You All Over Me [BxB]

Thirty-Eight

"Cheers!"

Glasses clinking, the four chug their beer excitedly, their eyes shimmering in relief and optimism for what is coming next.

Finally, after four gruelling years of postgraduate studies, the moment of graduation has arrived.

"Thank God! I never thought this day would come!" Austin yells, then beckons the waiter for another glass of beer. "Although senior year was easier than I thought."

"It was. Less recitation, and fewer terror professors," Theodore concurs.

Stella chews on some skewers. "Have you guys decided on a review center?"

"Yes. We're already enrolled," Jacob replies.

Theodore fiddles with his sleeves, his thoughts wandering to the worries that bothered him over the past year.

His parents paid for his car and tuition fees, but for the review center, Theodore had decided to bear the responsibility.

He was all set to review on his own. However, Jacob insisted on covering the costs, arguing that they could not take any chances when it came to the bar exam.

Passing on the first try was their mutual goal.

In truth, the bar review center wouldn't even dent Jacob's bank account—it was pocket change. Still, Theodore couldn't shake the shame of dependency.

He's been living with him, contributing almost nothing aside from groceries, and even then, Jacob never welcomes it without some resistance.

Theodore has been compensating by doing most of the housework: cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry. Whenever Jacob tries to help, he'd shoo him away. It's only fair that he earns his keep.

That, and Jacob can't fold a shirt to save his life.

Austin pouts. "What? Why didn't you say anything?"

Jacob half-shrugs.

"By the way, congrats on the job, Theo!" Stella exclaims, clasping his hands and shaking them. "I'm glad you went for it."

"Thanks! I still had to go through interviews and all. I'm just glad they took me in even though I haven't passed the bar."

Proudly, Jacob cuts in, "They were just a formality. He made a good impression on them."

"Aww, aren't you such a doting boyfriend?" Austin teases, and he earns Jacob's icy glare. "I'm kidding!"

"Would you be able to balance it with the review?" Stella asks.

Theodore's gaze drops on the table, his fingers circling the glass rim. "I should be fine. Being on ground counts as review, too."

"I guess. But don't spread yourself too thin," Stella says, twisting her ring. "Anyway, I'm not worried about you."

Austin and Jacob swap meaningful looks with each other.

"Must be nice not to worry about passing," Austin mumbles. "Ah! I cannot fail. I have to find work immediately."

"Me, too," Jacob says, nodding and taking a sip of his beer.

"You? Why?"

"We're planning to move out of my place."

Stella's eyebrows furrow. "Why? Is it too cramped?"

"No, not really. It's big enough for the two of us," Theodore replies. "But we want to stop relying on our parents."

Stella presses her lips into a thin line. "It's been a year, Theo. You still haven't made up with your dad?"

Theodore clears his throat, shaking his head. They haven't spoken at all, and he hasn't visited since he left that morning.