𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐒⸼ 𝗈𝖼

02. consequences

NOAH'S — POV

REGRET, has consumed me in the past few days, with one girl dominating my thoughts: Maddie. Perhaps she's right; maybe Iris broke up with me because of my inability to be loyal. I've been a jerk, an asshole, and a douchebag.

Now, I must face the consequences of my actions. I regret what I did, truly. Every time she witnessed me with another girl, every time she made plans and I declined, every time I ignored her presence—I hurt her deeply.

She was always supportive, but I failed to reciprocate. I was a lousy boyfriend, and she was a perfect girlfriend. I don't deserve her, truly. But I've learned from my past mistakes.

I let Iris go, a gem of a girl, because I was too cowardly to commit and admit my love for her, fearing it would tame the Wolfhard name. So, I used that stupid bet as an excuse.

Pride blinded me then, as it does now, and it led to the demise of my relationship with Iris—a memory that still haunts me.

[Flashback]

"Is it true?" Iris's voice quivered, tears on the brink of falling. She overheard our conversation about the bet. She knew the truth.

"Yes, it's true, Iris. Our relationship started because of that bet," I admitted, regret lacing my words as her tears fell uncontrollably. Hurt reflected in her eyes as she struggled to comprehend my confession.

"So... all those 'I love you's and 'I miss you's were lies? Everything we've been through was a lie?" she stuttered, her voice trembling.

"I'm sorry, Iris. You have no idea," I apologized sincerely.

"Sorry can't take away the pain, and you certainly can't just say it and expect me to forgive you. If you expect me to forgive you, it will take time. But honestly, I don't know if I can ever forgive you," she said.

"You're being dramatic! You're overreacting! It was just a stupid bet, and now we're in a relationship. You need to accept it," I retorted, crossing my arms defensively.

"Bad for you, we're not in a relationship anymore. And by the way, I'm not dramatic. If you asked any girl, she'd react even worse. Our hearts aren't toys for you boys to play with. Stick that in your goddamn skull!" Iris spat, wiping away her tears before storming out of the room.

"Iris! Iris!" I called after her, but she didn't respond. Eventually, I learned she had gone home for the day. That night, she broke up with me via text. I couldn't blame her. I deserved it after everything I put her through.

[End of flashback]

I've made mistakes before, letting the girl I loved slip away. I won't make the same mistake again.

"SO, bro, have you heard about the new girl?" Gaten nudged Jaeden, who was engrossed in texting his temporary fling.

"New girl? I didn't know we had a new student this school year," Finn remarked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, her name's Ayla. She's always hanging out with those two guys... what are their names again?" Gaten pondered, turning to Caleb for assistance.

"Jack and Malcolm. But if I were you, I'd just find someone to make out with, brothers. That girl's already taken," Caleb informed them, the picture of chivalry. Unlike his brothers, he respected girls and was currently dating Amybeth McNulty, a cheerleader.

"Like we care," Jaeden quipped, shooting his brothers a smirk.

"Oh! You should care. After he punched some poor guy who looked at his girlfriend, I don't even want to imagine what he'd do if you talked to her," Gaten warned, looking up from his laptop.