With tired eyes I drag myself downstairs feeling drained from last night. I shouldn't have agreed to go today. My body is aching,  not to mention the lack of sleep because last night I broke down. Seven months progress down the drain as I had a panic attack after being filled in.

I step into the kitchen, halting as I see Dad at the counter with multiple files spread out. He looks up and I see the stressed look before he can mask it like he did last night. I know deep down that he's terrified of what could happen, especially to me.

"You need to sit down," Dad speaks, his tone and face neutral although I know less than half an hour ago he was panicked. I sit down on the stool when he leans against the counter opposite me. "Has Rhys told you about his father?"

"The kettles boiled incase you want to make a coffee," I furrow my eyebrows, moving to the fridge as he sighs. "Sorry. I forgot that you don't drink it."

I grab a can of Dr Pepper out and close the door with my foot, pulling the top off of it. "It tastes disgusting."

Dad nods, picking up a paper and staring at it intently. I recognize the layout to be a police report and my stomach drops at what it could be. That's the police report filled against Rhys' father. All of these documents are involved with him and it makes me sick that he's trying to get out from where he belongs.

"He told me not that long ago," Dad nods and I hesitantly continue. "You aren't - still going through with defending him are you?"

He scoffs shaking his head. "God no. What he's done to his family is morally wrong and because of that I'm making sure he stays behind bars. I'm prosecuting him to stay for his sentence, furthering it now because I have significant proof that he's put not just myself but you in danger."

"What are you talking about?"

"He worked for some thug organization - although he never gave the name up - we think that he asked one of them to break in to the house to scare me," I almost fall off my seat, the link between the organization and Rhys could incriminate him because I don't doubt they would drag him down with them. "Then I got the photo saying that I need to withdrawal unless he wants to escalate to the third step."

"You're not usually up this early on a Saturday morning," He puts the report down and I tap my fingers on the aluminum can. "Are you going on a date with Rhys?"

"Laser tag with his brother and friends,"I respond having him furrow his eyebrows at me. "What?"

"I haven't seen the girls in a while," He draws out as I spare a glance his way. "Don't they like Rhys or something? I hope you're not ignoring them for some boy."

I try not to make my eye roll obvious. "We're going shopping tomorrow afternoon and I wouldn't ignore them for some boy."

"Is he your boyfriend?" The look on his face is like someone wants to pull a tooth out. He clearly didn't mean for it to sound so rude and surprised. "Because I'd like to know him better personally, rather than hearing these rumours about him."

I furrow my eyebrows. "No, he's not my boyfriend."

At least I don't think he is. I've got no idea despite us admitting to liking each other, the constant contact and how much we're around one another. Maybe we are together. I just have zero experience with labels.

"Do you . . . like him?" Dad looks physically pained by asking me that. "I know that you've been on dates before but he seems to be around you more than they were. You're growing up now and I'd rather know about it then you coming to me saying you're pregnant-"

"Please stop!" I raise my voice and clear it before clarifying. "I'm not having sex if that's what you're trying to ask."

He visibly relaxes with a nod. "I just know that kids nowadays have non serious relationships and if you aren't dating you could be friends with-"

"I'm not having sex with Rhys!" I cut off his rambling just as there's a knock at the door, sending blood to my cheeks. "I don't know what we are, okay?"

Dad rubs his face and exhales slowly. I awkwardly shift stances, knowing that he's trying his best to be understanding. But usually a mother would have this talk with their daughter. Not their father which is why he looks like he's been tortured.

He likes to think of me as his little girl that won't ever grow up. The fact I could be having sex is terrifying to him but a boyfriend is closer to happening. He clearly isn't ready for either of those things, at least not talking about it.

"I'll walk you out," He almost knocks the stool over as he rushes to catch up to me. As I open the door I get a shock seeing Lachlan beside Rhys. "Who are you?"

Dad's voice hardens as he looks at a grinning Lachlan. "I'm Lachlan, your daughter's favorite guy."

"I thought that was Rhys," I place my drink on the table beside the door, grabbing my converse from the floor. "Are you driving?"

I pull my shoes on quick as I can watching how confused Lachlan is. "Yes I would be the chaperone, I wasn't sure whether to wear a tuxedo or not."

"I don't see why they would need a chaperone when they aren't dating," I grab my drink, keys and jacket before blocking my Dad's sight to stop him from burning a glare into Lachlan. He looks down at me and I widen my eyes silently telling him to stop. "Have you got your keys?"

I jinkle them with a tight lipped smile. "I've got them."

"Make sure she's home before dark," His eyes divert to the two boys, narrowing on one in particular. "I'm trusting you're a reliable driver because Rhys does and I trust him. I would hate for that to be mistaken."

"Yes sir."

Lachlan's change of tone snaps my head around, his persona changing from joking to serious. "Try to get some sleep, you look exhausted. It'll still be there after a nap. . ."

Catching onto my wording his eyes flicker to Rhys. He nods and rubs his face before treking back to the kitchen. I exhale and pull the door shut behind me while walking to the car with the guys. Lachlan glances back with a low whistle.

"Your father is absolutely intimidating," He states and looks to Rhys. "I don't know how you act so calm around him. He's going to be on your ass when you tell him you're dating her."

"But we aren't?" I cut in as we reach the car while both of them look at me. My eyes flicker between them wondering what I said wrong. "What? Did I say something?"

"Ouch," Lachlan opens the car door only for Rhys to go to the passenger side, practically pulling Nate out. I look to him in confusion and he moves closer. "You guys have been on a date and admitted you like each other. That's a massive slap to the face."

My jaw drops and I gape in shock. "Oh my god. I didn't," I mentally curse and shake my head. "I have no clue what the hell I'm doing and he hates me now. Whoa. Okay. Help?"

"Just apologize," Lachlan flicks his head to the backseat where Nate is forcing his boyfriend to sit in the middle now. "And explain, hopefully you won't make it worse."

The car ride was definitely tense. Even with the music playing and small talk between the guys - excluding Rhys - it was horrible. I want to apologize and explain but I don't want to do that in front of everyone. This whole thing is confusing to me and I know this is incredibly awkward.

I follow behind the pairs as we go up the staircase to the front desk. My hands trace the patterns on the wall that seem engraved to create a massive eclectic symbol. It's reflecting from the UV light hanging above and in the staircase scurtings, overall it looks amazing.

While Lachlan talks to the desk manager in charge of the games briefly we stand in the arcade area. I lean against the wall to keep my eyes between them and Lachlan, hoping that it isn't awkward for that much longer. But Rhys refuses to look at me.

"Are you alright?" I stand up straight hearing a voice before they appear in front of me. "I don't think there should be a frown on a beautiful face like yours."

Blinking a few times I feel shocked by the bold and obvious flirtatious comment he made. His hair is styled into a dark quiff while light green eyes twinkle with mischief. Something tells me he's well aware of what he's saying.

"I'm not frowning and I don't think it should concern you either."

He shrugs, hands slipping into his jeans. "It could be my concern. Are you here with anyone?"

"Yeah with my friends," I gesture to the left where the guys are in the arcade. His eyes flicker over before they fall back on me. "I should probably go."

Before I can walk over he latches onto my wrist. "I'm sure they won't mind that you're talking to a guy. Having all guy friends I think they would understand me talking to someone like you."

"Actually one would mind more than you think," I reiterate for him and try to pull my wrist away. "So maybe you should let me go before he realizes."

"Well he doesn't need to know. . ."

I scoff. "Let me go."

"You heard her," Rhys snaps and instantly the guy releases me. His hand lands on my waist although it's to pull me closer and as warning to him. "Now get lost James."

He takes a step back with a nod. "I didn't know she was with-"

"Well you do now," James nods and backs away from us. When he disappears from our sight I try to pull away only for him to tighten his hold. "I don't know what you're thinking but you aren't going anywhere where some guy will try to hit on you again."

I gape momentarily stunned by his words. "You know earlier I didn't mean for it to sound so rude. The whole dating thing just confuses me because at what point does just dating become labels. I'm not saying that we need them or maybe-"

"I didn't think that I would have to ask you out officially for us to be a couple," He starts and moves to walk away but grabs my hand to keep an arms distance between us. "But if that's what you want then I will."

Rhys keeps his grip on my hand before crouching down. "What are you doing?"

"Well I would get on my knees but that might look like a proposal."

My eyes widen and I shake my head, pulling him up as people start to look over here. "Rhys, no. It's fine. Please get up."

"Kira will-"

"Rhys!" I hiss, he smirks as I look horrified by the stares of people watching on. "Please just get up."

He clears his throat and opens his mouth to speak. "You're embarrassing her," Lachlan saves me or so I thought, until he joins Rhys in a crouching position. "I know that we've had our differences but I'm begging you to pick me."

"Oh my god this isn't happening," I try to pull my hands away but both have a death grip. "Alright. You've made your-"

"Kira will you marry me?"

"Kira will you be my girlfriend?"

And I officially hate them both.

There's whispers and I feel my chest tightening as they seem more focused on this. Knowing my luck this had to happen just as a swarm of people were leaving from the game zone. I can feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment while they plead for an answer.

Breathe.

Everyone's staring. Everyone is judging. I let out a heavy breathe although it partially sounds like a whine, trying to pull my hands away harder this time. My fingers curl into their hands and dig my nails in hoping that will help.

Squeezing my eyes shut I try to keep it together although my skin is crawling like there's a bug underneath it. A second later my hands are let go and I stumble back, opening my eyes to see a confused Lachlan and a worried Rhys.

"Kira?" He steps closer and I shove my sweaty hands into my pockets. "Are you okay?"

I step back with a nod, not trusting my voice although it feels like oxygen is getting limited. He doesn't need to know I'm struggling. Rhys furrows his eyebrows, clearly not believing me but taking a hint he steps back to have a conversation with Nate.

Taking a few slow breathes I calm down what could have been my second panic attack in twenty four hours. I don't want this to get worse. I can't be like this again. I grab my phone from my pocket in order to send a text to the one person who actually understands.

To Jamie ☕
Can we meet up tomorrow?

"Are you okay?" Nate whispers in my ear, I flinch at his close proximity. "Who's Jamie?"

I lock my phone and flick his nose at his nosy behavior. "A friend that I haven't talked to in a while."

"A guy friend?" He asks and instantly my eyes flicker to Rhys as he does this same. "It's not a crime if it is. You and Lachlan are friends, we are-"

"You're gay," I state, looking back as he quirks an eyebrow. "And Jamie is a girl, not that it should matter."

"Not to get techincal but I'm bisexual which is different. Jordan is my first boyfriend," One look is enough for him to drop it with a chuckle. "But are you okay? You looked like you were freaking out there. I was worried you were having a panic attack."

His voice drops off at the end to a whisper and I narrow my eyes. "Did Rhys tell you?"

"He told me you haven't had one in seven months but he told me so I would understand if you were freaking out," I cluck my tongue in disbelief and shake my head. "Don't be mad at him please."

My phone buzzes which I unlock while leaning back from Nate. "Too late."

From Jamie ☕
Yeah sure! I've missed you, when and where?

"Team tactics!" Lachlan claps his hands while I shoot a response, being guided by Nate to stand beside him and Lachlan. "We're red today which is always a good sign. Everytime I've been that color I've won."

"Superstitious much?" He reaches across me to smack Nate up the back of the head.

"Don't mock me Nathaniel," He rolls his eyes and I slip my phone into my jeans to listen. "The plan is to stick together but one of is will be a snipper shoot, whoever has the best aim obviously.  Kira how good are you on a scale of one to ten?"

I blink a few times, noticing how competitive he is. "Not good with aim but I guess I'm sneaky, light footed actually."

"Alright so I'll go with Nate because we're fast," He starts, gesturing between Rhys and I next. "Both of you are sneaky so that-"

"Can I not be with Rhys for the first round?" I ask, not caring that it could be seen as rude.

He told Nate my secret. One that I hold possessively to myself for a reason - like it was actually nothing.

Lachlan looks between us slowly. "Okay then you go with Jordan. Rhys you're the snipper. Let's do this."

Following Lachlan I feel Rhys' hand wrap around my upper arm. I glare his way and yank my arm out of his group, accidentally hitting Lachlan in the process. He glances our way but I ignore the stare in order to scold Rhys.

"Don't touch me."

He raises an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"Because you humilated me when I asked you to stop," We enter the room with strangers and I swallow. "And you told Nate something you shouldn't have. If I find out you yell at him for telling me he knows I swear to god I'll be further  pissed off."

Rhys looks to his brother who gets the gear put on by his boyfriend. "Like you haven't talked to him behind my back."

"That's because you keep things from me that I need to know," I am the biggest hypocrite in the world right now. Rhys shakes his head moving to put on the gear, I huff and mumble underneath my breathe. "Just perfect..."

Second update for this week. Approximately - the last chapter will be posted in 6 weeks time. Then again I am horrible at maths.

Question: who do you think is in the wrong?

Thoughts? Feelings? Predictions?

-inspiredrlh 💕