The Bad Boy Effect (H2OVanoss) [Completed]

Chapter 17

I held the bottle cautiously in my hand, fingers wrapped around it's glass neck delicately. Lui and Marcel did the same as me, eyeing it up and down while turning to Craig.

He was already half-way done with his bottle, wiping at his mouth with his free hand as he lowered the drink. He smiled at us absentmindedly.

"C'mon!" He slurred, waving with his hand as he went in for another sip."Bottoms up, boys!"

Cautiously, I downed a few sips of the alcohol, almost immediately pulling away with a coughing fit. It burned my throat, turning it dry and scratchy.

Oddly, I began to feel calm and happy, the more I drank, the more of that feeling I consumed.

Light as a feather, dancing on clouds, happiness and unicorns and all that. Holy shit, is this what drunk is like?

In an instant, it was gone, the world now slowing down, almost at normal pace. Oh god, I think I've had my first high.

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His head was perched in the palm of his hand, fingers loosely curled around his cheek as he leaned against his bent elbow. With his eyes closed, he made an effort to slow his breathing.

Echoed shouts throughout the room became white noise as his mind began to shut down, sleep calling to him softly like an old friend.

He felt his head begin to slump forward just as- he slammed his face into the table as he quickly moved his elbow. His tired head had been unable to know what was going on.

Around him, his friends laughed. He exhaled in muted anger.

"Oh my god, that was great." Tyler wheezed between joyful laughs, slamming his palm on the table lightly and repeatedly.

"Not funny." Evan grumbled, sitting up with a glare, he crossed his arms and kept his eyes on the table.

David's hand was still on his shoulder, and Evan awkwardly brushed it off, scooting as far away from them as he could. It wasn't far considering it was a round table.

"Come on, Ev, lighten up. That was funny!" Brock nudged his other shoulder, still Evan pouted.

Normally, he would've complained about how he didn't get any sleep the night before, but he didn't want to risk the chance that they might ask why. Silence was his best option, either that or laugh it off, but he was too tired for that.

Once the guys calmed down, the laughter of the other group pierced through the air, and Evan couldn't help but feel upset at the sound of their voices.

He didn't realize he had flinched without warning until he felt a hand on his shoulder once more. "Dude, you okay?" It was Tyler, who had switched spots with David to be closer to his best friend. Evan nodded immediately.

"Yeah, I'm just in a weird mood today. I'm fine." He insisted, brightening up with a smile, though it was tired and forced. Sighing, he stood up. "I'm gonna head to the restroom, I'll see you guys in class."

"Alright, later Ev, hope you feel better." Tyler called as his friend silently left the table with a small wave.

--

Jonathan stared after the sullen boy, Craig silently watching the new kid's eyes follow Evan out of the cafeteria. He cleared his throat, causing him to jump.

"Yes?" Jonathan asked, acting like he had been paying attention the entire time.

"Whatcha lookin' at, huh?" Lui and Marcel were wrapped up in their own conversation, not listening to the other two.