3: Psyche

“Tanner!”

I almost choked on my own saliva as Charlotte yelled in the middle of the cafeteria. And just like that, all eyes gravitated to us. And that was the last thing I wanted. While both Sebastian and Charlotte love the limelight, I was never comfortable with the attention.

“Grey? How can I help you?” Of course, he knows her. Why am I even surprised?

My eyes met his and a playful smirk appeared on his lips at the sight of me squirming behind my best friend. And I almost forgot that this jerk also loves being the center of attention, especially when it comes to girls. I couldn't stop my eyes from rolling at him and just averted my gaze.

“Just one thing.”

And silence filled the whole cafeteria as Charlotte’s palm smacked the smile out of Eros’ face. Everyone was staring at them. Students, staff, and even professors stopped everything they were doing and watched like it was a new show on a streaming app. 

“That’s for my friend. And this one is for all the other girls you have messed with.”

But the second slap didn’t go Charlotte’s way. Eros caught her hand and lightly cracked his neck before looking down at my best friend, but Charlotte didn’t back down. She harshly pulled her hand back, making her fall back a little, but I was able to catch her.

“Are you okay?” I whispered to her as I pushed her up, and she just gave me her sweetest smile.

“Yeah.”

And that’s when I felt it. The same heat I felt last night. I looked up and saw Eros already standing in front of Charlotte as I steadied her.

“The only girls that I allow to slap me are the girls I’ve bedded. And since you’re not one, I guess you owe me one, Grey.” He said, smirking, his eyes looking past Charlotte and catching my gaze.

“In your dreams, Tanner.” My best friend retorted back at him, pushing him, but clearly she wasn't strong enough and she ended up backing up to me, making me lose my balance. 

"What's going on? Back off, Maverick."  I felt someone's hand on my waist, steadying me before pulling me behind him. 

"It's none of your business, Sebastian."

Eros smirked, and his eyes went past Sebastian and landed on me again. 

"It is my business if you're harassing my girlfriend and her best friend."

"Girlfriend... I see." My heart was beating out of my chest when his devilish smile appeared across his face. I slightly shook my head a him, pleading for him not to say anything.

He lightly chuckled before raising his hands and taking a step back. He threw another smile at us before turning his back on us, walking away with his teammates, and waving at us.

"Are you okay, babe?" I took a deep breath as I felt Sebastian touch my face. I didn't even know I was holding my breath.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"How about you, Charlotte?" Seb asked after making sure I was okay.

"You and your hero complex! It wasn't your business, Sebastian! We don't need your saving! We can fight our own battles!" Charlotte was fuming, mainly because the situation didn't go her way. "I'll see you later, Psyche."

"Ungrateful b*tch."  He muttered under his breath as soon as Charlotte walked out, but I heard it loud and clear.

"Hey! Don't call her that!" I yelled at Sebastian as soon as he said those words.

"Fine. But I still don't get why you're friends with her. Aside from being crazy, she's reckless, irresponsible, and a very bad influence to you." 

"Charlotte is just being Charlotte. And I thought we already talked this through. She's my friend, that's that. You're my boyfriend, but that doesn't give you any say on who I can befriend or not."

"Sorry, okay? I'm just concerned. I don't want you to get into trouble because of her."

"I can handle myself, okay? Charlotte might be a bit out there, but I know she always has my back. So, just play nice."

"Fine... Fine... Fine... I can play nice with her." He said as we reached my car. 

“Drive safely, babe. I still have some group work to take care of, so I might go home late.” He said, leaning into the open window of my car as I started the engine. 

“Yeah. Message me when you get home?” I asked, giving him a kiss on his cheek.

“Yeah. Bye, Hana.”

I pulled out of my parking spot, and as I was about to drive off when something, or more like someone caught my attention. Eros had his back leaning on his motorbike as some red hair girl was clinging on to him while they were making out in the middle of the parking lot. 

My eyes met his and that's when I knew something was wrong with me... I imagined myself being the girl on him, kissing him.