THIS CHAPTER IS SUPER LONG BUT THERE'S A LOT I WANTED TO ADD IN IT DUE TO THE MATERIAL!!

Sahsa had curled your hair for tonight and done your makeup and you couldn't lie that she was amazing at cosmetics. The red dress she gave you to borrow was suddenly extremely uncomfortable to wear, probably because you were so nervous about what others would think when you knew it shouldn't matter. Like Connie said, just have fun. You took a deep breath and fidegted with the rings on your fingers, waiting for Sasha to finish up.

"Connie's almost here, can you get the door when he knocks?"

"Yeah," you looked up at the ceiling and sighed, staring at the blank vastness of white paint. You wondered if anyone had ever painted the walls of the dorms before. They desperately needed some color, but getting suspended was not something you could afford.

A quiet knock pulled you from your thoughts and you leapt to your feet, opening the door to reveal a cleaned up Connie Springer. He was wearing a white graphic tee with a gray and white photo of a forest along with a black jacket hanging over his arm. His jeans were black with rips in them and he was wearing a pair of red converse to add some color. A black beanie was fit snuggly on his head, his hair barely visible now.

"What?" He prompted as he caught you staring at him.

"Nothing," you stated, turning away from him and flopping back onto your bed as you and Connie both waited for Sasha to finish.

"You know, you two can talk," Sasha suggested as she started putting mascara on. You and Connie both looked at each other but the silence remained for a little while longer.

"We're matching," he gestured at you, a small smile on his lips. You looked down at your dress and shrugged saying, "I guess." The silence continued and it was very uncomfortable.

Sasha looked at you two expectantly, waiting for more of conversation to happen, but nothing came. "Okay... well, I'm done anyways," she screwed the mascara wand back into the tube and stood up, smoothing out her tight red skirt and adjusting her black crop top. Connie stepped over to her and helped her adjust the straps a little, holding his hands out as he leaned back, taking in her entire outfit.

"Good?" Sasha's eyebrows were shot up in hope.

"Good," he nodded his head and turned to you, motioning to follow him out to his car.

Once you reached the lobby and stepped outside, you didn't anticipate how chilly it would be. Your arms were wrapped tightly around your chest, your teeth chattering. You didn't know how Sasha could stand the cold like this and be absolutely fine.

Connie took notice of you and handed you his black jacket as you walked to the car. You must've looked surprised because he rolled his eyes, whispering, "I'm not a complete asshole." It made you feel a little bad, but it's not like there was much kindness you'd experienced from him.

"Come on you slowpokes!" Sasha hollered as she pulled at the front passenger handle, her impatience slightly amusing.

"Could you be patient for two seconds?" Connie answered before pulling his keys out and unlocking his car. It was a black jeep, probably no older than a 2012. How did you know this? Your parents owned the same car.

You opened the door to the back passenger seat and plopped inside, scooching to the middle so it'd be easier to converse to the two on your way to the party. Connie stuck the key into the ignition, turned it, and the car rumbled alive. Sasha smacked his arm as he revved the engine a little bit and you just rolled your eyes.

"Buckle up," Connie commanded, his honey eyes staring at you from the rearview mirror, a devilish grin on his face.

Oh no.

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Connie drove like an absolute mad man. You were tempted to dramatically exit the car and kiss the ground, but that seemed like a little much. Plus, the ground was gross.

"You're a horrible driver," you stabbed and Connie scrunched up his face at that, staring at you like you'd just insulted his dead grandmother.

"Horrible?"

"Yes horrible!"

"I am not horrible! I'm a good driver," the amount of brag oozing in his tone made you want to vomit. The ego. You responded with a hard laugh, crossing your arms as you pulled his jacket tighter against your skin.

"Connie, you blew past two stop signs!"

"They're just a suggestion!" he articulated and you gaffawed at him, astounded that he was that reckless of a driver.

"I-you are not driving us back, we'll find a different ride, right Sasha?" You turned your head to your right but she was gone. She must've already headed inside while you and Connie were arguing.

"I am driving you back, I'm the DD. There's nobody else here to take you," he replied snarkily, shoving your arm a bit.

"What about Jean or any of your other friends? You can't be the only option," you pushed, wondering if anyone else would even be willing to drive you. You didn't know them well but you also weren't planning on dying tonight.

"I think Armin and Historia are the DDs too, but I'm the only one who lives the closest to you and Sasha, so it just makes sense," he implied as you two started to walk up to the house, the loud music already vibrating inside your chest.

"Then I'll drive," Connie's eyes widened at your sentence as he completely stopped in his tracks.

"You are not driving my car," his voice was low and all you did in response was innocently smile, walking up to him and slipping your hand into his left pocket, grabbing his keys.

"If you can't find me by the end of the night, I'm driving," you proposed, your voice low, your face inches from Connie's. He was quiet for a moment until his lips turned upward into a daring smile.

"Deal," he whispered and leaned back, gesturing for you to go first. You let out a triumphant hmpf and stepped into the house, immediately greeted by hundreds of hot and sweaty bodies, the stench of alcohol stinging your nose. There was a smoky haze in the air as well, making it a little difficult to make out who was who from inside.

"What are you, scared?" Connie whispered into your ear and pushed the lower part of your back forward, forcing you to be swallowed up by the sea of dancing and excessively drunk college kids.

You clutched Connie's keys in your hand as you squeezed through the people, trying to keep an eye out for Sasha. You expected Connie to already be long gone, so you trucked forward.

"Y/N!" A hand grabbed your arm and you jolted, only to see that it was Sasha. Her cheeks were already flushed red, an indication that she was already a little buzzed.

"Come over here, it's quieter," she pulled you through the crowd, her grip firm. You murmured sorries as you pushed past people, receiving a couple of annoyed glares.

Sasha pulled you into what seemed to be a lounging room, a TV playing some sort of movie you'd never seen before. You recognized everyone, locking eyes with Jean. "Look who showed up," he flashed a toothy grin at you and smacked the open spot on the futon next to him.

You made your way over and sat down, wondering if there was anything for you to drink. Since you had a bet with Connie, alcohol was off of the table.

"Will Connie be coming in here?" You asked and Jean shook his head no after taking a sip of his drink.

"Nah, Connie usually strolls around parties first before coming and hanging with us. He likes to socialize. He probably has more friends than all of us combined," Jean pointed out, handing his drink to you but you held up your hand.

"Not drinking? Who comes to a party and doesn't drink?" He scoffed and you held up Connie's keys, dangling them in front of Jean's face.

"We made a bet. If he can't find me by the end of the night, I drive," you smirked and Jean widened his eyes.

"Connie? Letting you drive? He never lets anyone drive so you better hide," he stated, setting his drink down onto the table.

"Is there somewhere better I can go?" You asked.

"Yeah, just past the kitchen there's a small nook you could hang out in. Want me to go with you?" Jean stood up but you shook your head no, feeling bad to tear him away from everyone here.

"I'll head there first and you can join me later if you'd like," you smiled and he nodded his head, ushering you to go hide. You quickly got up and waved goodbye as you walked to the door. You took a deep breath in before stepping back out into the madness to try to find your way to the kitchen. You pushed and squirmed past people until you saw a big open area with coolers and bottles of liquor cluttering the counters. You figured it wouldn't hurt to make a pitstop for some water.

You squeezed past a tall guy and started looking for a water bottle, opening the fridge, hoping something'd be in there. You moved some things around and found one water bottle, sighing with relief that you wouldn't go thirsty tonight. You opened the lid and placed the cap down onto the counter, but the tall guy that you had pushed past earlier bumped into you, water spilling everywhere. At least it wasn't alcohol.

"Shit! I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?" He seemed concerned as you looked at him, shaking your head no.

"I'd feel awful if I did hurt someone as cute as you," he implied, a smile spreading across his lips, but something about him seemed off. You nervously chuckled and grabbed the cap for your water bottle off of the counter, screwing it back on.

"I have some friends waiting for me, but um, nice meeting you," you replied awkwardly and rushed out of there, making your way across the room again, nervously unscrewing the cap and taking a swig of water to calm you down. It'd be nice to find that nook to hide in.

TW: THIS PART OF THIS CHAPTER WILL INVOLVE S*XUAL HARASSMENT AND IF THAT IS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO SKIP, PLEASE DO. I WILL INFORM WHEN IT IS OVER.

You kept drinking your water, struggling your way around the house. It was impossible you get anywhere around in here. Unbeknownst to you, the man you had pushed past to get into the kitchen had been following you the whole time.

You entered a hallway, your eyes darting from door to door. Maybe one of these rooms would work instead, so you wondered which one you should open. You didn't want to accidentally walk in on people...doing it.

"Lost?" you turned your head over your shoulder and your breath hitched in your throat. It was the man from the kitchen.

His smug smile and hungry eyes sent a chill down your spine and your grip tightened around your water bottle, the plastic beginning to crunch underneath the pressure.

"Let me help you, I'm sure I can get you where you need to be," the tall man with black hair pried, his hand reaching out to grab you, but you stepped away.

"I'm fine."

His eyes narrowed at you as he let out an impatient chuckle, taking another step towards you. "I'm only trying to help," he leaned towards you, his eyes shining.

You looked behind you to see if there was somewhere to go, but the hallway seemed to end ten feet behind you. If you went in a room, chances are he'd find a way to trap you in there. There had to be a way past him. You let your gaze fall back onto the man and you politely smiled, biting the inside of your cheek.

"I have a friend who's looking for me. Thanks for being concerned, really, but I should be okay," you reassured and tried to step past him, but he was fast. He stayed in front of you, blocking you from exiting the hallway.

"I don't think you are okay," he whispered and you stood rigid in front of him, praying he'd just leave you alone.

"Let me go," you ordered, your voice low as you tried to keep yourself composed.

"Now why would I let a pretty girl like you get away?" He laughed and walked towards you again, forcing you to back up against a wall. You were closed in now and you tightened your hands into fists, gripping Connie's keys in one hand.

He started to lean in and you gritted your teeth, spitting in his face, daring him to try again. "I said to let me go. Now let me go."

His eyes were dark, his lips a tight, firm line. "You shouldn't have done that."

You tried hard to express no reaction to him, but your heart was pounding. You had no idea what he was going to do next. Your eyes searched his and just as he was about to lean in again, he was ripped away from you. Connie slammed him against the wall and had him gripped by the collar.

IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE DOING SO, START HERE. THIS IS WHERE THE STORY PICKS UP AGAIN.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! I didn't do nothing!" The man shouted and Connie's hard gaze narrowed.

"You know exactly what you were doing," Connie muttered, anger shining in his eyes. Your heart was pounding and your chest tightened.

"Hey man, she was asking for it!" The words stung and you knew by the spark in Connie's eyes what a mistake they were. 

Shock riddled your body as you witnessed Connie deliver a jaw-breaking punch, your attacker's nose bleeding like a waterfall, the blood glistening on his skin as he stumbled away from Connie.

"Do you like that? Do you like being harassed?" Connie hollered, so much fury and anger you'd ever heard from someone in your entire life.

"Well you better control that bitch of yours because she spat in my face! She's not even worth it!" He spat back, your face turning ghost white as you saw the expression change in Connie. It was terrifying.

His honey eyes were aflame, dark and burning. His face was stone in expression. You'd never seen anything like it.

Fear was all you could see in the attacker's eyes, and in one quick motion, Connie forced the man back against the wall, getting ready to punch him again.

"Connie stop!" You shouted, stepping forward, but someone grabbed your arm and you flinched. You whipped your head around to see Jean and everything he was telling you with his eyes. You froze and watched Jean approach Connie, realizing how quiet the house had gotten.

"Connie," Jean's voice was low, and Connie reluctantly took a step back, his gaze still on the man. His hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles white.

"Marco..." Jean whispered and the brown-haired boy with freckles walked over to Connie, placing a hand on his shoulder, whispering something into his ear.

You flinched as Connie pushed the man into the wall once more before stepping away and walking out of the hallway. People locked their gazes on him and then on you. You felt your throat tighten and you followed Connie out with Jean and Marco. You pulled the jacket on and hesitantly approached him outside.

"Connie-" you started as you came up next to him but his honey gaze was enough to get you to shut up. He looked furious.

"Keys, now." You didn't even hesitate and placed the keys into his hand, taking notice of the bruises forming on his knuckles.

"Let's go," Connie ordered but Jean placed his hand on your shoulder, and you wondered what he was doing.

"Jean, let go," Connie stared at him hard.

"No, you're too upset to drive. I'm not letting you take her back," Jean implied and the tension in the air between the two could be cut with a knife.

"Okay, well, can someone just please get me out of here?" You pleaded, feeling your throat close up even more as tears threatened to fall. Connie's expression softened and Jean nodded his head, his gaze shifting over to Marco.

"Marco can drive since I've been drinking," Jean suggested and Connie handed his keys over to Marco. The three boys and you walked towards the car, with Connie trailing behind, keeping his head over his shoulder.

Once the four of you got into the car, Marco started the engine, pulling out of the street slowly. Connie was sitting up in the passenger seat and Jean was in the back next to you. You looked up at the rearview mirror to see Connie's gaze staring out the window, his eyes distant.

Marco ended up passing your dorm and Jean took notice of your uncomfortable shifting as you wondered where you were heading.

"Sasha's staying at Niccolo's tonight so we thought we'd take you back to our place. We didn't want you to be alone," Jean spoke softly and you nodded your head. You felt safe with these boys, but still, you wished you could be at your dorm with your things.

Marco slowed down and took a left, pulling into a parking garage and driving up the levels to find a spot. There was one on the third floor, and finally the car stopped moving.

"I need a drink," Connie grunted as the car doors slammed shut and you chuckled lightly at the comment, looking over at him.

"If anyone needs a drink tonight, it's me," you smiled and just for a moment, he smiled softly before his face fell flat again.

Connie moved past you and your feet stopped moving as he walked away. It felt like you did something wrong, but you weren't sure what. But then you thought back to earlier in the evening when Connie gave you his jacket. He was just doing what any good guy would do, that didn't mean it changed anything.

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A/N: i debated back and forth a lot with this chapter, and part of me may even end up going back and redoing the whole thing. i know that may cause a lot of problems, but if you guys like what i have so far, please comment down below :) thanks for reading!

-ocean

edit: this was a chapter i debated redoing entirely. i was hesitant to even write it when i first wrote this book, but i decided to keep it part of the story. i personally have never been harassed in this kind of manner, but i've had my fair share of unpleasant emcounters with men. i didn't write this chapter as a trope (like i see many authors do), i wrote it because this stuff happens. and i hate that it happens. men constantly question why i should have to fear for my safety when this stuff doesn't "happen to everyone." then who does it happen to? tell me, who does it happen to? tell me why i shouldn't be fearful to fill up my gas alone, walk alone, shop alone, or do anything. i should not be fearful, but it is NOT my fault that that's what my life has had to be. even if you don't identify as female, i urge you to always protect yourself. take whatever precautions you need. find good people. have support. and if you have ever experienced harassment or abuse, please go to someone. heck, DM me here on wattpad. i am here for you, i see you, and i hear you. you matter and you are loved.

- ocean 💜