Reflection of the Sun

Ch 4: He's My Boyfriend

"What's wrong, Oon?" Two small hands frame my face and turn my head to look away from the window. A thumb brushes across my cheek and I look up into Namtarn's concerned gaze. There's nothing I can say or explain. I can't even process what just happened. Reaching up, my hands cover hers but I don't know if it's to pull them away or hold them closer, needing the comfort they offer.

"What the hell is going on?!" A loud, irate voice takes that decision away from me. Namtarn jumps back in a panic, her hands falling away. Eyes as round as saucers, she stares at the man standing at the entrance. I don't have to look to know who it is. I know that voice very well. "Answer me!"

"What do you care?" Trembling, Namtarn stands a bit straighter and a stubborn look brightens her eyes. Her hands curl into fists as if wanting to strike the newcomer. "It's none of your business."

"What do you mean it's none of my business?! You were kissing Ai'Oon! How is that not my business?" His anger has me jolting up and facing him. The scowl that greets me makes me take a step nearer to Namtarn wondering if she will need protection. This action clearly pisses him off even more and he stomps closer, his lean build tense from trying to control his emotions. His voice lowers as he glowers at me, his mahogany eyes glinting. "Do you seriously consider me your friend, Arthit?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Namtarn cuts in as she slides an arm through mine and holds tight. "You are the one who threw me away, Jay. Remember? I can be with whoever I want."

"No, you can't! I won't let you." Jay grabs her wrist and jerks her away from me. With a painful yelp, Namtarn stumbles and falls to the floor.

"What the fuck, Ai'Jay?! She's a girl!" All ideas of trying to keep the situation calm fly out the window as my temper flares. Raising both hands, I shove him hard on the chest. He falls back several steps and growls at me. I move closer and get into his face, not caring that he's one of my oldest friends. "Why don't you try that shit with me?!"

Another unintelligible growl and Jay pulls back his fist ready to clock me one. I'm too angry to give a shit. Let him fucking hit me. It will be the last thing he does. The punch never comes. Someone's large hand gets in the way and pushes his fist down to his side. Annoyed, Jay and I both look to the side to find Knott standing there calming watching the both of us.

"I think that's enough for now." Crossing his arms, Knott stares at us as if we are misbehaving five year olds.

"This isn't over." With a nasty eye to Knott, Jay points at me and barely glances at his ex-girlfriend who is still sitting on the cold tile floor rubbing her wrist. For a moment, I swear I see regret color his eyes before he turns away to leave. His voice softens several degrees. "I'll talk to you later, Nam."

Namtarn doesn't reply and doesn't look at him. With a heavy sigh, Jay walks out the door. My ire has lessened considerably and I'm left shaking my head at his retreating back. This stupid bastard is clearly still in love with her. What the hell is he thinking?