The Tutor (BOOK 2: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟷𝟼|

Jenny Johnson

"I'm just saying, if the world was going to end, it'd happen during a football game." Bianca's voice slurred through the haze of laughter and chatter, spilling her thoughts like the drink she was precariously balancing in her hand.

To Bianca's left, a gaggle of freshman volleyball girls giggled, their eyes sparkling with the intoxication of youth and cheap booze. Taylor Swift's latest album blared through the speakers, the upbeat melodies contrasting sharply with the storm outside. I could see the rain pouring down outside, people rushing inside, drenched to the bone.

We were huddled in a booth at Willowbrook's favorite local haunt, a snug little place that felt like a well-worn sweater. Wooden tables, dim lights that flickered like old memories, and walls lined with posters that told stories of nights long gone. It was the kind of place where laughter bubbled freely, everyone from Willowbrook University seemed to find solace here, escaping the storm outside.

I should have left an hour ago when Bianca had practically begged me to come, but she needed me here, even if she didn't quite know it. I couldn't just ditch her, especially with the pouring rain outside.

"I'm getting another drink," Bianca declared, her smile wide and slightly lopsided, as she rose with a stumble. "Wanna come, Jenny?"

"No, thanks." I smiled back, holding up my nearly full drink, grateful for the chance to sit in silence for a moment.

She shrugged, her figure melting into the crowd as I was left with the volleyball girls, who were all laughter and chatter, their voices blending into a soft hum that I couldn't quite tune into. They were nice enough, but their conversation felt far away, like a radio station I couldn't quite find the frequency for.

My attention drifted, drawn to a striking redhead in the center of the pub, her shiny hair catching the dim light as she chatted animatedly with Owen Hall, a guy I had seen around but never really talked to. They were all smiles, limbs flailing, and I felt an odd mix of envy and longing as I watched.

"They're cute, aren't they?" The brunette girl next to me chimed in, noticing where my gaze had landed. "Too bad they're not together," she added, her cheeks flushed from the drink.

That was news to me. They looked like a couple, or at least like they should be. I turned my attention back to them, noting the way they leaned into each other, the easy laughter that seemed to draw them closer.

"They're not?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"No, but it's so obvious they should be." She laughed, her voice light and airy, almost like she was floating. "That's our old captain, Aria Evers. She was the sweetest person, and the best captain ever. I mean, not that Bianca is terrible, but Aria was... different. But ever since last year, she's denied any feelings for Owen, and Owen doesn't talk about her like that."

I blinked, absorbing her drunken ramblings. It was like a puzzle piece clicking into place. How could she deny it? It's written all over her face. I glanced back at Aria, who was now leaning in closer to Owen, her laughter bright and genuine.

"It's a shame, really," the brunette continued, her voice softening as she regarded the pair.

"It is," I agreed, taking another sip of my drink, the vodka cherry burning slightly as it slid down my throat.

They were so comfortable together, as if the world outside had ceased to exist. They held each other as if they were the only two people in the universe, kissing with an intimacy that made my chest ache. It was a relationship born of familiarity, trust, and comfort, and I couldn't help but wonder why they weren't a couple, why they hadn't just taken the leap.