I hated everything.

My fist collided harshly with Aiden's cheek, sending him backwards. He let go of Booke, who stumbled a bit to regain his balance. The crowd grew silent, the chanting dying down immediately.

My hand tingled, stinging greatly from the impact. Booke gave me a surprised look, but I was fixed on Aiden.

"If you think, for one second, that I'd play this stupid little game of yours, you're in over you head."

"W-what?" He stammered, covering his newly injured cheek. "But I did this-I did it for you-"

"How dare you." I stepped toward him, ignoring the kids who had taken out their phones to record. "Putting on this pathetic show, who do you think I am? Do you think I need someone to do this for me? If you knew me even a little, you would know I do things alone."

His expression dimmed, stricken.

"And you would also know, that I wouldn't play by anyone else's hand. The nerve...to make a decision for me. I'm not your puppet.

"And you-" I glared down at Booke, "you got lucky. You got that?"

It was supposed to be pretend, but for some reason, I couldn't help but feeling angry at him too.

"Oh, and everyone else." I took a long look at the student body, them watching my every move. "If I find this anywhere online, I don't care who or how long it takes, I'll beat you to a pulp."

Some pocketed their phones right on the dot, others slowly putting them down.

I scoffed, turning away. I didn't give any of them the satisfaction of a glance before leaving.

*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*

It was after school. I had given him the address of my favored cafe, and I had asked Steve to close shop, I would pay him later. It was just so we could have the peace and quiet we both needed.

So now I was just waiting for him to show up.

I sat impatiently, tapping my foot and staring out the clear glass. The door's bell rang, and my attention turned to him. It was like he couldn't meet my eye. Booke walked towards the table, paused, and sat down in front of me. I could see his bruises, even the ones he was trying to hide.

Silence.

It was heavy, tense. I was heated.

After a few moments, I bolted up from my chair and slammed my hand down on the wooden table, the centerpiece wobbling. He flinched, but didn't move nevertheless.

"How did this happen?" He looked ashamed, guilty. "What the hell Booke?"

He finally looked up, cheek now slightly swollen. His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to speak, but couldn't push the words out.

"We were walking home yesterday, fine. Next thing I know there's an article and suddenly Aiden beats the crap out of you?" I couldn't help but burst out, pacing a bit back and forth in place.

He still remained silent, listening to me.

"How did this happen?"

Idiot.

"Aiden sets up this thing for me..."

Stupid stupid stupid.

"All this goes on..."

I admit it, okay, I was worried.

"And now you can't even say anything?" I cry out, exasperated. I sit back down in my chair and sigh, burying my hands in my face.

"I-" I hear him say quietly, he shakes his head, "-I'm sorry."

"No." I reply, bringing my hands down. "No, don't fucking apologize."

Another pause. He's shaken, trying to collect himself. I could hear him take in some air sharply.

"Aiden's been, he's just been bullying me." He exclaimed, letting out a breath. "This time it just went too far."

That was it. He made it sound so simple. I knew it was much much more.

"I know he went too far, I was there." I retorted, folding my arms across my chest. "And I'm pissed. I'm pissed at Aiden, yeah. But I'm pissed at you too."

He made eye contact with me, biting his lip.

"You really think giving yourself up is going to make Aiden stop?" I asked him, pressing for an answer. "You wanted me to hit you. It was like you've just, accepted defeat."

"I did it for you." Booke explained, shoulders drooping. I stared at him. "For your reputation, I mean. I thought...well, I figured if you just finished it, your reputation would be fine. Isn't that...what you wanted?"

So he did do it for me. Another part of me felt remorseful. That he was all battered and bruised for the sake of my image.

"Don't." I shook my head, watching him rub the bruise on his face gently. I got up from my chair, walking behind the counter where the drinks were made, and filled a small cup with ice before covering it with a lid. I sat back down and slid the cup to him. He took it gratefully and pressed it to his cheek. "I know, I don't deserve to be angry. Especially to you. But—hear me out Booke—you can't just go around being a huge target for everyone to see."

I tried to be sympathetic, he was like this because of me after all. He bit his lip, looking up.

"You can't just let yourself get beat up, you have to stand up for yourself. You get what I'm saying, right?"

When he stayed silent again, I sighed and softened my tone.

"Look at me Booke," I exclaimed, setting my hands down on the table, his eyes met mine, "I appreciate what you did, I really do. But you can't use yourself as a doormat, people are going to step all over you."

Really, I just hate seeing you hurt. And I'm starting to question why.

"But what if something like this happens again and I can't stop it?" His hands were beginning to shake. "What if something happens that just wrecks your image forever? I couldn't let that happen."

"You know what? Just...just forget about it for now." I shook it off. "Promise me you'll try at least, okay?"

"To stick up for myself?" He shrugged.

"Yeah."

Booke nodded, and I let out a small breath of relief. Now that's settled.

"Come on," I gestured, getting up and pushing in my chair.

"Where are we going?" He asked, doing the same and following me out the cafe door and into the chilly evening.

"I'm in the mood for ice cream, right after we get some bandages from the store."

For a second, I could hear my heart pounding. I didn't look behind me, but as I heard his footsteps, something told me that he was smiling. And, for the most part, I was happy for that.

Lmao I'm sorry guys for the delay, totally forgot I had a three day retreat (up in the mountains and didn't have my phone) and then school started, so I didn't have much time to finish this up and edit it. Hope you guys enjoyed nevertheless :)

Also, if you haven't joined the raffle please do! There's absolutely nothing to lose, and I'd love for more people to join <3 thank you all!

Have a nice day/night, I'll see you later!