2

~Luke~

---

I decided to look for a job today. I really need to earn some money so I can save up and would be able to buy myself a car. I can't just rely on Calum anymore especially now that we are in uni.

I did a little research last night and actually found some job hiring posts that I am actually interested in and I am going to check them all out today and apply.

So as soon as I was ready to go, I headed to the door, bidding Calum goodbye, who was sprawled on the couch watching some cartoons. Our apartment was already set up as we have finished unpacking the other day and also had our cable and wifi set up, so everything is good and perfect.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" Calum asked as I was about to open the door.

I turned to him and smiled, "Yeah, I am. Don't worry too much, Cal, I won't get lost."

"I know you won't, I just don't want you going around alone and walking or taking a bus," he told me.

I chuckled, "I'll be fine, Calum."

"Why don't you just take my car?"

"You might go somewhere you know. Maybe run an errand or something."

"I won't, I promise. Just take it."

I huffed, knowing he would really insist, then grabbed his car keys from the bowl on the table by the door. I swung it in front of me, showing him that I took it, then opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind me but not forgetting to say goodbye to Calum.

I headed over to the elevator and stepped inside pushing the ground floor button. The doors were closing but then it was stopped by an arm sticking in and opened again.

My eyes widened in surprise when seeing it was Ashton. He didn't even spare me a glance and just stepped inside and stayed at the corner with his attention focused on his phone as the door closes and the elevator moving down.

I moved back to the opposite corner already feeling a huge tension all over us. I know I am just the only one feeling it but can you even blame me? He is pretty much intimidating.

I cleared my throat and decided to speak up, trying to ease the tension I am feeling. He doesn't seem pissed anyway, unlike our first encounter.

"H-hi," I started but he didn't respond so I continued. "I'm Luke, you probably don't remember me, bu-," I was eventually cut off with him speaking.

"I remember, who you are, Luke. I just don't give a fuck." He pointedly said in a cold, rude tone.

I was greatly taken aback and embarrassed by his rudeness. Good thing it was just us two in this elevator. "O-okay," I stuttered out in response.

He then turned to look at me with those beautiful yet intimidating hazel-green eyes, and I really felt so small under his gaze. His face was blank and he somewhat scanned me with his gaze before he said, "Let me get one thing straight. Just because you are friends with Michael it doesn't mean that you are automatically friends with me. So if you don't want to get into any trouble, don't make the same mistake of talking to me again. You understand that?"

I visibly gulped and nodded my head 'yes.' I am not gonna lie, I am scared of him.

The elevator then came to a stop and the doors opened which made him turn away from me and headed out.

I tried my best to regain my composure and followed him out of the elevator to the building's exit, with enough distance between us, of course.

He turned right and I followed him and we went over to our cars which are parked next to each other.

He opened his car door as I walked past him to Calum's car, looking down. I can feel his gaze on me and it made me more uncomfortable than before.

I heard his car door closing and I also rushed inside Calum's car and subtly watch him as he pulled out of the parking lot.

As soon as he left, I let out a deep breath of relief and then turned the key in the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot as well.

---

The day went by and I have checked all the jobs I was interested in. They were all actually really great but the one that I was most interested in was that barista job in a cafe near the campus.

The manager was actually nice and it pays better than the other jobs I checked out. I was hired right away and my training will start next week. I am actually excited.

I drove back into the apartment and was so keen on telling Calum the good news. I did not text or call him about it because I wanted to tell him in person.

I parked my car in the usual spot, next to the oh so familiar one owned by Ashton and the incident from before came back to me. I cringed at the thought and hurriedly got out of the car and went into the building, heading straight to the elevator and praying to God I won't cross path with him.

I was lucky enough though that I really didn't and was gladly walking into my shared apartment with Calum and was excited to tell my best friend about my amazing news about getting a job.

I headed straight to his bedroom and didn't bother knocking and just went in. I found him lying on his bed with his attention focused on his phone, probably playing one of his games.

I jumped on his bed which made him drop his phone and he groaned loudly in exasperation and I just laughed at him. He punched my arm rather hard which made me stop laughing and grip my injured limb.

"You made me lose, thank you very much," Calum grumbled as he picked his phone up from the floor.

"You're gonna abuse me because of that?"

"You deserve it."

"I hate you."

"No, you don't."

"Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes.

Calum chuckled, "So, how was your job searching?"

The question immediately put a huge grin on my face and then I said, "I got a job!"

Calum's face lightened up and he turned to me and pulled me into a hug, saying, "I am so happy for you, buddy!"

"Thanks, man! Now, I can start saving more so I can buy a car," I told him.

He pulled away and then pouted as he said, "I'd be sad and alone in my car by then."

I laughed at his childish action which also made him smile then his face lightened up again as if an idea had just occurred in his mind. "Perfect!" He exclaimed.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion as I look at him.

He chuckled then said, "Michael came by when you were out job hunting and he invited us to go out tonight. He said there is this party tonight that we should go check out. So whatcha think? It's the perfect time to celebrate too. You know we should go and have fun. Get drunk and maybe get laid!"

Calum looked at me with excitement and hope as he waited for my answer. I wanted to celebrate with him, of course, I do. But it's just that, I'm not sure about going to that party. I mean, Michael is the one who invited us and he's friends with Ashton so most probably, Ashton is gonna be there too and after our encounter in the elevator this morning, I never would want to be around him anymore. He's really fucking intimidating.

"Uh...I don't know," I manage to say and I regretted it immediately as I saw Calum's expression fell. So I said, "I'd really like to celebrate with you, Cal, but it's just that..."

"What is it?"

"Michael invited us and for sure Ashton's gonna be there."

"So?"

"The guy seems pretty scary, you know, I just, like, don't wanna cross path with him."

Calum chuckled, "Is that the reason why you are hesitant about it?"

"Well...kinda. I mean I just really you know...like the guy."

"Luke, Michael is the one who invited us and if he's gonna be there, it doesn't mean that we'll be hanging out with him. It's a party, Luke, there will be a lot of people there that we can actually have fun with. We really don't have to stick with Michael and Ashton."

Well, Calum's right. After all, the only thing that Ashton told me is to never talk to him.

I huffed in defeat and nodded at Calum, "I guess it could be fun."

"You kidding me? It is gonna be really fun!"

I rolled my eyes at Calum playfully as I stood up from his bed and headed to the door. "I'm gonna take a shower first then we can leave."

"Great!"

---

Calum and I followed Michael and Ashton inside this frat house where the party is held. There were already wasted people at the front yard of the house and the sound of loud music is blaring.

We stepped inside the front door and we were met by the very loud sound of music and the mixture of the smell of alcohol, smoke, and sweat. It was really unpleasant for me, but what can you really expect from a frat party.

Without saying a word, Ashton separated with us and headed straight to the stairs leading upstairs. I actually felt relieved that he is now out of my sight.

We followed Michael to the kitchen of the house where different kinds of drinks and red cups were placed on the counter all for everyone at the party to enjoy.

One guy who was already wasted came in the kitchen and took a refill for his beer then left. I scrunched my face up in confusion as to where will he put all those alcohol in his body?

Michael might have noticed my expression as I heard him laugh and say, "He's gonna pass out anytime soon."

"Yeah, definitely." Calum agreed.

Michael chuckled, "So, what do you wanna drink?"

"Just beer for me," Calum said.

Michael nodded as he took a new red cup and filled it with beer then handed it to Calum, who gratefully took it.

"Do you drink, Luke?" Michael asked me.

"I do," I responded.

"Want some beer as well?"

"Yeah, sure."

Michael smiled then gave me the drink.

"Thanks."

"So, you've been to parties before, right?" Michael asked us as he made himself some drink.

"High school parties, yes. Frat parties? This is the first." Calum answered.

"Oh. Well, this is more fun, actually, if you know exactly how to have fun," Michael smirked.

Calum chuckled, "That's exactly what we came here for."

"Good. So you uh...you wanna come with me and join or play some game or you wanna stay here for a while?"

"What kind of games though?" I asked.

"Depends on what they're playing."

"I'll go with you," Calum said to Michael then turned to me, "How about you, buddy?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied.

Michael beamed and led us out of the kitchen to what seemed like the living room which is way more crowded. I drank my beer to release some of the tension I feel in my body and followed Michael and Calum to a group of people playing beer pong.

I watched as a dark-haired guy went over to us and greeted Michael with a hug.

"Luke," Calum softly said next to me.

I turned to look at him and he had this soft look in his eyes as he smiled and said, "Can you do me a favor tonight?"

"What is it?"

"Let go and have fun, okay? Just...just be yourself."

I chuckled, "I am being myself."

"You know exactly what I mean."

I smiled, "Okay, buddy."

Calum smiled.

"These are my friends," we heard Michael say and we both turned to him and his friend.

The guy next to Michael beamed and extended a hand as he said, "Hey, I'm Jack."

Calum and I shook hands with him and introduced ourselves.

"Where's Ashton?" Jack asked Michael.

"Doing the usual upstairs," Michael said and I suddenly got curious about what this "usual" thing he does at these parties. I mean, it's hard to predict because he is one of those people that is not very easy to read and I only had been around him for three rather very short times.

"You wanna join our game?" I heard Jack ask, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Calum and I nodded and he smiled ushering us to the table. He introduced us to their other friends who were also playing the game. They were: Josh, the one with the bright yellow hair, I guess he and Michael bond over hair dyeing; Tyler, a nice, cute guy who you could mistake as a shy-type but rather very sassy yet hilarious; Alex, who is really good in playing beer pong; Jade, a small but really beautiful girl with tan skin and long brown hair, and big brown eyes that are soft and warm; and Perrie a stunning blonde with bright blue eyes, who seemed intimidating at first, but she's fun and sweet once you get to meet her.

We played the next round with me and Calum in a team while Michael and Jack in the other against us.

I have played this game a few times before so I know how this works and also I am confident since I got Calum on my team and he's pretty good at it.

The game started good and I'm not gonna lie, Jack and Michael are pretty good too. It went on and turned a bit intense but not that serious and of course, in the end, our team won, thanks to Calum's expertise. But unfortunately, I did have plenty of beer to drink and I am starting to feel the alcohol kicking in.

I excused myself from them and had Michael replace me on our team for the next round of beer pong. I went to search for a bathroom and found none on the first floor so I decided to climb up the stairs and look for one.

There were a lot of rooms upstairs and I have no idea which one is the bathroom. I guess I just have to go check every single one.

I went first to the first door on the right. It was unlocked so I opened the door and regret it immediately when I saw two naked people on the bed and in the middle of their sexual activity.

I felt my face heat up and immediately close the door back. Damn! These people need to learn how to lock a fucking door.

I closed my eyes as I let out a deep breath, still holding on to the doorknob and prayed to God I won't ever witness something like that again when I go check the other rooms.

I let go of the knob and turned to continue my search for a bathroom when I bumped into a body. I looked up and my gaze locked with that familiar set of beautiful hazel eyes but then panic quickly rose up in my body when I realized the owner of those hazel-green orbs and immediately step back with wide eyes as I stuttered, "I-I-I'm s-sorry!"

"What are you doing?" Ashton asked in his usual monotone voice.

"I, uh...I was just looking for a bathroom but I don't know where it is and I accidentally opened the wrong door and saw two people fucking, and I'm sorry if I bumped into you. I wasn't paying attention to where I'm going I'm so sorry," I blabbered out in panic.

He looked at me for a moment and I really couldn't tell what he is thinking. Not that I could read minds, that would be foolish, but it's just that, his face doesn't express anything. It's just blank.

"Third door on the left." He just said then left and it took me a few seconds to absorb and realize what he just said that I didn't have the chance to thank him.

I sighed in relief both from already knowing where the bathroom is and for not being snapped by Ashton. That dude really fucking scares me.

I walked towards the third door on the left just like what Ashton said and opened the door and was way more relieved seeing it really is the bathroom.

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, making sure it was locked. I went over to the sink and looked at myself in the mirror. I chuckled at my reflection. I look drunk. Well, I am a little tipsy so I guess that's reasonable.

I turned the tap on washed my face with the cold water and then grabbed some paper towel and wiped my face dry. I then went over to the toilet and relieved myself then washed my hands and headed to the door. I unlocked it and stepped out.

I was gonna go back downstairs to where my friends are but then a guy with a dyed blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and wide smile just suddenly appeared in front of me out of nowhere. I really am confused about where he came from.

"Hi! I'm Niall. You're a friend of Michael and Ashton, right?" He said in a strong Irish accent.

I looked at him for a moment. He was a lot shorter than me so I was looking down at him. He is actually good-looking and seems always happy with his smile not leaving his face.

I slowly nodded at his question, "Yeah, we're friends. I'm Luke, by the way."

"Great to meet you. I am a friend of theirs too and this is my party. Well, it's our house's party but yeah..."

"Oh...well, this is a really cool party."

He laughed loudly, "I know." This dude is way too drunk.

"I hope you are having fun!" He told me.

"I am," I responded.

"Good!"

"Yeah...so uh... I should head back to where my friends are."

"You should but first, let me make you a drink."

"Oh, thanks, but I don't think I should drink more."

"Just one more drink. Come on, Luke, it's a party. Please?"

He gave me puppy eyes with a pout and I really don't wanna be rude. After all, this is his party.

"Fine, one more drink, ain't gonna hurt."

Niall beamed and led me down the stairs back to the kitchen. He took a new red cup and start mixing some drinks and I don't even have any idea what were those drinks that he was mixing.

When he was done, he turned to me, still with that wide smile etched on his face and handed me the drink. I took the cup from him and sipped. I gotta admit, it was really good.

"What do you think, huh?" Niall asked.

"Wow! What is this?"

"It's really good, huh?" He asked ignoring my question.

"Yeah," I agreed.

He then grabbed my arm and pulled me with him and letting go of me when we reached the living room where our friends are. I guess I should consider all of them my friends, except Ashton of course. Speaking of Ashton, good thing, he wasn't with the group. I don't have any idea where he is, but it doesn't matter. It's better that he's not here anyway, I could definitely let go and have fun just like what I promised to Calum.

"Luke!" I heard Michael call so I turned around and smiled as I saw him.

"Hey! Where's Calum?" I asked him as he went over to me.

"Oh...I guess he went with some redhead chick."

"Oh."

"How about you? Where you been?"

"I was with uh..." I turned around to look for Niall but he disappeared. Does he really do that? Appear out of nowhere then just suddenly disappear? Since he was nowhere to be found, I just said, "nevermind."

"Well, come on, let's play another game," Michael said and I followed him to where the others were.

We played another round of beer pong and then another. And then I went to take a rest on the couch since I was really feeling the alcohol taking over my body.

Niall appeared again next to me and I swear to god, this kid is a mutant. He beamed and handed me a red cup filled with drink.

"Is this the same one you made me?" I asked him.

He beamed as he nodded. I took the cup and drank. Damn. This is a really good drink. I finished the whole cup and my vision was starting to blur and twirl but I am feeling good. I actually am feeling really good. I feel some kind of energy running through my veins and I can even feel a wide smile spreading across my face.

"You wanna dance?" Niall asked.

Dance? Hell yeah, I do. I feel so hyped and I need to release this energy building up inside me. I have to have fun. I want to have fun.

I nodded at Niall and he got to his feet and pulled me with him. He led me to the middle of the living room where some people are dancing along to the beat of the loud music.

I started to move with the beat as well and I felt myself letting go and I just stop thinking about everything and danced. I am feeling so good and I am having fun. I am so happy!

I don't even know how long I have been dancing and I don't even give a fuck about anything around me anymore and just moved my body with the music and everything just feels so good and nothing matters anymore.

I suddenly felt a pair of hands grab me by the hip from behind me so I quickly turn around to see who it was. I was met by an unfamiliar face of a guy who is smiling seductively at me.

"Do I know you?" I asked the guy who still has his hold on my hip.

"No...but we can get to know each other. I'm Andrew." He said.

"Luke."

"Beautiful."

I smiled, "Thanks. You wanna dance? My friend kind of disappeared again."

I felt him pull me towards him and our chests collide and one of his arms snaked around my waist. I know I should push him away because I don't know him but I didn't.

He leaned closer to me and our lips were brushing against each other. If I wasn't drunk and feeling good, I would have pushed him away already but I am drunk and feeling really good and I haven't had a chance before to have this kind of encounter with a guy. I am basically closeted but now, I don't really give a fuck about it. Calum told me to let go and have and I know he meant my sexuality. So that is what I am gonna do.

I was the one who closed the slight gap between us and our lips immediately moved against each other. He tasted like beer but I don't mind. I am pretty sure I taste the same.

My mind was actually racing with thoughts but I pushed them all away because I don't want to ruin this night. Not now that I am actually being myself and having fun.

"Come with me?" Andrew asked as our lips parted.

I didn't think about it and just nodded and followed him as he held my hand and led me up the stairs.

We opened the second door on the left and we both stepped inside. He closed the door and before I could say anything, he pushed me down on the bed and he hovered over me with his hands on both sides of my head.

I can feel my heart racing in my chest and a lot of thoughts are flooding my mind. I don't know what to do and I have no idea what is going to happen.

"You are very pretty, Luke," Andrew whispered as he brushed his lips along my jawline.

I let out a whimper and he crashed his lips against mine, kissing me harder than before.

Everything seemed to get blurry again so I closed my eyes and just forced myself to focus on the kiss. I then felt his hand slipping inside my shirt, caressing the skin on my side. I circled my arms around his neck and pulled him closer and I felt him smile in the kiss.

He started to thrust forward as his hand moves down and tugged on my jeans. On instinct, I let go of him and pushed him away. Though I may like kissing him and enjoying everything and I am drunk as hell, I don't think I want to lose my virginity to some guy in a frat party even if it is part of having 'fun' tonight, no. I do have some decency and respect for myself.

He looked down at me with furrowed eyebrows, "What's wrong?"

"I don't..." I tried to say.

"Ssshhhh...you want to, okay? You like it and you want it."

I shook my head, "No..."

"It's okay, Luke," he said and soon started to kiss me on my jaw down to my neck lightly sucking along the way, as his hand tried to unbutton my jeans.

I pushed him away but he caught both of my hands and held them against the bed on both sides of my head. I tried to pull them out of his grip but he's strong. Panic started to rise up in me. No, I can't be forced into having sex. I can't let him rape me.

"Let me go!" I demanded.

"Be quiet! It's okay and it won't take long."

"No. I don't wanna do it. Let me go!"

I tried to escape from him but he's just too strong. I couldn't fight. I just don't have the strength for it and I eternally regretting that I let myself get too drunk.

I wasn't even aware of what's happening anymore, all I know is I'm shouting for him to stop and trying to escape from him but none of it seem to work.

I shut my eyes tightly as tears escaped as I kept on repeating the word 'no' and 'stop' and I prayed to God that this is not really happening and is just a bad dream.

Then suddenly everything just stopped as the door flew open. I opened my eyes but my vision is too blurry to be able to see clearly who was that guy standing in the doorway.

The next scenes just happened so fast that I didn't know exactly what was happening as I closed my eyes again. I just felt Andrew being ripped off of me and pushed to the ground and the sound of a fist smashing on some skin and bones filled the room and I heard Andrew growl, "Fuck, Ashton!"

Ashton? Oh God no.

"Get out!" I heard Ashton ordered.

There was silence aside from the faint sound of music from downstairs. Then I heard some footsteps leaving the room and the sound of the door slammed shut.

I breathed out a shaky breath as I slowly opened my eyes and wrapped my own arms around me. I looked around and locked eyes with a pair of familiar, expressionless, hazel-green ones.

I stared at Ashton with wide eyes, afraid that he'd hit me.

He slowly went over to me and sat down on the side of the bed with a careful look on his face. He slowly reached over to me and I just watched his every careful move.

I shook my head, no, at him, afraid that he might hurt me. He quickly retracted his hand before it could even reach me and he huffed and then said, "I am not going to hurt you, okay? I am helping you, yeah?"

I just stared at him and didn't respond. He let out a sigh then reached for me again and this time I let him. He held on to my shoulders and slowly pulled me up from the bed to a sitting position. He looked at me straight in the eyes and then muttered, "Fuck."

He got to his feet and then pulled me up with him to stand as well. But as soon as I got on to my feet, everything just started spinning and eventually turned black and the last thing I heard was Ashton's voice calling out my name.

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