The Ex-Boyfriend Benefits // 5SOS

Chapter 12

It's monday.

After a two-week holiday, classes resume again. I groan as my alarm goes off, trying to take away all the pleasure of sleeping I feel. I force myself to sit up from lying down in my bed which is like the hardest part of the day. My bed is like so attracted to me because it doesn't let me leave. Or maybe I am the attracted one because I dont want to leave yet. I mean, who even likes waking up early in the morning to stress yourself at school? But I am left with zero choice. I dont wanna end up being scolded by my mom because she hates when I skip school.

I immediately take a shower and go downstairs to have my breakfast. I will never ever skip it even if I will be late.

"Too early to be grumpy, babe," says a guy who I suddenly miss. Yes, it's Calum. I'm kind of surpried that he's here this early, sitting by the table, waiting for me. But I remember, during school days, he really does this to drive me to school.

"I'm not." I say, smiling at him as I sit down too. Seeing him makes me feel better.

"Didn't you sleep well?" He asks as mom puts the food on the table.

"I did sleep well. I just hate waking up this early again. Not used to it as I used to." I laugh.

"Looks like you enjoyed holidays way too much." He chuckles and I smile as I play in my mind, for the hundredth time, the moments I had with Ashton during it.

"Who wouldn't enjoy it?" I smile.

"How about you? How was your week?" I add.

"Well, as I've said, I'm in a band now. So, you should be thankful that I'm still talking to you." He laughs.

"My apologies but I ain't thankful, love." I playfully hit him on his arms. "But how was it really? Are you guys complete yet?" I ask, remembering Ashton. I just think it would be cool if he became a part of their band since he's into music as well and I want him to be closer to the closest guy to me, to Calum.

"Oh, that. Last night, we weren't, but this morning, Michael called me to say we will meet after school to introduce us our new member, the drummer. He was so excited but he said he couldnt tell me that time because he's in a rush. And i'm not that excited though." He explains and laughs at his last sentence.

I just keep nodding but I feel kind of sad. I should've recommended Ashton the first time I saw him. I knew that time that he plays drums. But maybe if their drummer couldn't make it up to be in one of their gigs, Ashton would be a great sub.

When we finish breakfast, we leave the house for school. While he drives, my phone vibrates. I smile as I look at the sender's name. It's Irwie. Maybe I should just change it to Ashton. Like, what was I thinking when I put "Irwie"? It sounds so childish to me now.

"Good morning, Ms. Brooks. Can I see you later?" The text message says. I try to stop myself from giggling which ends up sounding like a snort. Calum looks at me for a moment then gives me a confuse face. Then, I reply.

Since everyone's like having a hangover from the holidays still, including the teachers, the day is quite easy. The teachers dont ask us to do much. Some just ask us how our holidays were. Some discuss with us what we're going to tackle or do next meeting and some dont even appear in our room, which leads to us to going home early. It's not really weird because after every holiday, everyone's like this. Also, teachers and student council prepare a mini party for everyone at school as "Welcome back to School. Again."

"Do you want to come with me?" Calum asks as we walk through the hallway.

"Come? Where?"

"Band meeting, I guess." He answers.

"I cant. Its for band members only." I answer, trying to give him my most awful look.

"Dont give me that look. You can come with me." He chuckles and I laugh.

"Just kidding. But, no, really, Im okay here." I say.

"You wanna go home yet?" He asks and I shake my head.

"Come on, Judith."

"Im.. I'm meeting Ashton. Its okay." I smile. And that shut him up.

"Yeah.. I see." He laughs, then waves at me as he says he needs to get going. I sit on the bench, scrolling through my phone.

"Hey" A guy suddenly interrupts, making me look up. Oh, it's Ashton. I give him my widest smile as he reaches for my hand, making me stand up.

"Hi, Ms. Brooks." He tells me again, as he squeezes my hand, giving shiver all over my body. I chuckle.

"Can you come with me?" He smiles, bring my hand up to kiss it as he continues squeezing it as well.

"Of course." I answer, as we start to walk. We are still inside the school. We keep walking until we see a room behind the school theatre.

"Are there like at least 10 people waiting for us? They are so loud." I say and we both laugh.

When we reach the room, Ashton is about to open the door but I stop him because he doesnt even knock.

"You should knock first, you know." I say. I just dont want to witness something I shouldnt and also, its being respectful to anyone inside the room.

"We cant. They told me not to knock."

"They're weird." I say and we both chuckle as he opens the door.

"Oh, he's here!" A guy shouts. But wait, what?

"He really didnt knock."

"Its a rule. It's because we're punk rock."

"Judith?"

"Calum?"