Double Tap: Decode [BXB]

CHAPTER 25

Teagan

Laughter and cheers filled the room as the club members engaged in games. Sullie and Roger, though not official members, joined in the charades, with the boys competing against the girls. Amidst the hilarity, one club member took the spotlight, acting out a word in the most ludicrous and comical manner. His group attempted to guess the word, but he kept shaking his head, signaling that their answers were off the mark.

I couldn't contain my laughter at the sight of his exaggerated movements, trying to convey the word assigned by the club president. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Zion staring at me. Instantly, I suppressed my amusement and attempted to appear serious, as though I hadn't been laughing uproariously moments before.

"I missed that," Zion suddenly said, drawing my attention. His lips formed a slight smile, his eyes fixed on me. "The last time I saw you laugh was 4 years ago." He continued watching the game unfold. I couldn't help but smile at his observation. It hadn't occurred to me that he had been watching me during those three days at camp four years ago.

"And for your information, it's my first time seeing you smile like that," I remarked, turning to watch Sullie contort her body in an attempt to convey the charade.

"When did I smile?" Zion asked innocently, as if oblivious.

"During the performance," I replied, gesturing toward the stage. "It was the biggest smile I've ever seen from you."

"For your information, too, I don't just smile like that for anyone," Zion declared, turning to face me. "It was intended only for you." Heat rose to my cheeks as I blushed, unable to suppress a laugh at his cheesy remark.

We continued watching the game until my phone buzzed in my pocket. Answering the call from an unknown number, I was met with shouts and sirens in the background.

"Teagan? It's your landlord," came the voice on the other end. "Your apartment is on fire."I shot up from my seat, panic seizing me as my heart raced. Zion noticed my sudden movement and looked at me with concern.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"My—" I began, but before I could finish, Sasha burst in through the door, shouting the dire news.

"Teagan, your apartment is burning!" she exclaimed. Without hesitation, I sprinted toward the door, the others following closely behind.

As we reached the scene, the sight of smoke billowing from my apartment drained the strength from my body, leaving me weak as the flames consumed the building before us.

"Teagan," the landlord called, approaching me with a solemn expression. "We managed to salvage some of your belongings," he informed me, his concern evident. I nodded gratefully, my heart lightening slightly.

"The laptop?" I inquired anxiously.

"Intact," he assured me, a wave of relief washing over me. The landlord offered a comforting pat on my shoulder, his gesture of sympathy not lost on me.

"I'm truly sorry, Sir," I apologized, feeling the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders. But he shook his head gently.

"We haven't determined the cause of the fire. It's unfair to place blame on you simply because it started in your room," he explained, his kindness shining through despite the circumstances. It struck me how unjustly life had treated such a decent man.

"Please inform me if anything is found in my room. I'll cover any losses," I promised, to which the landlord nodded in acknowledgment. He led me to where my salvaged belongings were, and upon seeing them, a lump formed in my throat. I carefully gathered the few items, fighting back tears. I couldn't bear the thought of breaking down in front of these compassionate individuals.