《Ashley Aesthetic Above》

Ashley's heart thumped hard in her chest when she pushed the door open. She shut her eyes, silently praying for him not to be in the room.

Fate, however decided to show her that it had a savage side because the moment she opened her eyes and looked to the right, her gaze landed on his bare back as he leaned on the couch.

She trailed her gaze at his heavily tattooed arm and down to his hand. Her breathe hitched when she noticed the object he was holding and she froze, her knees actually wobbling before threatening to give out on her.

She licked her shaky lower lip and held it between her teeth. He held the black gun as if he was holding the TV remote; casually and loosely but not loose enough for it to slip from his hand.

She frowned. It looked like it was meant to be there, like it was a part of him. Which it was; she just didn't understand how much.

He let out a sigh, his shoulders almost flexing as he did and leaned his head back.

"Lock the door."

Is this how I die? She wondered.

She gladly locked it, a little too fast for her liking but dammit she was slowly growing scared of him, seeing him for who he really is. She now understood why people were so afraid of him—even the teachers; he had a way of intimidating other people without even trying. Hoisting her rucksack up and closer to her neck, she clenched the strap hard and walked past the living room.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him bring the gun closer to his face, flicked his thumb on something before the magazine fell into his awaiting hand. He then pulled the slide back after putting the magazine on the table and caught the bullet that popped out the middle top of the gun. He then place the bullet next to the magazine.

Ashley looked away at that point, perplexed at how fluid and choreographed his movements were. It was kind of hot but she'd never admit it.

To anyone

Not even herself.

She pushed the glass door open and stepped in, her heart still beating furiously in her chest. Tossing her rucksack on her bed, she quickly got changed into her pajamas, which only consisted of her big brother's old shirt that reached her mid-thigh, and her underwear before she sprawled herself on the bed and studied for the stupid business maths CAT her class was to take the following day.

Of course, her gaze occasionally snapped up at the boy now sprawled on the couch with the back of his head facing her, and his feet crossed on the arm rest across him.

His hands were under his head, giving her a chance to explore the many tattoos on his forearm, biceps and triceps. She licked her lips, intrigued by the beautiful site before she shook her head, snapped out of it and got back to her book.

***

A few hours in, when Eros walked in, she had her book on her face, her arms limp at her side and more books scattered around the bed. He frowned and confidently stepped towards her, his eyes expressionless.

He raised an eyebrow he grabbed a lonely, white pillow from the floor and swung at her face; extra hard. She jerked awake, her big brown eyes widened,

"I'm up!" She exclaimed before her gaze locked on his scowling face.

He was still gripping the pillow so he threw it at her and walked to his bed, not saying a single word to explain himself. Ashley gritted her teeth and picked up her books, stuffing them in her rucksack.

***

She scowled when she noticed her pens and books scattered all over the floor. Leaning over lazily, she reached for them. Just when she felt them on the tip of her fingers, a sudden forced pushed her forward and sent her crumbling to the floor, face-first.

She groaned and looked up, rubbing her cheek which took most of the fall. Her eyes narrowed as she gaze at him in suspicion. He was laying on his bed with his right forearm over his face and his lips pressed into a thin line. She pursed her lips knowing that he pushed her but was acting as if he didn't.

"Brown does not suit you." He said, not moving from his position.

She blinked.

Brown doesn't—

She froze, her cheeks and ears burning. She nibbled on her lip, contemplating on whether or not to stay on the ground and send the night there.

Brown, she was wearing brown underwear.

He'd seen her underwear.

What. The. Hell

🔱🔱🔱

Ashley woke up, letting out a yawn loud enough to bring shame to a lion's roar. She squinted her eyes at the light in the room before looking to her left where the he laid. She pursed her lips, her heart suddenly leaping to her throat.

This—this man has obviously killed before; he's taken someone's life. What made her so sure that he wouldn't hesitate to do the same to her? Christ, he has a gun with him 24/7 which just made it easier to do it. Despite how open he was yesterday, and even though he's being forced to, she couldn't help but feel scared.

She licked her lips, her nightmare replying in the back of her head. He was holding his gun in front of him with the muzzle facing her and his finger resting on the trigger. His face has been stoic, blank, and empty.

He had pulled the trigger, his face still bearing the same nothingness until she fell, lower and lower to the ground; as if the hands of time had slowed down for just that moment.

His lips had pulled up into a lazy smile, contradicting his usual frown. A smile so forced—so deceiving that it had Ashley shuddering and goosebumps rising from beneath her skin. As she had hit the ground and, before darkness had consumed her, Eros lowered his gun just as two other figures stood by him; Sebastian and Brock, their expression identical to his.

Ashley forced her suddenly wobbly legs up and over her bed, making as little noise as possible, trying her very best not to wake up the sleeping beast behind her as she rose and literally tip toed around the room getting her towel as well as her uniform.

She was planning on dressing up in the bathroom after her shower, not entirely looking for a confrontation with him. She stripped off her brother's over-sized shirt and brown knickers and readied herself for the day.

Once she was done showering, she changed into her outfit, which was a plain pink, loose fitting pullover sweater, a pair of dark slim fit jeans and white sneakers. She the did her her make up as quickly and as lightly as she could and curled her brown hair. 

She made her way back into their shared room but only to make her bed, pick up her rucksack and throw it over her shoulder, before tip toeing out of the room with her heart in her throat.

Not even glancing at the kitchen side, she rushed to the door after grabbing her black sling bag, turned the key and walked out, deciding to get her breakfast from the canteen instead of checking if he made extra food last night, which he usually did.

Hoisting her bag higher over her shoulder, she walked down the lonely hallway, down the stairs and out the dormitory, the morning breeze immediately earning a shiver from her.

It seemed as if she had woken up earlier than most of the students. Only about a handful of them were lurking about with either a book in front of their faces or a morning snack between their teeth as they gobbled it up on their way to class.

Ashley made her way further up the wide, paved path with the street lights still on above her head. It must have been around 6:00 in the morning.

They still had an hour before preps begin. Usually, they were given an hour to prepare for their classes but of course, a lot of people took this for granted and just slept in until 8:00 am when their classes were supposed to start.

Usually, Ashley was one of those people who slept in, but today was different.

Why?

Because for the first time since she enrolled to Grudgeford, she couldn't sleep. Sure, she did for a wink or two, but her paranoid self was more dominant yesterday and she kept thinking that because that Eros had told her what he does, he'd have to get rid her. It was stupid, really, but she couldn't help but feel that way.

She shuddered, seeing the canteen a few steps from where she was. It was more or less like a mini restaurant but instead of paying after you order or eat, the bill is added to the fees or the students' pocket money deposit if available, depending on what was selected in their application.

Ashley hadn't been there before for a very typical reason; she didn't want to add more balance to her fees. Sure her parents were financially able and whatnot, but there was that part of her that felt guilty.

The guilt however, sunk when she pushed the glass door open and was immediately hit by the mouthwatering scent of bacon, pancakes, coffee, eggs, and so much more. Her stomach growled as she drew closer to the counter where a dark skinned woman was busy displaying the different types of goodies on the counter display case.

She hummed a tune as she put a delicious looking cake by the many donuts and stacks of pancakes at the bottom rack. She straightened up and turned around, noticing Ashley's drooling self. Her lips twitched,

"May I help you?" she asked in a smooth, sweet voice.

Ashley snapped her gaze back to the woman, "Uh—yes, um, hi." She stuttered, caught off guard by the lady's homeyness. Ashley had kinda gotten the impression that all the staff were snappy.

The woman smiled, "Good morning," then tilted her head slightly to one side, "I don't believe I've seen you before."

Ashley shook her head, "No, not really, it's my first time being here."

"Ah, that explains it. Would you like to order something? Or were you just having a look around?" she asked politely, dusting her hands off the apron wrapped around her waist—which surprise, surprise, hand the school logo tailored on the middle of it.

It also had a golden tag with the words written in black hooked on the left strap. It read;

Melisa Nkasiogi

Head Chef

"I came to order. Could I have some bacon, eggs, waffles and an espresso, please?" Ashley asked.

She nodded, "I'll get right to it." The chef said before she turned and approached the coffee maker behind her that was sitting on the counter.

"Have a seat while you wait." She said, her voice dripping with humour.

Ashley looked around the mini restaurant, now noticing the almost empty seats and booths. A few students were already here, sipping their coffee with a book held in front of them or chatting among their companions and others on their phones most likely waiting on their order as well.

Minutes in, countable people begun walking in and heading straight into the kitchen which was at the back of the counter, where a single door lead inside. The orders were soon delivered at a faster rate as the staff begun to check in.

Ashley got her breakfast and nearly danced in joy. She took her time since she wasn't in a hurry, watching the sitcom that was playing in the enormous 90 inch TV that was hang to the left where all seats were facing. 

It was merely 7:05 when she was done eating. She sighed in content then stood up from her seat, strapped her bag over her shoulder, gripped her plate as well as her empty cup and brought it to the counter out of habit.

Pulling the strap of her bag down her forearm, she shuffled through it and pulled out her phone to check for any notifications. She sadly had none.

I'm so popular, she joked in her head actually snickering as stepped out of the room and walked down the path again.

Sighing, she figured she'd at least make her way to class and read on the upcoming test that was waiting for her. The test was a combined one, where all the students taking the class were supposed to sit for as a sort of evaluation; regardless of their assigned Level.

Be it Novice, Pioneer and Elite, this test wasn't just for the sake, but came with a chance for students to move up a Level, or drop down one depending on their overall results. This was the case for all tests and examinations.

It was, however, impossible for a Novice to shoot up to Elite, without being a Pioneer, no matter their score.

The test results are added along with the final exams outcome and therefore advancements and demotions are announced at the end of the main exams; before break.

It was all confusing, but this was Grudgeford Academy, most things didn't make any sense.

It also explained why despite everything going on in the Academy, exams were taken very seriously. Elites and Pioneers didn't want to lose their status and the Novice students wanted to uplift their own, therefore sparkling intense competition among the students.

In short, Ashley was screwed if she didn't study.

🔱🔱🔱

"Guess what day it is today?" Casey asked, taking her usual seat next to Ashley, her books now on her desk.

Ashley shut the biology book she had in her hands and turned to her best friend, her lips pursed in thought, "Well, it isn't your birthday for one."

Casey blinked, "Its July 11th, Ash. What's to happen today?" She asked, looking extremely excited.

"Uh—I—don't know?" Ashley answered unsure.

"It's the Zilch, the event is today and I'm stuck in this hellhole about to have a stupid combined test that I didn't even study for." Her best friend begun, "They announced it last week that it'll be today. I don't even get why they bother announcing so early, the tickets get sold out seconds after the announcement."

"It has a whole year's waiting list. It's impossible to get in now, anyway."

"If you honestly think that would have been enough to stop me, you must not know me at all. They don't even check, if you know the right people."

"And how  would you know that?"

"Devon. The guy knew his people." Casey answered, referring to Ashley's brother. She shuddered;

Of course, she thought.

The Zilch.

An incredibly popular neon themed event equipped with hookah bars, cocktail bars, a neon paint pool—which not many people know it's exact location—and a VIP lounge where famous DJs and celebrities just chill before and after performing on the main stage.

It supposedly is a huge place with a stage, shops that only sell junk food. Ashley's seen pictures of it online. It is beautifully decorated with trees splattered with neon paint, neon street lights, neon roads and decorations like neon party confetti, neon lights, neon glow sticks and many other neon you-name-ts.

Ashley dug through her bag and pulled out her neon green Post it notes—shaped like a thumbs up—pulled it apart and stuck it on Casey's cheek,

"There, a little dedication for the event. Now you can be there in spirit." she teased, a satisfied smirk on her face.

Casey scowled at her, about to tell her—jokingly where she can stuff the sticker when Mrs. Long-legs herself walked in with her heels clicking loudly every time they hit the ground.

Ashley immediately scowled at her, watching her walk to the middle of the class, sounding like a damn horse. Looks like she'll be the one to invigilate the test.

"Alright, books away." She begun, before she handed the heaps of papers in her hand to the individuals at the front row and instructed them to pass the papers behind them.

Ashley slipped her book into her rucksack and waited while Casey quickly flipped through her notebook hurriedly, cramping what she could last minute. Ashley snickered at her and straightened up.

The class door then opened and the man she had been trying to hide from walked in after Sebastian.

Brock must not be an Elite then, Ashley concluded.

"You're late. Take your seat." Mrs. Cleveland ordered.

Ashley immediately lowered her gaze and listened to the sound of their footsteps as they did as told. Everyone suddenly seemed tense, but it might as well have been because of the test and not them.

The papers were handed out and the test began.

🔱🔱🔱

Ashley shut her locker and suddenly jumped at the figure leaning on the one beside hers. She placed her hands on her chest and took a step back—not wanting a confrontation with him but her back came in contact with something—or rather, someone.

She gulped and turned her head slightly, not really surprised to meet brown eyes gazing down at her. She turned her gaze back to Seb's. He smiled,

"Hey."

"If you're going to kill me you might as well not be sweet about it."

"Woah," he said raising his arms up innocently, "—what?"

"We want to take you out." said Thing 2 from behind her.

"I knew it. It's because I know, isn't it? Can I at least call my mom and tell her that I'm the one who actually broke things at home and not my brother? I don't want to go to hell." She asked, her gaze on the ground.

"What are you talking about? Know what?" Brock asked from behind her.

Seb raised an eyebrow at him. Brock blinked before he realised what she meant. He grinned and suddenly draped his huge arm around her shoulders,

"That doesn't really bother us. But, you haven't told anyone anything, right?"

Ashley gulped and shook her head, feeling the weight of his hand on her shoulder and the rapid beating of her heart on her chest.

"Good," he said, his grin widening, "—let's go." he continued and guided Ashley down the hall with Seb quietly trailing behind them with his hands in his pockets.

Ashley saw Casey at her locker and prayed she'd look her way. She did, but barely when she noticed Seb behind her. She went all googly eyes on him and completely paid no attention to her best friend.

Well then

They walked outside the school's main building and towards the car park where a black Jeep Cherokee was waiting along with a handful of other cars that most likely belonged to the teachers, and of course the school buses.

"Wait." she paused, planting her feet on the ground, processing what she was doing.

She was walking with Seb and Brock, Eros' little devils, to a car and letting them take her to God knows where, willingly?

What is she thinking?

Her eyes widened, this was actually it. They were going to kill her because she knew too much. It-it wasn't her fault, Eros had a choice to not tell her anything. She gulped and took a step back.

"Wh—uh, where are you taking me." she stuttered.

Seb frowned, stopping in his tracks. Brock blinked, confused.

"We're just taking you out." Brock said.

Ashley blinked, "Where, Einstein."

"An event?" He answered back.

Ashley pursed her lips, his unsure tone making her doubt the truth. Seb sighed and placed a hand on her shoulders.

"Relax, Ash, we won't hurt you or anything. Brock, Eros and I don't care that you know, it's cool." he reassured her.

She looked up at him, seeing that he seemed genuine enough. He turned to Brock, shaking his head,

"You don't care that I know." Ashley repeated, "—what if I rat you out?"

Seb snickered and crossed his arms, tattoos poking out from the sleeves of his hoodie, "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would."

"With what evidence?"

She blinked, "Well, I mean, I saw you guys with guns, in a school, mind you. So—."

"Was there anyone there who could vouch for you? Did you perhaps record it?" Seb asked, his face looking smug, and yet, blank at the same time.

How.

"I—." Ashley begun, "—whatever, let's go. But I'm warning you, I have a black belt."

"You know Tae Kwon Do?" Brock asked, sounding slightly impressed.

"Huh? No. I have a black belt." She said, patting her waist where a plain, simple belt coiled comfortably around it, her face as straight as ever.

Seb and Brock exchanged a look before they led her towards the car. All the tension she had been feeling suddenly dropped and she smiled, thinking that even though they were killers, and that she should stay the hell away from them like a normal person would, they were still teenagers.

Besides, if they were planning on killing her because she knew, they would have already done it as soon as Eros told her. She is his roommate after all, which would have made it easier.

"Finally. What took so long? It's already six goddamn thirty." An all too familiar voice said.

Ashley looked in front of Brock's towering frame and saw Blake's annoyed face poking out the back seat window of the Jeep. She raised an eyebrow in question.

"I didn't know you guys knew each other." She said, looking between the three of them.

"Sadly, we do."

"What was that Brock?" Blake asked, his eyes narrowed at him.

"Nothing, Blakey-boo." Brock said, emphasizing the last part in a girly voice.

'What?' Ashley mouthed at Seb as they approached the car. He shrugged in answer, completely not bothered by it.

Ashley got into the back seat with Blake and Brock at the front with Seb at the driver's seat. He revved up the engine and pulled out of his parking spot and towards the gate; towards freedom.

The gatekeeper smiled and waved at them, letting them through without asking where they were going or if they had a pass. Ashley followed him with her eyes, glaring at him as the car zoomed past; remembered the fear he inflicted on her in her first day.

She blinked.

Wait, she thought, we can leave campus? 

By just driving or walking out of the freaking gate? It's allowed? Why hadn't anyone told me this sooner?

"But, isn't that what she calls you?" Brock said, bringing Ashley back from her thoughts.

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you should."

"Blakey-boo."

"Shut up."

"Aw, is Blakey-boo mad? Need a cuddle?"

"Fuck you, man, can you stop."

"Whatever Blakey-boo wants, Blakey-boo gets." Brock teased on, chuckling.

"You piece of ass, if you don't fucking stop—." Blake threatened flinging himself at Brock and wrapping his forearm around his neck with a massive scowl on his face.

That didn't stop Brock from laughing to a point of tears as he went on teasing Blake with his hand on his forearm seeming the least bit affected by his grip.

Ashley looked up at the rear view mirror and unintentionally met Seb's intense, deep sea blue, blank gaze. He then sent her a small smile,

"You okay back there?" He asked, ignoring Blake and Brock's bickering.

Ashley's heart suddenly jumped up to her throat. Not trusting her voice, she nodded, sending him an awkward smile before looking out the window in an attempt to hide her flushed face.

Okay, cheeks if you don't stop right now—

"Fucking idiot." Blake said, leaning back on his seat and crossing his arms.

"Chill bro, I'm just messing with you." Brock said, chuckling, his face red from both laughter and Blake's assault.

He reached back and ruffled Blake's hair.

Ashley grinned at the two of them, then looked back out the window, enjoying the freedom. She felt like she's been in school all her life with this being her first time outside.

It's been so long.

She wondered where this event was, why they want to bring her and how long it would take to get there. Who was she kidding, she couldn't wait to get there.

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