Asher, who was feeling so overwhelmed, left the class. The practical had ended long ago, thanks to Emily and Slyvia's arguments, but now he needed to see Jeremy. Throughout the day, he hadn't set his eyes on him, and he was growing concerned about it. Ezekiel's birthday party was officially by 10 p.m., making it a club entirely—why call it a party in the first place? Even though he wouldn't be Zeke's plus one, he didn't need drama, and staying far away from Zeke was a good measure of avoiding unnecessary drama. Walking to the school clinic, Asher felt a sudden coldness—it was like something was trying to claw at him.
He instantly turned back, but nothing was beside him. These days, he wasn't feeling good. Ever since Luna's death, it was like there were forces in the shadows chasing him, and since he was surrounded by tons of people, he kept feeling this sense of danger, as if there was something deadly in their midst. Asher had been dismissing this feeling, but at this moment, it seemed to grow, and it made Asher shudder. Except for Jeremy and Rose, he didn't seem to trust anyone, not even Zeke, who was trying to get himself entangled in his life but hadn't proven to be trustworthy. Of course, how could he trust a person who was always whispering something to different people?
Arriving at the clinic, he saw a figure with a bandaged forehead and hands coming out of the building, and quickly, he rushed to the figure. Truly, it was Jeremy. Jeremy rushed to hug Asher, embracing him tightly. Asher wasn't expecting the hug. He stroked Jimmy's face, and slowly, they disengaged from each other's arms.
"For a moment, I thought I was dead, but I realized it was only the hospital. Why did you leave me behind? I was scared that whatever killed Luna would come for me," Jeremy trembled while speaking.
"Don't say that, Jimmy. Luna's death was suspicious, truly, but it won't claim you because I won't allow any of my friends to die again—not on my watch," Asher declared, looking at Jeremy with his beautiful emerald eyes.
Jeremy came close and clasped his hands around Asher's, walking alongside him. "Asher, promise me no matter what happens, you will always put yourself first."
Jeremy's question took Asher by surprise. What was happening? It seemed Jimmy was talking to him as if the world would soon come to an end.
"Jimmy, I know you're worried about me, and I appreciate the concern, so relax. My priority now is finding out the truth behind Luna's death. I can't let Luna's death be in vain. Weren't you with us? She wanted to tell us something, and obviously, something supernatural was at play, because apart from that, I can't pinpoint what happened that terrible day," Asher spoke amidst sorrow, still recovering from Luna's death. But now, Ezekiel and the whole school were talking about a birthday party—it was like no one cared for Luna, and he felt terrible for his friend.
"Okay, Asher, but can we go back to the dorm for now? I don't want to come out," Jeremy chimed in, and Asher continued walking with Jimmy, their hands entwined. They reached their dorm, and Jeremy fell on the soft bed, dragging Asher with him.
For a moment, they were lying side by side, staring into each other's eyes. Asher could feel Jimmy's burning gaze on him, his cologne hanging heavily in the air, and it made Asher gulp.
"Why do you have to be straight, Jeremy? You're so mad attractive to be one," Asher asked sadly. He couldn't help but grow fond of Jimmy, but here he was—Jeremy was a guy, and he too was a guy, with the possibility of anything happening close to zero.
Jeremy stretched his hands and grabbed a strand of Asher's silver hair.
"I know, Asher. I am straight, but that doesn't mean I won't love you. You're my friend. Sorry for realizing that now, because in my unconscious state, I came to understand that those who stand with you in your lowest moments are your true friends. And Asher, you're a genuine friend. How I wish I could protect you, Asher, because terrors are coming for us all, and I want to be by your side and shield you from them," Jeremy spoke while stroking Asher's silvery hair.
Asher felt emotional hearing Jimmy's words. Why did he keep saying that? Did he see or encounter something?
"Jimmy, would you come with me to Zeke's party? You were invited among the VIPs. If you're going, then I don't mind going."
Jeremy smiled, still lying on the bed beside Asher.
"Asher, do you know that I thought you were a snob before? But getting to know you, I realized that you're only like that because of the past. Asher, you're an angel—a beautiful soul and a gorgeous guy. So don't think less of yourself. What I passed through earlier was also terrible—bullying, harassment, and abuse—but I pulled through, and you shall pull through your trauma, Asher."
Asher froze. How did he know he was traumatized? He hadn't told anyone about his past life apart from Rose, and even then, he hadn't told her everything.
Asher embraced Jeremy once again. "Thanks, Jer. It was horrible. I was shaken seeing you experience those things because of the tag that you're a fag when you're innocent. It brought back horrifying memories—ones I don't want to remember. The memories I blocked off, Jeremy... I was—"
Asher broke down. What he told Rose wasn't entirely the truth. He was shaken to the core, and he couldn't move past it without having dreams of those moments when he was brutally harassed.
"It's okay. I'm sorry for bringing back those memories. I love you, Asher. Even if it might be weird hearing it from me, I love you so much. It might not be romantic, but it's beyond that," Jeremy's eyes glittered as he cleaned off Asher's tear-streaked face.
"Come on, Jeremy. Let's go to the party. Let me be your plus one, Jimmy."
Jeremy smiled and grinned.
"What are you waiting for? Isn't the party at 9 p.m.? Let's start preparing—we don't want to be late for the event," Jeremy's sweet baritone voice echoed, and Asher jumped down from the bed. The two hurriedly left to shower.
Rose was checking herself out in the mirror. She was combing her smooth blonde hair, shifting the hems of her gown sideways while admiring her figure and flawless skin.
"Are you sure you don't want to come, Slyvia? I can be your eyes if you want, but you can't stay here all by yourself, looking depressed. Hell no," Rose spoke straight up. She wasn't comfortable with the idea of her bestie staying alone in the dorm.
Emily, who was too busy putting on her jewelry, didn't talk. Tonight was going to be her night. She made sure she wore a sexy, revealing outfit—she was going to seduce Harlan and have sex with him, snatching him for herself.
"Emily, why aren't you talking? You know, you're getting more distant these days—it's like I don't even know you anymore. And those things you said in the lab were so disgraceful. How could you do that to your best friend? Has she ever done that to you, Emily? Why this behavior?"
Rose went straight to the point. She was done, and she was so damn gorgeous. She wore a skimpy short gown that made all her curves stand out, with a little flair down and a slit on her back, along with a ruby necklace that made her look formidable. Seeing Rose's look, Emily could only sigh.
Emily dropped her makeup kit in frustration. She looked at Slyvia, who was obviously listening, and sighed.
"Rose, I have decided to have a 'me' time today. This night is going to be about me, so I don't give a shit about anyone else. And sorry, Slyvia, since you won't come, I borrowed one of your dresses," Emily smiled and got up, twirling around in her stunning red designer gown, which was almost sheer, revealing her inner parts—her cleavage was brought out so much, not to mention her panties, which were literally showing. Seeing this, Rose gasped.
"I don't mean to judge, but you're dressed almost like a whore," Rose shouted.
"Do you want boys to prey on you?" Rose hadn't finished talking when Emily walked up close and slapped her face, momentarily shocking her.
Slyvia, who heard the sound, froze—Emily slapped Rose. What had gotten into that girl? And without apologizing, Emily strutted out, her immaculate heels clicking against the marble floors.
Rose frowned. "That's it, Slyvia. I am done with that self-centered bitch. Whatever happens to her at this party, I don't care. And Slyvia, please take care. Harlan is here to look after you."
Rose kissed Slyvia's forehead and left, while Slyvia couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Harlan kept helping her, and now he was skipping the party to stay with her. What was the pompous fool up to? If he thought he could use her, he was mistaken—being blind didn't mean she couldn't kick his ass.