Between the Lines

Run boy run

*Alex*

Josh and I were sprawled out on his couch, controllers in hand, totally absorbed in our game. The sounds of the virtual battlefield filled the room, along with our occasional curses and cheers when we scored points. It was a typical Friday night for us—nothing fancy, just some time to unwind. Josh had grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge earlier, and they were now sitting on the coffee table, half-empty.

We had just gotten to the final round when my phone started buzzing on the table. I glanced at it, ready to ignore whatever it was, but when I saw Brianna's name flash across the screen, I froze. She hadn't replied to any of my messages since lunch the other day. Now she was calling out of the blue?

"Dude, pause it," Josh said, nodding toward my phone. "You gonna get that?"

I paused the game and reached for my phone, my heart inexplicably speeding up as I accepted the call.

"Well, well, look who's had a change of heart," I teased, still half in the game mode. "Calling to take me up on the deal?"

"Alex, I'm so sorry for calling you, but I need help," Brianna's voice was faint, trembling. "I'm at this club... Blue something, I don't know the name. I need you to come pick me up."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. The teasing tone vanished from my voice immediately. "Brianna, what's going on? Where are you?"

"I-I think someone put something in my drink," she stammered, her voice breaking. "Please, Alex, I'm scared. I need you to come get me. Please..."

I was already on my feet, my brain scrambling to process what she was saying. "Don't move. I'm on my way," I said, trying to keep my voice steady even though my heart was racing.

Josh looked up from his controller, concern written all over his face. "What's going on, man?"

"What's the name of that club that starts with 'Blue'?" I barked, grabbing my keys off the coffee table, my mind a whirl of panic and adrenaline.

Josh stood up, a mix of confusion and worry crossing his features. "Alex, calm down. What's happening?"

"Just tell me where the fuck it is!" I snapped, not caring that I was yelling.

Josh blinked, clearly taken aback by my outburst. "Uh, Blue Dragon, downtown."

I didn't waste another second. I bolted out of the apartment, not even bothering to change out of my lounging clothes. I jumped into my car, hands trembling as I fumbled to start the engine. The drive to the club was a blur—my foot pressed hard on the gas, weaving through the late-night traffic. Every minute felt like it stretched on forever, the knot in my stomach tightening with each passing second.

When I finally pulled up to the Blue Dragon, I barely parked before I was out of the car, sprinting toward the entrance. The security guard at the door recognized me instantly—probably a soccer fan—and without a word, he stepped aside to let me in.

The club was packed, the air thick with the scent of sweat, alcohol, and desperation. Bodies moved and swayed to the pulsing beat, but all I could see was the sea of people standing between me and Brianna. I pushed my way through the crowd, scanning the room frantically, my heart pounding in my chest.

And then I saw her. She was in the back, slumped against the bar, her eyes glazed over, and some blonde guy was leaning way too close, his hands all over her. Fury boiled up inside me, wiping out any rational thought. I didn't think—I just acted. I shoved past the last few people in my way and swung my fist, connecting with the guy's jaw in a solid punch. He stumbled back, more out of shock than the impact itself.