Wish You'd Met Me First (boyxboy)

Chapter 36: Sucker Punch

A/N: Aiden was just outed without his consent, that's huge...how would you react if you were in this situation.

Brett looks like he's about to lose it, hands shaking a bit. He shoots me a look, eyes full of all this mixed-up stuff—guilt, sadness, and something else I can't quite figure out. I want to go up to him, say something, but I'm stuck. My own emotions are a total mess, like a storm I can't even handle

I was just fucking outed. Worse it was with asshole Jake not on my own terms.

Jake leans in closer, his voice dropping to a low, mocking whisper meant only for Brett and me to hear.

"Next time, though, you might want to check and make sure no one's eavesdropping before you spill your guts." he says with a twisted grin.

Brett's jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he's going to lash out, but then he just shakes his head, looking utterly defeated.

"You're pathetic, Jake," he mutters, his voice filled with disgust.

"You're nothing but a fucking loser."

Jake's grin falters for a split second, a flash of anger crossing his eyes, but he quickly recovers, his smirk returning as he leans back again.

"Say whatever you want, Brett," he says with a careless shrug.

"But I'm not the one who just blew up his own life in front of the whole school."

Something snaps inside me. My mind goes blank, and the noise of the cafeteria fades into the background like a distant hum. All the fear, shame, and anger just boil over. I don't even think; I just react. My body moves on its own, powered by a rush of adrenaline and raw emotion.

I get up suddenly, and everyone's heads turn—Brett, Jake, and the whole cafeteria. The room feels like it's holding its breath as I walk straight up to Jake.

Before I even realize what I'm doing, my fist is swinging at Jake's smug face.

My knuckles hit his jaw, sending a jolt of pain through my hand, but I barely notice. Jake stumbles back, his grin wiped off, replaced by shock and anger.

The cafeteria erupts into chaos. People are gasping, shouting, and chairs are scraping across the floor. But all I can focus on is the fire in my chest and the thrill of seeing Jake's smug look finally gone.

Jake glares at me, wiping blood from his mouth, his eyes blazing. For a moment, it looks like he might come at me, but Mr. Hayes, the assistant principal, cuts through the noise with a voice that grabs everyone's attention.

"What's going on here?!"

We all turn to see Mr. Hayes striding over, looking serious. The room goes silent as everyone realizes how big this is. Mr. Hayes's eyes dart between Jake, Brett, and me—taking in Jake's bloody lip, my clenched fist, and the heavy tension.

"Mr. Brooks," Mr. Hayes says, his voice sharp as he looks at me.

"Mr. Thompson." He turns to Jake, who's still fuming, fists clenched.

"Both of you," Mr. Hayes continues, "to the principal's office. Now."

Jake starts to say something, probably to argue, but Mr. Hayes cuts him off with a raised hand.

"Not another word, Mr. Thompson. You'll have your chance to explain in Mr. Carter's office."

I can feel every single eye in the cafeteria burning into us as Mr. Hayes steps aside and motions for us to follow him. My stomach's in knots, a mix of fear and regret churning inside me. I know this is only going to make things worse. I glance at Brett, who looks just as rattled, his hand hovering near my arm like he's not sure whether to hold on or let go.