LET’s BE FRIEND

SAGE

I still can't get over the fact that he had that same tattoo, I wasn't mistaken about it but I couldn't even stop him.

I just watched him walk away, my heart shattered what sort of game was being played right here.

Of course, I could recall that tattoo so well, the picture was the cause of me being accused.

Still lost in my thoughts, Tracy walked inside, “Hey… you are all wet.” I looked up at her, and then another sneeze followed.

“Guess this is why he asked me to come take care of you quickly…” she spoke out and I just rolled my eyes ignoring her words.

“Pull off your dress,” she said, voice light but firm.

I ignored her, barely hearing her words. My mind was somewhere else entirely… caught in the circle of that tattoo I had just seen.

I glanced at Tracy standing before me, her presence suddenly heavy with importance.

She wasn’t just anyone, she was his sister. And right now, I need answers.

I looked around desperately trying to find where I could write and as if she noticed she spoke up again.

“Is there something you want to ask me?” she asked, her gaze shifting curiously.

Then I nodded, she pulled out her phone and handed it to me. I tapped on the screen, fingers trembling slightly as I typed.

“Can I see the full picture of the tattoo on Knight’s back?” I asked, showing her the phone screen.

She stared at the message, then looked at me, her brows slowly rising.

“You saw the tattoo on his back? How the hell did you see his back? He never takes off his shirt… like, ever.”

Then her gaze dropped to my knees specifically, the oversized coat draped across them.

Her eyes widened. “Wow. He gave you his coat?” She blinked like she couldn’t believe what she was saying.

“My brother gave you his coat? He’s changed since you came. I don’t know whether to be amazed or terrified.”

“So,” I asked again, “can I see the full picture?”

She sighed and shook her head, a small frown tugging at her lips.

“Sorry… we barely have any pictures of him shirtless. He’s weirdly private about his body. And even the few I have seen… the tattoo never shows up clearly. It’s like it disappears unless you’re staring at him directly.”

I tilted my head slightly, my heart sinking, and swallowed the frustration clawing at my throat. “Okay,” I whispered.

And then, another sneeze escaped me reminding me I was still standing here in damp clothes. My skin was starting to chill beneath the coat.

Right. I needed to change if I didn’t want to fall sick.

I stood and slowly peeled the wet dress off my body. She walked toward the bathroom, and I followed, silent and distracted.

My thoughts were spiraling again, caught between memories, confusion, and something else I didn’t want to name.

Without thinking, I slipped into the bathtub, letting the warmth soak into my skin. My body eased, but my mind stayed restless.

Then I heard her voice.

“Hey… I don’t know what you’re going through,” she said softly, “but I can be your friend.”

My eyes fluttered open. I turned to look at her, brows faintly furrowed.

“Friend?” I repeated the word tasting bittersweet.

That word… It reminded me of Zach. The only one who had ever truly been my friend. The one who later became a lover. The one who shattered everything.

A sad smile curled on my lips as I stared at the water.

“I don't need one,” I mouthed hoping she got it and she did as I noticed how the look on her eyes changed.

She stood from the bathtub and took in a deep breath, “I am sorry I am trying to force my saw self on you, I have never had a friend before… it's the first time someone else is coming here, everyone is scared of us so..”. She paused and exhaled sharply.

“I will make sure not to cross your boundaries again,” she said quietly, eyes lowered.

I glanced up at her, guilt crawling under my skin like a slow burn. That’s not how I meant it… I didn’t reject her kindness out of spite. It was just everything.

Everything that had happened, the weight of it all besides, I didn’t even plan on staying here much longer.

“I will drop some dresses on your bed. And dinner too,” she added, her voice cool and clipped. “Just… make sure to leave the bathroom on time.”

She turned and walked out before I could find the right words. Maybe it was better that way. It was easier to keep the lines drawn. She didn’t need to think we could ever be friends because we couldn’t.

I let out a heavy sigh, dragging my hand down my face as I leaned back in the tub.

The water had long gone lukewarm. When I was sure I was clean and done overthinking I finally climbed out.

The bathroom air was warm and heavy, and I hadn’t bothered with a towel, thinking I was alone.

But the moment I pushed the door open and walked out of the bathroom, I froze.

Knight was standing right in the middle of the room like he belonged there.

A scream tore out of me sharp and high and I panicked. I spun on instinct, ready to run back into the bathroom, but fate had another plan.

My foot slipped. Stupid water. Stupid floor. Another scream erupted as I fell but before I could hit the ground, strong arms caught me.

My naked waist was cupped securely in one arm… his other hand, unfortunately… mortifyingly ended up over my chest.

His eyes locked onto mine, wide with disbelief. Mine were likely ten times wider.

Then a second scream, this one more from rage than fear ripped from my throat.

“Get away from me, you pervert!”