Chapter 12 CHAPTER: 012
“Here,” he says, pressing it into Asher’s hands carefully. “Chocolate. Already made. Don’t drop it.”
Asher stares at the cup for a second before wrapping his fingers around it. It’s warm yet does nothing to stop his shaking because he's not trembling from the cold.
“I didn’t mean to hurt him. I didn't think it would get that far,” he finally finds his voice and whispers.
Rase crouches in front of him, looking up at him, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair from Asher's face. “We know.”
“He wouldn’t stop. I told him to stop, but he didn’t listen, and I just…” Asher trails off, his grip tightens on the cup.
Rase’s jaw tightens. “Then that’s on him.”
Asher shakes his head immediately. “No. I burned him. What if he dies?” The words come out barely above a whisper. Asher doesn't think he would be able to live with himself if that happens.
Rase exhales through his nose, then runs a hand through his hair. “Then he shouldn’t have touched you. Professor Dalen is a bastard, and he only got what he deserved."
“That's right,” Ori and Kaeleen agree at the same time.
Ori adjusts his glasses. “Professor Dalen teaches combat in Water Elemental class, and he’s always been weird. Always touching students more than he should. You’re not the first person he’s tried something with. No one reported because he never went so far except with you."
That makes something twist inside Asher’s chest. He doesn't feel any better from Ori’s words; instead, he feels worse.
“Yeah.” Kaeleen nods. “He deserves worse than that, actually.”
Asher grasps the mug closer without drinking from it, not saying anything else. No matter what they say, Asher still feels like the problem. They don’t get it. They didn’t see it, and they didn’t feel it: the heat, the loss of control, and the fear that comes later. Everything is overwhelming; he feels like erupting.
“I’m hungry,” Rase suddenly says, standing up abruptly.
Asher blinks, confused. “What?”
“I said I’m hungry,” Rase repeats, stretching. “You should eat too.”
“I’m not—” Asher starts, but gets cut off.
“You are. I'm going to get us food,” Rase states firmly, already heading for the door.
“Hey, what about us?” Ori suddenly calls out.
“Go get your own food,” Rase throws over his shoulder, and before Asher can argue, Rase is already grabbing his jacket. “I’ll be back,” he says and walks out the door.
The moment the door closes, no one says anything and then….
“Oooooh.”
Asher whips his head over to Ori, who has a grin that's too big for his face and a knowing look in his eyes, while Kaeleen crosses his arms over his chest, wearing a smirk.
“What?” Asher stares confusedly.
Ori leans forward. “Rase has a crush on you.”
Asher blinks. “What?”
“It’s obvious. He's been so attentive and caring. The blanket? Chocolate? Going out to get you food. He would never do that for us, even if we're dying, and this means only one thing. He likes you,” he squeals as if he's solved the world's hardest puzzle, while Kaeleen nods in agreement, almost too eagerly.
Asher stares at them as if they've grown extra heads on their shoulders. “I don't think so,”
Kaeleen snorts as he returns to his bed and sits down. “Take it from us, Asher. Rase has never been like this before. He never attended classes and is friends with bullies, but now he stays with us during lunch and always attends classes because you're there. It's obvious he likes you, and it's only a matter of time before he confesses."
Asher snorts. “I've been here barely a week,” he almost says it's ridiculous, but then it starts to click in his head, and he can be wrong. They can all be wrong.
Kaeleen shrugs. “It takes three seconds to fall in love,”
Ori nods. “That's right. You should drink your chocolate before it gets cold. Rase might worry more,” he teases and wriggles his brows before heading to his own bed.
~~
Asher lies awake in his bed. While everyone sleeps, his mind won’t stop. He needs air.
Slowly, carefully, he slips out of bed and leaves the room, and soon he arrives at the rooftop. Cool air immediately hits his face the moment he steps out.
Asher exhales slowly. Finally, some air, he thinks as he walks to the edge and sits down, pulling his knees close, and staring up at the sky. The stars are bright tonight, and they look beautiful from down here.
Asher wishes he could have his bed here. Wish he could hide here forever and no one would find him, but then again, fate always has different plans for him as a familiar voice interrupts.
“I was wondering when you’d come back here.”
Asher whips his head to find Xavi sitting a few feet away. The blue-haired boy smiles at him before pulling out a packet of cigarettes and pops one into his mouth. He looks at Asher and offers.
“Want one?”
Asher immediately shakes his head, but Xavi snorts and lights it up, huffing out smoke and staring at the sky while Asher stares at his side profile.
Even from this angle, he's pretty and everything Asher is not. Rebellious yet perfect. He can do whatever he wants without having to fear.
“You should take a picture; it lasts longer,” Xavi suddenly says, and Asher flinches, realizing he's been caught staring at the boy again. He quickly looks away while Xavi scoffs and takes a drag of his cigarette. “I know I'm pretty.”
Asher snorts. “So full of yourself,” he murmurs under his breath.
“I heard that,” Xavi retorts with no bark in his voice. “So, what got your pants in a twist?
Asher swallows the lump in his throat and holds his knees to his chest tighter, resting his chin. “I killed someone.”
Xavi smirks. “Never thought you had it in you. The whole school is buzzing about it.”
Asher’s stomach drops. Of course they are. He's never going to escape what he's done.
“It’s cool and funny,” Xavi continues casually, shrugging his shoulders. First time people are talking about someone killing someone other than me.”
Asher blinks. “What?”
TO BE CONTINUED.