Roomie

•.• Skylar •.•

“Um, so what are we going to do? What did your mum say?” Harper asked, rubbing her hands down her arms. Goosebumps broke out on her skin, and guilt pricked at me.

It was late and cold, and she’d still stepped out to keep me company. I sucked my teeth before looking away.

“She called Jaxon. She said he’s coming to get me,” I said, and she paused before cocking her head to the side.

“Jaxon?” she repeated, and I pressed my lips together. I didn’t want to be in this situation either — especially when I’d really hoped we’d never cross paths again. And now, this happens.

“Oh,” she mumbled, and I glanced at her — quick enough to catch the smirk on her lips.

“There’s nothing funny, Harps,” I pointed out, and she chuckled before dropping her hands.

“Jaxon is the safest you can be around right now. But—” she chuckled again, and I frowned.

“You’d likely kill yourselves. I mean, under the same roof isn’t really a good idea,” she mumbled.

“It’s just for the night,” I sighed, and she nodded, though she didn’t look convinced.

“You know, since you got over your crush on Jaxon — which, if you ask me, I’d say is a fucking lie — you’ve been pretty stoic,” she quipped, and I eyed her, tucking my hair behind my ear.

“I never had a crush on him,” I retorted, and she raised a brow, turning slowly to stare at me. She huffed.

“Are you trying to deny it right now?”

“Harper, I never had a crush on him.”

“You did,” she giggled, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. I glared at her.

She might be right, but I really didn’t need a reminder right now.

“That was years ago, by the way,” I said dryly, and she rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Years ago, you mean last year?” She leaned forward. “Girl, you were hurt he didn't wish you a happy birthday.”

I rubbed my chin.

“I think that was the last straw for you. But I don’t believe you got over him just like that,” she muttered, and I swallowed hard.

I remembered it — of course I did. The memory was still fresh. When everyone had left, I’d locked myself in my room and cried. Actually, I’d been crying over Jaxon since I was young. It was nothing new.

But that night, I’d never felt as unseen. It might’ve snapped something in me.

“You changed, Sky,” Harper added quietly. A soft exhale escaped her lips. My jaw tightened.

“You stopped wearing dresses. You stopped wearing your hair down… you stopped smiling.”

A knot twisted in my stomach, and it suddenly felt like bile rose in my throat. I didn’t turn to look at her, but I could feel her gaze.

“You turned eighteen that night, but I kind of lost the friend I had — the one who was sassy, smiley, and really outgoing.”

“Harper…”

“But it’s fine.” She grinned, but I knew it was one of those fake smiles. “I still like you either way.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but words failed me. I clamped them shut and just stared at the empty street.

We stood quietly for a while before she yawned.

“You should get going. You need to rest,” my voice came out soft, and she hummed.

“And leave you alone here? Nope.”

“Harps, I’m in front of the dorm. Nothing bad could happen,” I tried to assure her, but she just shook her head.

“You know—”

“Did you lose your phone?” a low, deep voice came from behind us.

I recognized it instantly.

While Harper whipped around fast, I took my time. He didn’t even glance at her — his eyes went straight to me. And this time, they weren’t as blank as earlier. They were heated. Angry.

“Oh my god, that’s Jaxon?” Harper whispered — loud enough for both of us to hear.

I raised my phone silently, and his gaze dropped to it before returning to mine. I raised a brow as he took a step forward.

“So, should I assume you didn’t hear it ring, or you just suddenly lost your hearing?”

“Wow,” Harper breathed, and I pressed my lips into a flat line.

“My phone didn’t ring, and no, I can hear perfectly fine,” I shot back. His jaw tightened before he drew in a breath.

“Let’s go,” he muttered, turning and walking away. I watched his back before moving, dragging my suitcase behind me.

“Like I said, you’d both kill yourselves before the night is over,” Harper said with a pitiful smile, falling in step beside me.

“Jesus, how did he grow so hot? He’s—”

I gave her a look that had her clamping her mouth shut. What I didn’t want to hear was how out-of-this-world he looked — especially not from Harper.

“Do you think he’d give me a ride back to my dorm?” she asked.

“You can ask him yourself.”

“Girl, he didn’t even spare me a glance,” she pointed out as his car came into view, headlights on. He was standing next to it, looking in our direction.

We got to him, and he took my suitcase, putting it in the trunk before sliding into the driver’s seat. I hesitated.

“Hey, can you give Harper a ride back to her dorm? It’s the other way.”

He stared at me, a lock of hair falling over his forehead. He pushed it back, and my eyes flicked to the veins on his forearm before I tore them away.

“Get in,” he said through gritted teeth. “Both of you.”

Harper and I scrambled into the back seat, slamming the door shut. He glanced back at me like I’d lost my mind.

“I’m not your driver,” he said flatly. Harper nudged me.

“Front seat, Sky. Front seat,” she whispered.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes before getting out and moving to the passenger seat.

“Seatbelt,” he bit out.

“I’m good, buddy. Just drive,” I shot back, and the glare he gave me was enough to send anyone running for the hills.

He started the car, moved a few inches, and then slammed the brakes so hard I lurched forward — my head hitting the dashboard with a dull thud.

I groaned as Harper “oh-ed.”

“Seat. Belt.”

I glared at him while strapping myself in, rubbing my forehead. Jesus, he was so fucking strict.

“You should’ve just put your seatbelt on when he first asked,” Harper whispered, and I huffed.

After asking Harper the name of her dorm, the rest of the ride was silent — painfully so. It only got worse after he dropped her off. I found myself almost fidgeting but stopped just in time.

We got to his apartment, which was quiet. It was dark, but I could make out a few buildings nearby. He pulled my suitcase from the trunk and walked to the door, pushing it open.

I followed behind slowly, shutting the door behind me. I looked around.

It was a decent space, though his choice of colors was… concerning.

“This is the guest room,” he called out. My eyes snapped to him. He stood in front of a door, green eyes appraising me.

“Freshen up and rest,” he said, and I nodded.

“There’s food in the freezer if you get hungry.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled. He walked toward the main door.

“Lock up and don’t open for anyone. I won’t be back tonight,” he said, and my heart sank.

He was leaving his house because I was in it.

Wow.

I gave a small nod, and he gave me one last glance before walking out and shutting the door behind him.

I stood for a few minutes, then walked to the door and locked it.

A sigh escaped me as I walked into the guest room. It was obvious I was an unwanted guest — which was fine by me. I didn’t want to be here either.

And that was why, when I woke up the next morning and heard from Mum, my hope shattered.

They couldn’t secure another dorm for me, and getting an apartment close to campus was impossible at this point.

So, I was left with just one option —

to room with Jaxon until the session was over.

The fuck?

Maybe the universe really did hate me.