Pain And Pleasure 18+✓

Twenty

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is too huge for me to pay attention to every little detail of the students who study here. I hardly have time to roam around the campus, so my schedule is always classes, library, a little caffeine in between, and leaving.

Today is no exception with several filling-in to do.

After the two morning periods, I find myself a hideout in the hospitality building—my favorite place on campus. I use online lectures and my friends' notes to catch up with the missed classes.

Time flies so quickly until the sun shifts from overhead.

"My last class is postponed till tomorrow. Are you still around?" Josh asks me as we bump into each other outside around four in the evening.

Usually, it would be my shift at the restaurant, but since I lost my job, I guess I can go home and do something worthwhile.

"Um, yeah," I respond to Josh. "I still have a few things to take care of but tomorrow is a day, too, so let's just leave. I don't think my brain can process anything more at this point."

Josh smiles, but before he can say a word, a trio of butterflies in heels march over. An exhausted sigh escapes my lips, fully aware that my patience is about to run thin at any time as long as I keep standing here.

But too late to leave.

"I found you at last," I hear the agitated voice I'd pay a few bucks not to hear right now.

It's none other than Bianca Knowles, Josh's girlfriend, ready for another one.

"Bee, not here." Josh seems unready for drama and I'm not either.

They always make a scene somehow, these two.

Bianca holds her slender waist, standing right before her boyfriend like a hysterical wife. She's tall, dark-skinned, graced with thick kinky curls, with a perfect Victoria's Secret body that may be the reason why Josh is head-over-heels.

Or was? I'm not sure.

Her group of three entourages is almost the same as her, except they're either blonde or brunette. They're all typical girly girls, and I know I can't last a single minute talking to any of them—not even about the weather.

I glance at my watch. Time to leave.

"If you want to break up with me, then say it! Stop being a dick!" Bianca snaps, caring so little that we're in the middle of the open walkway with students buzzing along every few seconds.

Josh clamps his jaw, already off his usual composure. "Not now, Bianca," he replies in a ruffled voice. "I need to go home so let's talk tomorrow."

"To go home or to be with Ara who does nothing but leech off you instead of fixing things with me—your girlfriend?"

"Excuse me?" I don't think I can let her comment slide.

She didn't just call me a leech, did she?

"Show her some respect!" Josh barks. He strides closer to her, grips her arm with his one hand, and leans toward her face. "I said I'm not ready to talk, Bianca. Not now. For once I need you to respect my personal space, you get it?"

"I said I'm sorry, what else do you need?" Bianca yells, and even though I remotely understand their fight, I can tell how hurt she is by the look of her glowing dusky eyes.

Josh opens his lips but he fails to utter a thing. Sighing heavily, a hint of

"If you go with her, we're done!" Bianca stipulates.

Her girls smile slyly, but I'm dismayed.

Is she seriously giving him an ultimatum?

Josh frees her and moves toward me. "I'll take you home," he offers.