Hate (BL)

08

Grayson King

The front door shuts behind me harder than I intended.

So much for trying to explain myself.

I still have the key, but unlocking the door and walking in feels like crossing a line I've already pushed too far.

He needs space. I know that.

But how am I supposed to ignore that nagging thought that without me, he'll go back to his old habits.

I grip the key tightly in my pocket, glancing over my shoulder at the door. The temptation to turn back is strong, but I force myself to walk to my car.

"Call me if you need anything!" I shout, toward the house, knowing he won't answer.

I climb into the driver's seat, but even as I start the engine, I can't shake the feeling that this isn't over. Not for me.

Dylan Skylar

Finally, some peace and quiet.

It's been 2 weeks since Grayson left, and my house is starting to feel normal again.

I even told Jason to back off for a while. No visitors, no interruptions. Just me, my routine, and silence.

But the silence is starting to get loud.

Every morning, I sit in bed, staring at the wall for half an hour, letting every mistake, every regret, and every frustration play on repeat in my mind. It's not healthy, but it's familiar.

And, in those 30 minutes, I always end up thinking about Grayson.

Not in a fond way. No, I hate that he barged into my life and started playing house. I hate how he stormed his way into my routine, into my space. But most of all, I hate how I let him.

"Do you have a secret girlfriend or something?"

Jason's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. He's standing by my cubicle, arms crossed, giving me a mock serious look.

"What?" I blink at him, confused.

"You've been avoiding me for two weeks. What's going on? Did you replace me with some mystery woman who laughs at all your depressing jokes?"

"Jason, it's not that deep."

"It is to me!" He says, dramatically clutching his chest. "I need to talk to you about my new fixations. I've been suffering in silence!"

"Two weeks without me, and you're falling apart," I deadpan. "You do know that you have a girlfriend, right?"

"Yes! But, I'm dying without you! What about the four years we didn't see each other during college? Did those mean nothing to you?"

"You transferred to my college not even halfway through, tried to move into my dorm, and when that didn't work, practically lived there anyways," I point out.

"Exactly!" Jason says, grinning. "I'm your ride or die. You can't get rid of me."

"Not for lack of trying," I mutter.

Jason slides into his cubicle next to mine, leaning in conspiratorially. "Nick's throwing a Halloween party tomorrow night. He said he texted you, but apparently, you've been ghosting everyone."

"I haven't been checking my phone," I admit. "It's just been...sitting there"

Jason narrows his eyes. "Are you trying to push us all away?"

"Maybe," I say with a shrug.

"Well, it's not working."

I glance at im, sighing. "So, what's Nick's party plan? Same as always? Get drunk, embarrass yourself, and blame me later?"

"First of all, that only happened once. And second, it was your fault."

"My fault?"

"You didn't stop me!"

"Jason, you're unstoppable once you've had two drinks."

"True," He says with a smug grin. "But, you're coming, right? It's been forever since you've done anything fun."

I hesitate, the idea of a crowded party making my stomach twist.

"Come on," Jason urges, nudging my arm. "If you don't show up, Nick's going to think you hate him. Besides, it's Halloween! You don't want to miss the chaos."

"Why do you always drag me into these things?"

"Because you secretly love it," Jason says, standing and stretching.

I roll my eyes. "Fine. But don't expect me to stay long."

Jason grins like he's just won the lottery. "Deal. Oh, and you better dress up. No half assing it."

"You're lucky I tolerate you," I mutter as he walks away, already texting someone.

"Love you too, bestie!" He calls over his shoulder.
____________
Uploaded 10/31/24
Edited 01/19/25