MindOverMatter

“That’s not a funny joke, Vee. You know I had a crush on him at one point.” Your eyes were similar to those of a child that were robbed of their toy. Venetia found it endearing and stuck her tongue out at you when a voice cut through the air. 

“A crush on who?” Farleigh’s deep voice was a surprise to hear, making you sit up. Venetia smiled at you before her eyes turned to him “A crush on this boy named Timothy from your class?” She wasn’t wrong. You did tell Venetia that you had a slight crush on a guy in one of your classes.

“And I was not informed of this because?” He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms as he looked at you in intrigue. “Well. I’ll tell you when it comes up again.” 

He scoffed before Felix called out for him again. “I guess I have been summoned.” He looked at Venetia and then at you before turning. “Baby, your bikini is showing way more than you want it to.” You smiled at him before slowly looking down and quickly fixing your almost nip-slip and watching his back walk away. 

“Damn. You’re doomed.” Venetia grins and hides behind her book. “What now?”

“He so wants to shag you.” Venetia continued her one-sided enjoyment, watching you process whatever exchange you and Farleigh had while fixing your Bikini top.

Oliver arrived, and he had a glimpse of you and Venetia sitting in the room across the entertainment area. He waved at you and shyly looked at a very interested Venetia before you hopped down the piano and walked behind him while Felix walked inside and sat beside his dad. 

You slid past Elspeth and Pamela, who gave you a wave before you settled next to Farleigh. 

“Lower your excitement. I can taste the desperation from you.” You suppress your smile and grab a chair to sit next to Farleigh. “He’s heeeere! It's a bit pitiful that he looks like a sad puppy, but he’ll settle. Right, Farleigh?”

He looked up from his laptop, looking at you with an unamused look. He never really understood why you were still so obsessed with helping Oliver. He leans on the armrest of his chair while facing you. 

“You’re getting in too deep with this charity thing you’re pulling off. I expect you to be smarter than that, Sweetheart.” He sighed and raised his eyebrows in feigning disappointment that you were always a victim of.

“We talked about this yesterday, Farleigh. Give him a chance, alright?” 

He hummed and looked back down his screen while Elspeth made some commotion over Oliver’s eyes and expressed sympathy in her way. 

You spent the time annoying Farleigh without paying attention. Fixing the undefined curls on his head, playing with the frills of his shirt, and even resting your chin on his shoulder to watch what he was doing on his laptop, which he never really minded. 

It was nice to at least be in the backseat of the limelight after coming back to Saltburn. Your social battery got to recuperate, and the gossip was nice to hear without the obligation of paying attention. 

Oliver looked at you a few times to try and save him from the hogging he had, but you merely waved him off and sat comfortably next to Farleigh. 

Proving Farleigh right was the last thing you wanted to do. He might have been, but at least don’t let him know he was. He leaned on your head a little as he looked at your troubled little face and chuckled. “Eyes here.” You looked away from Oliver and settled back to watch whatever he was doing on his laptop. He lets you see all the latest gossip his friend groups have and starts your own little conversation.

You and Farleigh end up in the shade under the tree beside the pond after slipping away from the sitting area where they bothered Oliver. While you took time to fix his hair again, he reads a book. “This male character is annoying me. He’s so blunt and boring.” 

“Don’t spoil the book for me, idiot.” You hit him lightly on the forehead, happy that he rested his head on your thighs. He furrowed his eyebrows at you and breathed out. “Careful. This face is too priceless to be nicked by your claws.” 

“Well, just read the damn book, Farleigh. Don’t spoil it just because you’re annoyed at some guy.” He’s such a bastard regarding things you want to enjoy, evident by how he is getting back at you for letting Felix invite Oliver to Saltburn.

He put the book down and looked up at you with curious eyes. “You know, you always try to hide what you feel?” You didn’t stop playing with his hair while humming in response. “You’re dumb when it comes to emotions. I’m aware that you’re hiding something about Oliver’s visit.” Silence before he blew some air out. “You’re an open book, Honey.” You breathed in and sighed. He never fucking misses. 

“I like having Oliver here, I really do.” He raised an eyebrow but didn’t interrupt, “But I felt a chill yesterday. Like some sort of nervousness in my stomach when I was up all night thinking about how I’ll be a good friend to him.” 

There was silence before Farleigh made a disgusted sound. “That’s so fucking gross. You are all aware that Oliver is a grown-ass man, right? He should have seen the death of his dad coming.” 

Farleigh wasn’t mean. He knew in his heart that he only proclaimed the truth. And the truth is, these people only play with a fool’s life to justify their boredom. He loved his cousins dearly, and he loved you as much, but the fact is that you’re all cruel motherfuckers. He saw how you pursed your lips in some sort of turmoil that you only experienced for the first time. 

He loves the good girl façade you put out in the world, but a rich person is just cut from the same damned cloth of privilege. You were in your pretty little white dress without a taint of hard work on that beautiful body of yours while you continued to play with his hair absentmindedly. Yeah, these people just don’t get suffering.

“You think I’m only using Oliver?” Farleigh chuckled before caressing your face so softly. “I think you just fail to see the impact of your actions, baby.” You smile down at him, hands slowly going down to his face, tracing it with your well-polished nails. “I think I know exactly what I’m doing, Farleigh.” 

You slowly bent down, your face inches away from him. Farleigh was aware of how your hair tickled the places it could touch, and yet he said nothing but looked into your eyes. “Getting bold now, are we?” You smirked at Farleigh’s remark and slowly pressed your lips on his. 

An upside-down kiss would have been awkward for any mediocre fellow, but Farleigh knew how to make it work. Your small nibbles and teases were welcomed with low chuckles before you pulled away. His eyebrows shot up in confusion as he followed you with that lustful glint on your face, slowly leaning against the tree. He was quick to prop himself, like a magnet, he closed the distance between the two of you. 

His hands were delicate, of course. The way he caressed your pretty face and slid his other hand on your body. The gentleness made it a lot more hotter and intimate in a way. His kisses were tender, but he also knew when to pull away and witness your desperation by pulling him back in. The soft kisses extended down to your neck, teasingly sucking on the barrier of clothing that would expose your breasts if he pleased. Oh, this ass. He always did love when his sexual accomplice gasped and masked their arousal. You fell into that silly little trap, too. 

Teasingly kneading your breast made you shiver under his touch, and he liked it. He wanted the strained expression you had when you masked the surge of almost pleasure you’re chasing. “Farleigh. I hate waiting.” He smiled up at you before sucking on your collarbones so nicely that a moan escaped quietly. Your complaint did not fall on deaf ears, though. Farleigh placed his hand on your chest, feeling the hardened nipples that he quickly played with between his fingers. 

God, that feels so good. But thank goodness for Venetia. She called out to the two of you from the castle backdoor as she walked towards the tree you sought refuge in. Farleigh pulled himself away from you and smiled. “You lucky lady, I hope you make this up with me soon. This little slow burn you’re giving me physically hurts.” 

You chuckled and hit him on the arm before making yourself a tad bit more presentable for Venetia. She ran up to you and pulled you up excitedly, leaving Farleigh on his own as she led you away from possible ears. 

“At least be a little more discreet, love. Farleigh has been itching for a while, and seeing you both naked was the last thing I wanted to see.” She giggles while hooking an arm around yours. “Oh, shove off, Vee. You’d have to pay to see my body.” 

“You are becoming more daring as the days pass by. Loving it!” Venetia then brought you two to the edge of the pond, but the sun was not as harsh as it had been since you’d gone out. “I’m a little surprised that you’re not inside oogling at Oliver.” 

Venetia smiled and lay down on the grass, her thoughts back to the new boy who had arrived to visit them for the summer. Well…Felix, for the summer. He was so cute and idiotic that she just couldn’t help it. 

“I want Oliver.” She said out of nowhere. You glanced down at her from where you were sitting. The Cattons are weird people that your parents raised you not to be like. They always loved to take and take, yet they did not calculate the consequences of their actions. 

Last year, Venetia and Felix had a few days of strained relationship because of a boy named Eddie. You remember how Farleigh detailed the commotion and the stress Elspeth has gone through when he was thrown out of Saltburn. 

Farleigh sat opposite you as he laid out a decent array of biscuits that the café offered. “I called you here because you have to know a few things that went down when you were gone. Well…A few things that went down last summer.” 

You raised your eyebrows and munched on the goods while nodding for Farleigh to continue his story. “So Venetia and Felix weren’t on perfect terms when he left to go back to school this year because of Venetia. Felix brought another friend to go with him to Saltburn, his name’s Eddie.” 

“Wait, as in Piss Baby Eddie? Annabel told me some stories about that guy. Sounds like a real wuss.” 

Farleigh grinned like he pictured the image of Eddie in his mind. “God, he was cool before the summer. Not until he…Fucked with Venetia.” 

You gasped, quickly covering your mouth to clean up the biscuits. It’s better not to make a scene where people from your friend groups could listen in without your knowledge. Being friends with the Cattons did that for you. “Oh my god, Venetia did coitus with Eddie.” 

Farleigh cringed and threw a raisin at you. “Don’t say coitus, weirdo. And yes, very loudly, very clearly.” He moved closer and lowered his tone, too. “In Felix’s bedroom.” Your jaw dropped in surprise as Farleigh snickered to himself. 

“No, they did not!” 

“Oh yes, they did.” Farleigh was good at lying, but his honest expression and body language gave it away. It was fucking natural, and you cannot believe it. 

“Venetia, do you think messing with Ollie is a good idea? He’s my friend too, do you know? His father just passed away. He’s not some toy.” 

Venetia rolled her eyes at you, slowly fidgeting for something in her pocket. A cigarette which she quickly put in between her lips, lit up. “You’re one to talk.” She jabbed back. You frowned, looking down the pond. 

“It’s just a boy. I won’t do anything to hurt him.” She looked at you, sitting up a little while puffing out smoke. “You’re not Selfish like Felix. Don’t go nuts on me now.” You breathed out and silently focused on your surroundings. You do not want to get into a banter with Venetia right now. 

You sat there until sundown, silently accompanying Venetia as she gossiped about people you will never meet. Quite spectacular how she was still a social butterfly even when she dropped out of college. You made her go back first before you, knowing you needed some peace. 

The trees swayed nicely, and the air was quite chilly. Your clouded thoughts were finally simmering down. Why was it so hard for these Cattons to understand that riches don’t make them invincible? Mother always told you that the consequences of your actions will always come and get you. 

That is how you’ve learned to be kind and careful, no matter what happens. You did have your fair share of troubles, but not as big as sleeping on your brother’s bed with his best friend. That’s so…Embarrassing. 

Tainting…

If Venetia were in your family, Father would have made her kneel hard beans to think about her actions. He’s probably making her recite prayers that you are too traumatized even to utter now that you are older. But then again, whatever you were doing now in university would probably make them do that to you if they knew—especially the things you let Farleigh do, which are not much by his standards. 

Duncan ripped you from your peace, calling out for you to get ready for dinner. He kindly escorted you back to your room to change when he handed you a bag of sweets. You looked at it carefully and gave him a big smile. 

“You remembered? Thank you.” Duncan simply nodded before you caught him off-guard with a hug. He said a curt goodbye and left you to clean up. That man sure remembered you well, especially with the temperature of the water and the scent of peppermint candles in your bathroom. 

You removed your clothes and slowly dipped in the tub, taking your sweet time scrubbing off the dirt and the grime stuck on your skin. It was warm and perfect, enough to sleep in and nap. After a few minutes, you left the tub, put on a comfortable dark red cocktail dress with a low dip on the chest, and did your make-up and hair. 

It crossed your mind that you’ve never really talked to Oliver one-on-one yet, which should not be the case. You are not rude and should be an excellent co-host to your grieving friend. You quickly ran out to the west wing, where their connected rooms were located, knocking gently on the door. 

“Ollie, you in there?” A creak, then timid footsteps can be heard approaching the door. Oliver opened the door wearing a decent button-up and slacks. It was decent enough for a smart casual, but you found it funnily fit him. “May I escort you to the dining area?” You smiled at him with your arms held out for him to hold, mimicking a gentleman waiting for his lady that he gladly accepted with a shy scrunch of his nose. 

“I swear you’ve forgotten me already. I barely got to talk to you when I came.” You lead the way to the dinner area, heels loudly clicking on the floor. “Don’t be too sad. It’s your first night here, and we have the whole summer to enjoy together, you know?”

“I do know. By the way, are my clothes that bad?” You looked at him up and down and shrugged your shoulders. “Not really, no.” He pulled you with that sad look, eyebrows meeting in the middle. “Be honest now. I know you are meticulous in these types of things. Do you think Felix would find it disrespectful?” 

You sighed and gently squeezed his arm. “You should worry a bit more about yourself than how you present. Cut some slack and live a little.” You pulled him to walk again until you finally reached the dining area, where all of the Cattons and Pamela were discussing amongst themselves. 

They cheered when the two of you got there, you taking your place next to Farleigh, who gave you a wink before turning back to listen to Pamela and Elspeth. You quickly fell into conversation with them and enjoyed your dinner together.

a/n: We need prompts! Please send some. Hope you like my go back button here. :P

Who cares if you were the one to dye her hair blonde ever since she saw her mom’s old modeling photos just for her to hear Elspeth say it didn’t fit her and it looked tacky? 

The one who held her when she cried about how little love she felt, “I’m always here for you, Venetia. I’ll always love you.” and gets a small chuckle from her, getting a kiss on the cheek as she dries her tears.

Venetia was very quick to tell you about her firsts. Her first kiss, make-outs, hell, you were the first to know how she lost her virginity when you were fourteen. It was irritating to hear those, but you never had the heart to tell her. However, it was hilarious to see her face scrunch up when she found out you already had your firsts way before her. It was a Catton pride thing.

The one person she’d call when she had no one to turn to when you were leaving Saltburn to go back to the city and attend school again. You don’t even ask her about anything since she always tells you everything. It went on until year ten, when she stopped talking to you completely. 

There was even a time when you and Felix bonded more than how you and Venetia did because she started to entertain the boys who asked her out. It was apparent how much she loved the attention she got. But every time she caught you and Felix laughing at something stupid, she had that longing look, like when she talked about her parents. Pretty weird to see from someone who ghosted you and killed off your friendship.

You did have your friendship redemption two years later when she stumbled into your room drunk and crying, screaming at you for not trying to talk to her harder. She confessed about playing hard to get because it made her feel nice. And got madder when she saw you and Felix bonding and playing at the pond. “You can’t just become Felix’s, you’re mine! I had you first!” She slurred a little, but that doesn’t mean her message wasn’t clear. You caught her when she tumbled down to your bed and laid her gently on the bed before she pulled you down with her. To put it simply, she kissed you. Very roughly, too. She wasn’t a bad kisser and maybe quite good, but she put in so much emotion and hunger in it that it had to stop. 

When you went to university, Venetia didn’t like that you went to Oxford instead of  Cambridge with her. You said it was because you wanted to be an excellent example to Felix and Farleigh, to which she tried to fight you by ranting about how you lost your love for her when you started hanging out with them more. Of course you disagreed and set aside your pride by giving her a tight hug that she always caves into.

You quickly drove to Saltburn when your summer started after your second year at university when you found out she had dropped out. Venetia wasn’t very good with her food and how she saw herself. You always tried to help her go through those darker days when she felt like shit and had no good relationship with food. You always tried to make her favorites, which Venetia happily ate and stayed a little to digest. The fact that she tried to sit for thirty minutes more after she ate made you realize she tried. Though…She dismissed your suggestions about going to a professional together. 

It never bothered you when Venetia confided in you with boys. Hell, you were the one always making sure she was stocked up with protection and mailing her aftercare products you thought would benefit her. “You’re like a dad sometimes, Love. You should totally date me.” “Haha. Sarcasm is not welcome in this household, Vee. I need you to be safe out there, alright?” She chuckled from the other line and sighed. “I didn’t hear a no.” You laughed. God, you love her laugh. 

The next few years were hard to keep up with. You were so busy that you almost didn’t go home to see your family for the summer. Venetia always complained about you not visiting her at Saltburn. She always made you promise to answer when she called, and she even went to Oxford with Felix and Farleigh when they enrolled just to crash at your place. 

Of course, there was some cuddling and friendly kissing between you. And very friendly moans, too, but why do you need to add that? 

Then the talking stopped one summer, which was odd for you. You didn’t pay mind because Felix eventually called you to join a party they will hold for a bloke named Oliver. You even got some scoop from Farleigh that Venetia and Oliver had a summer thing that Felix didn’t like. Vee never really had a chance to share Felix’s toys. That's probably why she kept you around, but who cares? 

You saw Venetia with that beautiful spider dress of hers while you dressed up like those silly little elves from the “theme,” which no one cared to follow. “Hey Vee, you look dashing as always.” She chuckled and poured you some more of her champagne. “You’re such a flirt sometimes, so I keep you around.” You rolled your eyes before settling down on the couch next to her. She swung her legs on your lap and made herself comfortable. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You look good, Love. Something about university made you stunning.” You patted her legs and smiled. “It would be a crime to show up and not look my best.” “You always look your best.” She smiled that pretty little smile, her hands finding their way into yours. Venetia didn’t dye her roots without you to help her, leaving a swell of awe in your chest. The night went so well between you two, and it was splendid. 

The next time you saw her. She was withdrawn. So pale and so sad. Life looked like it drained out of her eyes as you slowly stood beside her, putting a sunflower on Felix’s grave. You weren’t very traditional and knew Felix would have laughed at your need always to be different. You embraced her the whole ceremony while she just stood quietly. Her body leaning against yours as if she couldn’t stand without you. She looked lovely, but you hated how much sadness she pent up, how there was nothing said at all between you two that day. You will forever regret that day for the rest of your life…That was the day you last saw Venetia. 

The next time you had to see Vee, you couldn’t even see inside the coffin. You were trying so hard to keep it together while they all went through with the ceremony. You couldn’t stop shaking and losing stray tears as it rained down on you. When it was time for you to put your flower down, you opted for a pink rose. It looked so pure and unreal. It looked like her when she was so alive. You slowly leaned down and kissed the coffin, and slowly walked away. You couldn’t take it anymore when you stood beside a tree. The tears streamed down as your legs gave out. No sound came out as your emotions poured into you. Venetia was gone. Venetia will never come back. Venetia has left you forever. You sobbed and sobbed for about two hours. At one point, Oliver kneeled beside you and whispered in your ear. “We should have seen it coming.” Your heart dropped, but his words didn’t set in until after the day. You felt rage and sadness. 

You felt empty. 

There were many flowers in the world, but none as pretty as your little Rose.

Another dismissive sigh was heard from his area while playing with the can, which he barely touched. “You know that your advice won’t make a difference, right? I heard you had a thing for Corey, yet you still haven’t made moves.” He looked at you with a victorious smirk. A moment passed until the words finally settled in your mind, and retaliated with violence by smacking him on the arm. “Oh fuck off, I was helping you.” He busted out laughing while you walked away to go back to the group. 

That’s how it usually goes when you try to be friendly with Jann. He was always the hopeless romantic, yet he always had a knack for annoying you when it’s just you two. 

The next time you saw him was by the department store. You and Coby had the same schedule that day, and he wanted to go to where Jann works to assert some younger brother dominance thing that you would never understand. You saw Jann’s tall frame putting back women’s clothes as Coby called him over a few aisles down. 

“Jann! Come here!” The loud calls did not go unnoticed by anyone in the store, embarrassing him enough to run to you two and pull you aside quickly. “What is wrong with you, man? I’m at work!” He glared at his brother and hit him on the shoulder. Coby laughed and pulled you in front as a human shield.

“Relax, I just brought her here to shop for some lady stuff. Said she had a date to go to that needed some hot undie set.” You raised your eyebrows in confusion while shaking your head. 

“What? No way? I came here because you said you will mghdnfdg…” Coby clasped a hand on your mouth, muffling your comebacks while he pushed you off to Jann, who caught you and ran away.

“That asshole! What was he up to?” Jann slowly let you go while you balanced yourself, silently thanking him. He sighed and cleared his throat. “Whatever it was, it’s his stupidity catching up to him.” 

You also sighed, having no idea what to do now that Coby left you to fend for yourself. Jann scratched the back of his neck and checked his watch. “Hey, if you’re not busy, maybe ditch buying that ‘set’ and grab lunch with me? I’m done for the day anyways.” 

Your stomach was growling, and you barely got to eat something before coming here, so lunch sounded terrific. “You’re right. I’m starving. I’m craving some sandwiches, so take me somewhere with that, and I’ll pay for our lunch.” He chuckled and walked to his co-worker, probably saying something about leaving now, to which the other guy nodded. 

He turned back with a smile as he removed his vest and threw his arm around your shoulder, dragging you out of the store and to a sandwich place nearby. “Her Highness needs her food!” You rolled your eyes before walking to the counter and ordering your food.

He was such a bastard when it came to food, but he made it up to you by bringing him to where he played that racing game he was so obsessed with. He told you it was called ‘Gran Turismo,’ but you insisted it was a racing game just like every other you’ve come across. It was fun to piss him off, even if he didn’t. 

“Go wider!”

“But there’s a line! That’s the point of the game: you follow the line!” You grip the wheel of the console and glared at Jann. “No, the point of the game is to win.” Jann puts his hands on yours and takes a wider stance on the wheel instead of following the line. You hated his weird obsession with whin, but it was his fault for making you play a game. You heard Dylan call your name from behind while patting your head. “Thanks for going today, love. Seeing Jann so frustrated is such a treat.” He chuckled as he watched the screen of the console. 

The car effectively passed by the others and eventually got to fourth place, but at this point, it was all Jann. He even scooted you over to sit next to you. Brows creased in focus while his hands gripped tighter on yours. You watched the screen as he maneuvered past third place and second. Dylan and some other people gathered around as you two played the game, a sight you were new to. He was always the withdrawn type, but his apparent obsession with this game gained him a small fanbase in this arcade.

Jann held on, his palms sweating while turning and tailing the car in the first place. He hastily turned the wheel and accelerated, making your car and the first placer side by side before he stepped on the gas and made it to first place. The crowd around you cheered while you felt the shoot of adrenaline finally settle in you as Jann fought to keep his spot in first place. 

“Woooh!” You happily screamed out as you saw the finish line. “Jann, don’t you dare lose!” You hear him chuckle as he nods and steps on the gas while the car approaches the finish line. The crowd shushes, and you only hear your heart beating as the time slows. The next thing you know, you saw the car cross the checkered finish line, and the big letters “First Place” flashed. 

Everyone cheered as you both jumped up from the seat, screaming and jumping at him. “Oh my gosh, you’re amazing!” He caught you and gave you a tight hug before setting you down. 

“I mean…You did help so…” You shoved him off and rolled your eyes as a friend of Jann’s came over. 

“Holy shit, bruv, you did it again!” He looked at you and then smirked, “Is this Miss Audrey with us right now?” He offered his hand to you while you took it, giggling. 

“No way, I’m far from Audrey. She’s prettier and dresses simpler. I’m more of Coby’s eccentric best friend, who he ditched.” You took his hand and shook it lightly before sliding it away. 

“My name’s Bryan. And you mentioned being ditched? A pretty thing like you?”

You giggled softly and playfully rolled your eyes.“Y/N. And Jann should totally bring Audrey next time, no?” Bryan poked the boy behind you while he teased Jann about his very obvious crush on Audrey.

The rest of the day went swimmingly when Bryan and Jann offered to drop you off at your flat, getting Bryan’s number saved in the process. Such a flirt, that one. Who would have expected that Jann’s friends weren’t all weird geeks? 

After a few weeks or a day, before Jann got the good news, he was lying on his bed contemplating the trajectory of his life. 

He knew that he had no solid plan for his future, but he was sure it had some good things in it. Driving was his passion, and it was a big deal for him to be somewhat of a driver. He may not have driven any of the real cars in GT, but he knew all of them inside and out. It was meant for him. 

A few taps on his windows suddenly broke his quiet reverie. He slowly sat up and looked at the window, waiting to see if it was in his head or not. 

It was not. 

After the taps became much more apparent, he stood up and slowly approached the window. When he saw you smiling at him, he quickly opened it and let you in. 

“How the hell did you get up from there?!” Jann let you in before checking outside the window. He looked around to see how you scaled his house and saw no decent ledges you could have used. 

“Jannie! So sorry for being an intruder, but Coby was still not in his room, so…” You chuckled as you rambled. 

“Wait, Coby knows about this?” 

You paused and sat down on his bed, giving him a confused look. “Of course he does. I always swing by his room when I’m either high or drunk and wait for it to sober down.” 

His face twisted in an even more confused and worried way while checking his small snack box for water. He opened it before he gave it to you, sitting beside you. 

“Any reason why you’re dressed up, smelling like alcohol and cigarettes on a Wednesday night?”  You giggled while ungracefully handing him back the water bottle. “It’s a thing with my cousin. You know how it is.” 

“Being used like an ATM machine?” Jann interjected with some sass you never heard from him. 

You scoffed and raised your eyebrows. “Coby probably exaggerated the stories! I just don’t know where to spend my money!” He wasn’t convinced and pushed himself up against the wall, tuning you out, perhaps. 

“Ever since you broke up with your ex, Coby noticed that you’ve been partying a lot. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I get wanting to splurge, but you don’t even do it for yourself.” 

“Says the guy who saves up for his set-up. At least don’t be a hypocrite.” Warranting another eye roll to Jann for being a snoopy ass. “Besides, it’s fun. The party was amazing, and so many people were there.” 

“Spare me the details and sober up so you can go home.” He got up and went to his closet only to toss you a sweater when he closed it. “What?” The confusion and delayed effect of the alcohol and joint were there. 

“You are barely covered up. It’s freezing out there, and you have no layers on.” Jann sat on his gaming chair, a nod of plea to put it on without any resistance. 

After the slow, grueling struggle to put it on, the exhaustion hit you. You slowly slid under the covers of his bed. “Jann, wake me up in a few. I’ll nap. The running here must have tired me.” 

“What? You ran here?!” His question was left unanswered as you dozed off.

Jann sighed and draped the covers over your shoulder while setting up a chill late-night cruise on Gran Turismo with his friends. 

Little moments like those were never really forgotten. You just act like it’s nothing and never talk about hanging out with Jann when you two get the chance. It just happens, really. It's not like you’d ask him using a lame excuse just to talk about stuff or do activities together. His leaving you with the dumbest goodbye didn’t even make you feel empty at all. 

It just felt weird in a way. Coby started to practice more since his brother suddenly got into a rich guy’s sport instantly while he had to work hard. Men and their pride will always amaze you. 

You were lounging on your hotel bed one weekend when you got a call from Jann. You slowly deliberated before answering it because, first of all, it was out of nowhere. And secondly, Why? After three more rings, you had the guts to answer it finally. 

“Hello?”

“Took you too long to answer for someone glued to their phone the whole day, huh.”

You rolled your eyes before hearing a slight chuckle on his end. 

“Hello to you too, Jann.” 

“Hello, you. How have you been?”

How thoughtful of him to ask first. “I’ve been well. Although it is a bit fishy that you go radio silent and suddenly call me out of nowhere after a few months and then suddenly talk to me.”

“Always the skeptic.” He chuckled, then cleared his throat. “So um…A little snitch mentioned that you were in Japan, and I flew Audrey out here to spend some time together. We could use the company?”

Wow. That’s a lot to unpack right there. “Okay, what? You and Audrey are an item now? Since when was this?” He was about to speak when you cut him off. “Second, who the hell told you about me being in Japan? Third, of all…Are you proposing a double date?” 

“Hold on, what? Double date?” You groaned and dropped down to your bed when Jann sounded hell-bent on your new love life. 

“It’s just a date. I’m staying here for two months and might as well make the most of it. Answer my questions, too, though!” 

“Okay. Well. Agree to go meet us at this location tomorrow night, and I’ll tell you everything.” 

“Hm. Fine.” 

The call promptly ended with a goodbye before he sent the location of the place where you’d have your double date at. You wanted to think about it a little. The temptation was strong, though. Feeling homesick and alone can really distort a person’s perception. 

You stared at the recent call logs and sighed. You left the app and opened the chat with Tadashi to tell him that date night is now a double date. 

This was the worst idea ever. Jann has been weird around Tadashi ever since you introduced them to each other. It was awkward and tense for the first few minutes, Jann occasionally raising his eyebrows at you. You four were sitting in front of each other in a really nice sushi place that he was recommended. 

“So…Where did you two meet?” Bless this girl. Audrey will always save the day. “Actually, it’s a funny story.” You rubbed Tadashi’s hand as he snaked his arm over your shoulder. You smiled at him as he did the same. “We met at the fish market when I slipped trying to buy some fresh salmon.” 

“No way! You guys, that's so cute.” Audrey smiled at you in excitement. She’s such a good friend, but at the same time, her excitement might confuse Tadashi about your short-term set-up with him. “She looked offended when I asked her for her number, but I guess that noodle shop recommendation put me in her good books.” The three of you chuckled before Jann interjected, “That doesn’t sound creepy at all.” Audrey widened her eyes and lightly hit his shoulders before apologizing to Tadashi and you. 

The passive aggressiveness did not stop there, though. Throughout the whole dinner, Jann always had some weird bullshit about your life ever since his parents dubbed you their ‘Long lost daughter’. It’s just weird that he was the one who insisted on meeting up with you. 

At one point, Audrey decided to call it a night and even bought you some dessert when you paid the bill. It just upset you that Jann never even said thank you or acknowledged anything whatsoever.

Thankfully, that son of a bitch realized his rudeness two days later and texted you. 

J: Hey 

Y: What? 

J: Was a jerk 2 u 

J: sorry :( 

Y: It’s fine 

Y: Tadashi ghosted me. Your fault 🙄

J: U were too good for him n e ways

Y: Fuck u 

J: in your dreams 😇

Y: Ill block you if you dont stop 

J: was just jokin :( want to watch me practice driving? Audrey left and I have sum time to spare before germany 

Y: You just want me to buy you food 😒

J: nah. I’ll buy u food

Y: K fine. 

Y: Tomorrow? What time? 

J: I’ll pick u up. Send location 😛