The bus hissed to a stop, and we spilled out, exhausted but triumphant. A crowd of fans greeted us with cheers and flashing cameras, lifting everyone's spirits. After a few photos and handshakes, people started dispersing, leaving me with just enough space to grab my bag.
As I reached for it, two of Damien's friends chatted nearby.
"Man, Damien's really done it this time," one of them snickered. "That girl—what's her name? The one who's always wearing pink?"
"Tasha?" the other replied, laughing. "Yeah, he's been hanging with her a lot lately."
"Only for the bet," the first one said, his tone dripping with amusement.
I froze, my grip on my bag tightening. My chest burned as their words sank in.
"What bet?" I growled, spinning toward them.
The guy who'd spoken first barely had time to react before I grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against the side of the bus.
"What the hell, man?!" he yelped, his face pale.
"What bet?" I snarled, my voice low and dangerous.
"Hey, calm down!" the other guy tried to intervene, reaching for my shoulder. I shoved him back without a second thought.
"I asked you a question," I growled, my grip tightening on the guy's shirt.
He swallowed hard, trembling. "It was just a joke, man! Damien said he didn't actually like her—that he was only hanging out with her to mess with you. One of the guys bet him he couldn't sleep with her before graduation."
The words hit me like a freight train. My vision blurred with anger, and before I could think, I kneed him in the stomach. He doubled over with a groan, collapsing to the ground.
I grabbed my bag and stalked off, shoving it into the trunk of my car before peeling out of the parking lot. My hands shook as I dialed Kyle.
"What's up, dude?" he answered casually.
"Is Milton with you?" I asked, my voice strained.
"Yeah, why? What's going on?"
"Just put him on the phone," I snapped.
A moment later, Milton's voice came through. "What's up, Lover Boy?"
"Where's Tasha's date with Damien happening?" I demanded.
Milton sighed heavily. "Dude, I get that you've finally realized your undying love for her, but crashing her first date isn't the way to win her back."
"This isn't about the date," I barked. "Damien doesn't care about her. It's all part of some sick bet. If she finds out after the fact, it'll destroy her. I have to stop this."
Milton was silent for a beat. "I don't know, man. She only told me what time, not where."
"Damn it!" I growled, hanging up.
Back at home, I paced my room, phone in hand, futilely trying to call Tasha. I cursed under my breath when I remembered she'd blocked my number.
As the hours passed, I sat on the edge of my bed, head in my hands. This was my fault. I'd pushed her toward Damien. I'd broken her heart, and now I was letting someone else shatter her spirit.
At five o'clock, I grabbed my keys and started driving, searching every restaurant in town. By six-thirty, I had nothing. Panic clawed at my chest as I wracked my brain. Then it hit me: Mariena's. I remembered Damien mentioning it at lunch. I punched the address into my GPS and floored it.
When I arrived, her car was parked out front. My pulse thundered as I stormed inside, scanning the room until I spotted them.
Damien smirked, leaning casually in his chair. The sight of him sitting across from her, so calm and smug, sent white-hot rage coursing through me. I marched forward, my fist connecting with his face before he could even stand.
"You think you can treat her like this for a bet?" I shouted, punching him again. "You think you can sleep with her and just leave her hanging?!"
Damien groaned, blood dripping from his nose.
"She's special," I roared, my voice cracking.
The restaurant door burst open, and I turned to see Tasha running out. The sight of her tear-streaked face hit me harder than any punch could.
"TASHA!" I yelled, chasing after her.
Rain poured down, soaking us both as I grabbed her hand. She tried to pull away, but I held on.
"Let me go!" she shouted, her voice breaking.
"Just give me ten minutes!" I begged, my heart pounding.
"You know I hate violence, and you come here and attack my date?" she snapped.
"I had to stop him!" I pleaded. "Just let me explain. Please."
Her eyes burned into mine before she finally relented. "You've got five minutes. Then I'm gone."
I released her hand, though every part of me ached to hold on.
"Damien made a bet," I said, my voice trembling. "He doesn't care about you. He just wants to sleep with you to win."
She pushed the drenched hair out of her face, her expression unreadable. "How is that any different from what you did?" she asked bitterly. "You came here acting like a hero, but you're just as bad."
Her laugh was hollow, cutting deep.
I stepped closer, my chest heaving. "I'm sorry," I whispered. "I'm so damn sorry, Tasha. You're my Pinky. You gave me your heart, and I broke it. I was a coward, and I didn't deserve you. But I can't keep this in anymore—I love you."
She froze, her eyes wide.
"I love how you light up every room you walk into. I love that you wear pink like it's armor. I love how you're so shy, but you never let it stop you. You're brave, and kind, and stronger than anyone I know. I love everything about you."
I took another step, my voice breaking. "This last month has been hell without you. I missed your voice, your laugh. I missed you. You made me better, Tasha. And I'm not asking you to forgive me right now, but... please, give me a chance to win your heart back."
I fell to my knees, rain mixing with tears as I looked up at her.
She stared at me for a long moment, her eyes unreadable. Then, without a word, she turned and walked away, leaving me kneeling in the pouring rain.