It's a Cruel World, Sir (Student/Teacher)

28 | Out with a Bang

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate! I actually finished this chapter at 3am, but it was very rough, so I spent the last few hours editing and adding and reworking some things~ I hope it meets your expectations, especially with such a long wait!

Before you start, I just wanted to give you a trigger warning as there are firearms near the end of this chapter, and it could be a problem for sensitive readers, so please read with caution, okay? And remember: I'm here if you need me~(:

— 28 —

"Are we going to completely ignore how absolutely adorable that is or...?" someone whispers.

"They are kinda cute," someone agrees just as softly. "Even you can't deny that, Whitler."

"I can deny anything I want." Whit's voice cuts through the stillness.

"Aw, c'mon, Whitler! Just look at them!" And that's definitely Nikki.

I groan, burying my face in the pillow. There's squealing coming from what sounds suspiciously like TJ, but I ignore it, concentrating on the weird thrum that seems to be coming from my pillow. After a few beats, it even chuckles.

Wait. What.

I pull back and open my eyes. Everything is bleary, though. All I can make out is the outline of a... a what? It kind of looks like a shoulder, but I don't know why...

My eyes widen, and I instinctively push away from Chase. He moves back a little, giving me space, but I'm still on his lap. More snickers happen as I scramble to get off him and stand up.

"Morning, Cupcake~" TJ's high voice should be illegal this early in the morning.

"Enjoy yourself last night?" Nikki adds, eyes shining.

I ignore them, fixing my tank top. Stupid me didn't put my sweats back on, so I pull the tank top as far down as it will go, suddenly very aware of the fact that I don't have pants on.

"Here." Leon tosses my sweatpants at me casually, dutifully knocking Nikki on her head with his knuckles. "Stop teasing her."

It's clearly not hard enough, though, because she smirks up at him. "Save that for later, Leon."

He rolls his eyes, but there's still a light dust of red on his face that makes Nikki's smirk widen to the point it honestly looks creepy.

Grumbling, I pull on my sweats as Chase stands up too, leaning against the counter as if there isn't an entire gaggle of idiots giggling like little kids. The jerk actually looks remarkably good with his wrinkled white tee and dark rinse jeans.

"Sleep well?" he asks softly.

Ugh. I can't stand him.

"Fine," I respond curtly. "Why didn't you wake me up before they got here?"

"How interesting would that be?" he asks in return, tilting his head.

I groan. "Is now really the time for that?" I grumble.

"Of course," he says easily, leaning into me. "How else would I get to see you blushing?"

"I'm not blushing!"

"Oh, so that red tint is always on your face?"

"Yes! Shows how often you pay attention."

"Unfortunately, I'm always paying attention to you," he says, a hand going through my hair.