WE ARE ALL CAVED IN

Chapter 4: Friends and Perfume

"What happened to that guy, buddy?" Jameson asked, then took a swig of the beer in his glass.

We're having a boys' night out, the three of us here in the bar where we used to hang out. It's Friday night, so there's no school tomorrow, making it the perfect time for a boys' night out. Ever since I started dating my ex, Lily, I've had very little time for my friends. It's sad and frustrating.

"He's okay. I don't know why those punks ended up beating him just because he refused to make their activities. Such a bunch of a-holes," I said, leaning back on the bench.

"It's lucky you saw him. If not, we don't know if he'd still be able to walk right now. They would have beaten him worse than we expected," Carl added, grabbing a piece of chicharon from the paper plate.

"Yeah, I pity him," I said, taking a big gulp of my beer. "He's cute, though," I added.

"What did you say, bud?" Jameson with his questioning and grinning face. "Don't tell me you like that guy? Yieeeh. You guys are so rude." He added. "Buddy here," Jameson pointed at Carl, "he already has some sort of fling. Don't deny it, buddy. I've seen you many times, even now, you're 90 percent on your phone. And you," he pointed at me, "you like that guy, right? You guys are so rude." Jameson chugged his beer, and Carl and I exchanged glances.

"Hey. I don't like him," I defended myself.

"And I'm not having a fling with anyone either. You're just overthinking, buddy," Carl said.

"You guys are funny. It's okay if you have someone in your life. If that's what makes your heart happy, then go for it. Me? Silly, I'm still a great friend and I'm so hot, like a hotdogs on the grill," Jameson rambled on, making Carl and me laugh.

Jameson's words really hit me to the core. It reminds me of how lucky I am to have friends like them. He's so true and sincere.

As I was drinking my beer, my phone suddenly rang. I took it out of my pocket to see who was texting. It was from Onyx. I gave him my number when we were at the clinic because he said he'd text me to promise his payback for helping him.

From Onyx: Hey, how are you? It's me, Onyx. I just want to ask if you're free tomorrow. I owe you one, and if you want, we can meet at a café near school. I'll treat you. You can bring your friends because I'll bring mine too so it won't be awkward. Game?

I almost fell out of my chair, and my heart skipped a beat after reading the text. I don't know why, but whenever I encounter something related to Onyx, my heart starts racing. Do I really like him?

I immediately thought that I needed Camille's help again. I'll ask her for advice to test my feelings toward Onyx.

"Are you guys free tomorrow?" I suddenly asked, catching the attention of my two friends.

"Tomorrow's Saturday, so yes. Why?" Carl replied.

"I'm free too," Jameson said while still chewing on chicharon.

"Onyx, the guy, just texted me to see if we can hang out with them tomorrow. He's bringing his friends too," I explained. "Are you guys up for the invitation?" I added.

"I'm in. I want to see what this guy looks like that has made my buddy Ymar like him," Jameson teased, giving me a pat on the shoulder.

"Stop that, bud," I responded, and Jameson just laughed.

"Count me in too," Carl said.

I think this is great—to hang out with my friends and make new ones with Onyx's friends.

After finishing four bottles of beer, we said our goodbyes and headed to our respective homes.

When I arrived home, I found Camille watching a movie in the living room. I went to the kitchen, drank some water, and then took a shower. After getting ready, I joined her in the living room, wearing my reading glasses.