Player 3?

Chapter 11 : "I like you"

Chapter 11

The next day...

Kaye POV

When I woke up, Jeremy was still asleep. But he needs it. So I went to go talk to Michael. He was sitting in bed, listening to music in his headphones.

"How did last night go?" Michael asked.

"It was ok. I know he hasn't been treating you very nice, but he feels really bad about it. When he drank alcohol, it like shut off his squip and made it not work. His squip is what's making him treat you like that. I know that doesn't make it ok, but you should know that he feels terrible about it."

"Ok, so is his squip going to like... turn back on now that he's not drunk anymore?"

"I don't know. Maybe."

"What am I supposed to do? He's probably going to be mean to me again."

"I know. I think you should keep your distance until he gets everything figured out. If his squip is controlling him again, then you're probably going to be hurt."

"Yeah..."

Michael sighed and looked down at his bed.

"I wish I could just have the old Jeremy back."

"I know. But I'm going to try to help him. If you find out anything else about squips, let me know. He's really freaked out about Rich."

"Why?"

"Because Rich has a squip and set Jake's house on fire. I guess he was acting really weird last night and Jeremy thinks maybe it was because of his squip. So like... we don't know if he's going to end up in a mental hospital or if he's even ok from last night. And we don't know how long he had the squip, so we can't guess how long it takes to go crazy or how much time Jeremy has."

"Oh... Wait you have Rich's number, right?"

"Yeah. I could try texting him. I don't know if he has his phone though. But I could try."

"Is Jeremy ok though?"

"Yeah, he's ok. Just really shaken up about last night. And scared about his squip."

"So you think we should just avoid each other for now?"

"Yeah. I think that would probably be the safest thing."

"Ok... And you're going to help him?"

"Yeah."

"Will you still have time to help me with my homework and stuff?"

"Of course I will. Don't worry."

"Ok. Thanks."

I hugged Michael tight and then went back to my room. Jeremy was starting to wake up.

"How's your head?" I asked, sitting down on my bed.

"Hurts a little."

"Is your squip back?"

"Uh... I don't know. Like it's not always there 100% of the time. It's only there when it thinks I need to do or say something. So like for example, when I'm doing my homework, it's not really there, saying anything, unless I need help with a question."

"Ok. I talked to Michael and told him about last night. And I really think it would be best if you guys just avoided each other until you figure things out with your squip. Michael is tired of getting hurt."

"I know. It's probably for the best."

"I'm just a little worried you'll start being mean to me. I mean, it wouldn't be as bad as how you treated Michael because we aren't lifelong friends like you guys are. But I'm still worried."

"Don't be. My squip wouldn't make me do anything mean to you."

"I thought it wouldn't make you do anything mean to Michael either, but-"

"No, you don't understand. My squip wouldn't make me be mean because... I like you," he said, quietly.

"You like me?"

"Are you kidding? Kaye, practically every guy does. Rich does. Michael probably does too."

"What?"

"Ask him. Don't lead into it or anything. Just straight up ask him. And if he gets nervous or turns red or denies it, that means he likes you."

"Ok..."

"I'm not trying to make things weird, but that's how I know I wouldn't be mean to you."

"No, I get what you're saying."

"I should be getting home. I'm going to be in trouble for not coming home last night. But I would've been in even more trouble if I came home drunk. Thanks for everything last night."

"You're welcome."

Jeremy hugged me tight.

"I'll text you if my squip comes back or something happens," he said, getting his shoes on.

"Ok. See you Monday?"

"Yeah. See you Monday," he said, leaving.

I got up and went back to Michael's room. I sat down on the end of his bed and he took off his headphones.

"Jeremy went home. We're still figuring things out, but I'll let you know what's going on if something happens."

"Ok. He's ok?"

"He's fine."

"Good."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Do you like me?"

"D-do I what!?"

"Do you like me?"

"I... What kind of question is that?"

"Just a question."

"Well why are you asking me that?"

"It's just a question, Michael. I can already tell the answer is yes. Your face is red."

Michael covered his face with his hands.

"Ok, I like you! What's the big deal!?"

"Jeremy said you did, so I figured I'd ask you."

"Yeah, well he probably likes you too."

"He does. He told me this morning."

"Wait. Really?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"So Christine isn't interested in him, so now he decided he likes you?"

"I don't know. It doesn't matter."

"Well do you like us back?"

"Yeah."

"Really?"

"Really."

"So what does that mean? Are you going to like... date one of us?"

"I'm still getting to know you guys. I don't need to rush into dating one of you. Things are fine as friends for now. That could change in the future. But things are fine like this."

"Ok. So things aren't like... weird now?"

"No."

"Ok, good."

"It'd be nice to just let things happen when they happen, ok? Take things slow."

"Ok," he said, smiling.