not ready to discuss it with her yet. I felt responsible for what happened, and I'm ashamed of myself.
"No... nothing happened," I said, and she just stared at me, laughing sarcastically before scolding me. Here we go again.
“You can’t lie to me, Khali. I can tell when you're lying to me. Tell me what happened. Reese wouldn't be acting like that if there’s nothing bad happened. And the fact that you just left without informing me, and now I found you here sulking in your room, makes me suspicious of your action.”
Sometimes, I feel like my best friend could pass as a lawyer. She can see right through me. I chewed my lip, refusing to answer. I can’t tell her what I did to Jane.
She let out a long sigh and sat on the edge of my bed, her gaze fixed on me. I couldn't even look her in the eyes.
"Dude, you know I always support you in everything. Tell me what happened; maybe I can help you," she said calmly. I remembered it again; I remembered everything that happened. This isn't how I should be feeling. It's just sex, after all. I took a deep breath and shook my head.
"Nothing serious happened, w-we just argued," I lied, closing my eyes in the hopes that my best friend would drop the topic because I'm not ready to talk about it with her yet.
She looked at me for a brief moment, as if she was studying me. I sighed and swallowed hard, terrified that she wouldn't stop asking me questions. Fortunately, she just nodded. She eyed me with sympathy, and I just felt guiltier. I don’t deserve her sympathy; I’m an asshole.
“Okay… I believe you. But are you okay?” She asked and held my shoulder. I pressed my mouth on a thin line and forced a smile.
"I'll be alright, Jey. Don't worry," I reassured her, patting her hand on my shoulder.
"Okay, since this happened and I think you might need some time to rest, I'll just decline Rov's invitation," she said and stood up.
"Rov?" I asked. I recognize the name, but I'm not sure where I first heard it.
"You remember Rov, our schoolmate in high school?"
"Rov..." I dragged out, slowly inhaling some air as I struggled to recall the people I knew in high school, and then I finally remembered.
"Oh! The girl with braces and large specs? The nerd?" I exclaimed, trying to hold back a chuckle because I recall her being the class clown in high school, and we used to make fun of her.
"Ah. She's no longer a nerd. She's insanely attractive, and she's an international DJ! Can you imagine that? Damn... When I saw her on Instagram, I was completely taken aback. She's way different now compared before," Jey's story seemed exaggerated to me, so I didn't react.
"Dude, I'm serious," she said, pulling out her phone and scrolling through it before showing me Rov's photo. She was dressed simply in denim pants and a white shirt with a checkered long sleeve polo shirt over it. Even though it's a simple outfit, I have to admit that she looks cool. She's no longer wearing her braces, and her skin glows like a model's.
"No way!” I blurted out, shockingly.
"I told you. She's no longer the nerd that you can make fun of. A lot of girls are drooling for her," Jey smirked proudly. I wasn't threatened in the least, but I didn't appreciate Jey's over-hyping of her.
"I'm still way cooler," I claimed as I triumphantly stood up. Jey let out a snort and flung her arm around my shoulder.
“Of course! You’re still the coolest Khali Luciano. Don't worry, buddy, when it comes to hotness, my vote's on you,” it sounds gay, and I can only giggle and tap her back.
"Thanks, buddy," I said with a smile.
“Oh wait, does it mean you'll be joining me tonight?” she asked, lowering her arm and pulling away from me. I chuckled and shrugged.
"Well, you said she invited us; it would be embarrassing if we declined her invitation; besides, I want to see her," I felt a little challenged now that I have a rival for being hot and cool. I want to uplift my ego, and I'm not going to let her steal my thunder. I’m the hottest, and that's a fact.
Jey then giggled and slung her arm back over my shoulder, almost choking me this time.
"Hey! You just want to show off!” She said, laughing.
"The fuck Jey! You’re choking me, you monkey!” I shouted, attempting to free myself from her grip.
"Alright, so we'll go at 8 p.m.," Jey said, smiling and tapping my back, but before she walked away, she returned my stare with a serious expression.
"You know, you can tell me what really happened. I’ll be waiting when you’re ready," she added earnestly. My best friend has a thorough understanding of how I am. I'll never be able to get away from her interrogation. She can tell if I'm lying or not. I pressed my mouth on a thin line and simply nodded and smiled at her.
"I'll tell you some other time," I assured her.
She pointed a finger at me and said, "As you should. You owe me that one," before closing the door and leaving to prepare for tonight.
Damn it! Jane Terranova. Why can't I take you out of my head? Why do you make me feel bad when you want it just as much as I do?
"Ugh!" I groaned, slumping back to my bed and covering my head with a pillow. I stayed in that position for a few minutes, feeling like I was about to doze off again.
Her skin feels soft against mine. My hand slowly traveled up to her thighs, and she shivered under my touch. Her enticing feline eyes were fixed on me. She’s waiting for me to devour her pearl between her thighs. As soon as my breath reached her center, her breathing turned shallow.
“Fuck me,” she ordered as she grabbed my hair. I allowed my tongue to flick on her clit, moving up and down. I can hear her muffled moans, and her grip on my hair tightened. She buckled her hips up to press her wet center on my lips as I licked on her clit. She’s intoxicating, and I couldn’t get enough of her. Her loud moans are everything; they send thrills down my spine, making me want to claim her clit and fuck her hard even more.
“Oh Khali, it’s so… so good," she breathed out, and I darted my tongue inside her.
"Ugh! Yes! Right there!" She screamed, spreading her legs wider as she ground faster, and I let her suffocate me by pressing my face against her center.
“God! I need more! I need your fingers inside me. Please fuck me, Khali!” she shouted.
I gasped for air as I sat up, rubbed my eyes, and sharply puffed, my heart racing as I realized it was all a dream.
"Fuck this! You're just horny, Khali!” I scolded myself. I punched my bed a few times, then stopped. A single tear stung my eye as I felt frustrated. I realized I was in desperate need of a release. During my years of being single, I never felt sexually frustrated like this.
"Shit!" I cursed and shifted my position again before closing my eyes to sleep. My center throbbed, I felt wet down there, and I knew I had to do something about it. I sighed and quickly stripped off my clothes and laid down on the bed. I'm only wearing my sports bra and underwear. I just hope Jey doesn't barge into my room. I closed my eyes as I imagined her again.
My breath became shallow as my fingers moved up my torso and to the side of my sports bra. I slowly lift it up, revealing my breast. My nipples were already erected as I felt the cold air from the AC hit my skin. A moan escaped from my throat as my fingers started to touch my erected nipple. I imagined Jane’s face as her mouth deliciously claimed my nipple, flicking and sucking it.
I cursed and rolled my nipple between my thumb and index finger. I'm in desperate need of Jane. My other hand skimmed down my torso and to my underwear as I gently breathed. I massaged my clit outside my underwear. I gasped when I started to stimulate my clit, and I already felt wet down there.
"Hmmm... Jane," I mumbled in low voice. I can imagine her going down on me and slowly sucking my clit.
I pulled off my underwear and spread my legs wide. I just want Jane to touch me. I closed my eyes and imagined Jane flicking her tongue along my clit. My fingers rubbed my clit, and my breathing became shallower as the fingers rubbed faster. Shivers traveled through my spine, imagining Jane pushing me against the mattress as she devoured me down there.
“Ugh!" I moaned, rolling my clit between my index and middle fingers. My thighs began to tremble, and my toes curled in response to the sensation. My fingers continued rubbing my clit faster, and I was about to explode. I just want someone to choke me right now. Fuck!
“Ugh!" I panted, and a warm sensation ran down my body.
As I caught my breath, sweat began to form on my forehead. God! I can think of a million things I could do to her, and it frustrates the hell out of me. It’s hard for me to admit that I want her. But that’s the truth. I want her.
"Damn it!" I yelled, clenching my teeth, sucking on my lips, and closing my eyes. She's driving me insane. Swallowing the lump on my throat, I stood up and decided to take a cold shower. My body yells for her, but there's nothing I can do to get her back. She hates me, and she knows I hate her, but ironically, my body doesn't.
I decided to play cards after I came out of the shower. I need to clear my mind. When things get tense, I always turn to play cards to de-stress. This is where I feel most at ease. For most people, cards and numbers are complicated, and they are the polar opposite of rest, yet for me, this is what rest looks like. Cards are my friends; they will never betray me or deceive me because I can read them. It may sound weird, but this is who I am.
I didn't realize it was past 6 p.m., and if it wasn't for my hungry stomach, I would have played longer. I now feel starving. I stood up from my seat and stretched my body from side to side before proceeding to the kitchen. I should cook something. I went through the shelves one by one, looking for something I can cook.
"Wow, in all fairness, she knows what food to buy," I mumbled. My shelves were stocked with canned goods, spices, veggies, fruits, and cereals, as well as noodles, pasta, and other sauces. I have meat, bacon, hotdogs, and even fresh milk, chocolates, and juice in the refrigerator.
A wife material.
"Oh shut up, brain!” I muttered to myself. There’s no way I will fall for that girl. She’s a danger, and I should remind myself every fucking time that she’s bad news. I don't want a girl like her. I'm sure she already flirted with dozens of men and women. She reminds me a lot of Carmine. She'll only use me and deceive me. I lost my appetite as my mind kept on messing up with me. Perhaps I’ll just eat on the way to the club.
Jey approached my door at exactly 8 p.m., and now we're on our way to the nightclub where Rov will showcase her DJ skills. As Jey told me, Rov texted her that she's going to be DJing in a nightclub tonight. She just got here last month, and apparently, she'll return to the US next week. I never anticipated a nerd and oddball like her becoming a famous DJ.
We finally reached the Club Octagon. This is one of the elite clubs in the country. I can guess that Rov is really a big deal now since only international DJs can perform in this club. Many celebrities and elites come here every night. There are a lot of sexy stuffs here, but I'm not here to flirt.
As soon as we walked into the club, we were welcomed by EDM music.
"Hey, that's Rov up there!" Jey shouted near me so I could hear her. Rov was hyping the crowd and dancing to the music. I'd say the nerd knows how to dance with charisma, except that she was no longer a nerd. I can give that to her.
We decided to start with some cocktails. For me, a Whiskey Sour was the drink of choice, while Jey preferred a Martini.
I must admit, Rov is indeed a talented DJ. People were already dancing and feeling the beat. She knows how to hype the crowd with her choice of music. I chugged down my drink on my throat and gave a slight involuntary grimace upon tasting the mixture of sweet and sour.
"Come on, dude, let's dance!" Jey dragged me towards the dance floor, where I could see some people wildly dancing and grinding with each other. My brows wrinkled when I recognized someone.
"Reese?” I mumbled. She's dancing with someone I'm not familiar with. I suddenly felt nervous about the possibility that the girl who keeps messing up with my mind is also here. I looked around as my heart pounds against my chest. It's not like I'm looking forward to seeing her or anything. This coincidence is also messing with my mind. I shook my head and just ignored what I saw. I turned on the other side, and Jey was already dancing with some random girls. I was a little startled when I felt a hand caress my shoulders. I immediately looked back to see a girl looking at me seductively and biting her lip. Her greyish black orbs looked down at my lips, then looked up to meet my eyes.
"Hi, what's your name?" she asked. I just ignored the girl, who seemed disappointed. I didn't come here to meet some girls who wanted to have a one-night stand with me. I was going to return to the counter when I noticed the person who makes my heart race in every way she can; Jane.
She was dancing together with Reese and that other girl. A guy approached her behind, but Reese was fast to pull her away from the guy. I smirked and arched my brows, completely impressed by Reese's dedication in protecting her best friend.
"Thank you, everyone! I'll give the floor to DJ Ryu!" Rov said on the mic, and the crowd erupted in applause, clapping their hands and roaring wildly. Oh wow, what a celebrity she is. I chuckled, a little impressed with my old nerdy friend. Jey then approached me after a few moments.
"Khali! Let's go! Rov asked us to join her at her table."
Before following Jey, I took another shot from the cocktail I had ordered. I came to a halt on our way to Rov's table when I noticed Jane and Reese were also there. I furrowed my brows, a little perplexed. This is the fucking coincidence that messes with my head. I don't know why I'm getting cold feet right now.
"Hey! Can you believe it?! Reese is also there!" Jey exclaimed, pulling me towards them. My feet automatically followed her reflexively, and I let her drag me. Shit!
Jane looked in our direction, and she couldn't hide the surprised look on her face. We locked gazes for a little while, and I just averted my gaze and cleared my throat. To halt the frantic beating of my pulse, I squeezed my fist a little more.
"Jey! Khali!" Rov shouted as she approached us, giving us both a high five and a side hug. To say the situation was awkward is an understatement; it's chaotic, especially as a pair of feline eyes met my doe eyes. I just want my brain to shut down right now. I forced a grin and giggled slightly. I turned my gaze back to my geeky friend, or as I prefer to call her, a cool nerdy friend. Does that even make sense? Whatever.
"Hey, nice to see you again, Rov," I told her. She grinned widely and patted my shoulder. Her appearance has certainly changed, but her friendliness has remained the same. Rov is still the humble one.
"Nice to see you, too. How long has it been? Wow. I still remember how I admired you back in high school, and you're still as cool as ever," she said. In fact, when we were in high school, Rov looked up to me. Back then, I was well among both girls and guys, and she was one of the geeks who admired me. Although I had bullied her several times, she never complained.
That is something I am guilty of.
"Yeah, it's been ten years?" I confirmed with a chuckle.
"Damn... Rov! You're not the nerd anymore! You're so cool, men!” Jey complimented her. Rov just laughed shyly and patted Jey's back. She must have been used to compliments from strangers but perhaps not from her old friends. Despite the poor lighting inside the club, I can see a pink tinge plastered on her cheeks.
"Thanks, Jey, but I'm still the same," she replied sheepishly.
"I genuinely prefer your version 2.0," Jey said, sounding proudly like a stage mother.
I just rolled my eyes at how Jey praised Rov. If I didn't know her, I would think she’s hitting on Rov.
"Thanks. Oh, by the way, I want you to meet my friends here, Nicole, Reese, and Jane," Rov introduced them one by one. The girl named Nicole stood up and extended her hand to shake.
I never anticipated Jane and Reese would do the same. They won’t pretend they don’t know us, will they? But I feel like I don’t want Rov to know we're acquainted in any way. That would just complicate everything. I expected Jane to treat me as a stranger, or perhaps an enemy, the moment I walked out of her office.
"Oh, we actually know th-," I shoved my elbow into Jey's side to shut her up. She gave me a puzzled look, but I smiled cynically with a hostile gaze, causing her to pucker her lips inwardly.
"You know who?” Rov asked quizzically.
"Nothing, we don't know them. It's nice to meet you. I'm Khali," I flashed them a wide grin and offered my hand. Jane just glared at me for a moment before taking my hand. I nearly chuckled at how she just went with the flow. I felt the strange feeling inside my stomach again. Stupid intestines, I thought.
"We actually know them," Reese muttered. I choked with my own saliva, hearing what Reese said. This chipmunk just blew up my cover.
"I thought you didn't know them?” Rov asked.
"Well, you know, I'm kind of famous," I blurted out. Rov then laughed, but Jane and Reese scowled at me.
"Dude, what are you saying?” Jey spoke to me in hushed tones.
"Just pretend like you didn't know them," I said, my voice barely audible to her.
"But, that's Reese," she whined silently.
"Just go with the flow," I scolded her.
"Have a seat!" Rov said, and we sat in the empty seats across from the glaring cat and chipmunk. What the fuck is wrong with them? I did them a favor. Surely one of them has a thing for my cool DJ former-nerd friend.
I'm not sure why Jane rolls her eyes at me every time I glance at her. When she does that, I can only clench my jaw. It irritates me, but it also turns me on. Shit!
This isn’t going to work for me. I need to get out of here, or I’ll make a way to drive her off.
"Hi, Reese," Jey said. Reese smiled at her briefly, but then I realized Nicole was getting a little too close to Reese. Something tells me this isn't a friendly gesture, and I need to know for sure so I can save my best friend from future heartbreaks and let her know that the girl she’s fantasizing about is not worth it.
"Are you two dating?” I asked bluntly, my gaze fixed on Reese and Nicole.
"Me?” I nodded as Reese pointed to herself.
"Yeah, with her," I said, nudging my chin towards the girl next to her.
Nicole replied calmly, "Not yet." Smooth.
Jane then scoffed while Reese simply averted her gaze.
Jey, on the other hand, looked down. At the very least, my best friend should realize that this girl isn't worth her time. They’re all the same.
Jane glared at me and muttered, "Insensitive asshole."
"What's going on?" Rov asked, puzzled by the situation.
"Nothing, I just asked them to clarify everything up. You never know, we might end up flirting once we're intoxicated. So now that we know who's off-limits, then it's all good," I remarked, casting a glance at my best friend. I had no intention of hurting her. I'm simply demonstrating the true color of the woman she's been admiring.
"It's better to know who's worth your time and who's not," I added and looked at Jane. I bet she fucking wanted to throw the drinks on my face with the way she gripped on her glass, and I'm loving the stare she's giving me. She's on the verge of exploding.
Reese then stepped up, grabbing our attention. Jey continued to look down as if she was reading something on her phone.
"Will you please excuse me?" Reese murmured, and Jey slowly looked up at her. I can see Jey’s eyes sparkled with the mist in her eyes. She didn't look at me; instead, she just watched as the human chipmunk walked away from our table. Jey then stood up as well and followed Reese. Why do they have to be so obvious?
Jane frowned at me again and mouthed "asshole" as I shook my head. How many times would she insult me? This girl has some guts.
"Would you like some drinks?" Rov asked, still oblivious to the situation. I'm not sure if she's a nerd or a complete idiot; how could she not sense the tension here? But again, considering how Jane continues to insult me, I'm glad she isn't aware.
"Yeah, sure," I answered.
"Ah... Rov, by the way, Jane is the one I'm telling you about," Nicole blurted out.
I had a feeling the catgirl was going to hit on this friend of mine. Then I'll have to save two people tonight. I'm not going to let this girl deceive my friend.
Rov scratched her nape and chuckled shyly. I furrowed my brows as I noticed her strangely staring at Jane. No. No. She can't just fall in love with her like that. She doesn’t know Jane.
I then scoffed. Maybe I can do some reverse psychology.
"Ah... so Rov likes little Miss CEO?" I teased, tapping Rov's shoulder to aggravate Jane. Rov sheepishly grinned, then nudged me on my side. She was acting like some shy high school student. Goodness, gracious.
"I think I like her too," Jane said, smiling at her. "You were cool up there earlier."
I clenched my jaw, hearing what she said. I knew it; she's used to flirting with everyone. My smile faded, and I discreetly hissed. As I felt the strange sensation inside my gut, I balled my hand into a fist.
"Oh my gosh! I knew it! You're a perfect match!" Nicole clapped her hands together. One more, and Edna Mode would fly out here. I fucking despise matchmakers. She has no idea that this cat-eyed chick only wants to mess with people's emotions.
I suddenly burst out laughing, and they all glanced at me with puzzled expressions on their faces.
"You know, Rov, you're so awesome, and I'm sure a lot of girls want you, but you have to be careful because some girls just want to use you or gain something from you, and it's hard to tell who is truly GENUINE," I said emphatically, glancing at Jane, who had just laughed sarcastically.
Jane retorted, "Yes, that is true, and some people will merely exploit you to satisfy their desires, such as sex."
"Whoa! Hold on. I'm absolutely not like that," Rov argued, her hands in the air, but Jane turned to face me, and I growled at her.
"Yeah, and some people denied that they don't like it, as if they're the victims," I arched my brows at Jane, and she rolled her eyes on me. I smirked, knowing she couldn't contradict my previous comment because she freaking loved it when we had sex.
"OK, hold on. What's going on?" Nicole interjected, warily staring at us.
"Nothing," we both uttered.
"Anyways, it doesn't matter. I can prove to you that I'm not like any of those things you described," Rov clarified, looking at Jane. Oh no, not you, but this dangerous kitty is.
"I can tell that you are not like other people out there," Jane said, then glanced at me. I gritted my teeth, furious at the moment. Why is she acting as if she didn't like what happened between us? She even begged me to keep fucking her. I wanted to wipe that smirk off of her face and slam her against the wall and make her remember that she fucking spread her legs on me.
The tension was interrupted when the waiter placed the drinks on the table. Reese and Jey have yet to return.
"I'll just go find Reese," Nicole said. She got up and walked away from the table in search of the love of her life. I rolled my eyes with the thought. I texted Jey, but she has yet to respond. I'm curious as to what's taking them so long. The longer they talk, the more difficult it will be for Jey to move on. I don't want my best friend to cling to something that isn't really worth holding on to. The girl is not worth the pain. She’ll just hurt Jey.
"Excuse me, I'll have to go to the restroom," Jane excused herself. She didn’t even bother to look at me as she headed towards the restroom.
Rov chuckled and drank a shot, "So it's just the two of us."
The thoughts of Jane are still lingering in my head, and it's not helping me calm down. I chugged down my drink as well before I stood up. I needed to use the restroom, so I pointed to it to let Rov know where I was going. It’s time to deal with little Miss CEO.