Chapter 71: He Respects Me

~“But how can I love you when I don’t even love myself? How can I give you everything when I’m only half a man? I’m a sinking, burning ship, so let go of my hand. How can I give you everything when I’m only half a man?” —Dean Lewis.~

Chapter Theme Song: “Half A Man” by Dean Lewis.

HARMONY

The night air is a bit sticky, so I make sure to grab my dad’s old gray hoodie. It’s big and cozy, but that’s not the only reason I love it. No matter how many times I wash it, it still smells like him. It’s like getting a big hug from him every time I put it on.

April takes my advice and borrows my turtleneck. It looks better on her than it ever did on me. The satin sleeves cling to her slim arms as if it was made just for her. I decide then and there that she can keep it.

Yuna and Tia have a group study session for their chemistry class, so they’ll join us at the concert later.

The concert is in full swing when we get to the school grounds. Kids are everywhere, laughing, talking, dancing, just having a good time.

“Everyone seems so...happy,” I say, trying to be heard over the music.

April laughs as we find a spot to stand. “Welcome to college.”

I can’t help but scan the crowd for Blaze. April, ever observant, catches me and grins.

“He’s here somewhere,” she assures me, and I can feel my cheeks heat up. She always catches me.

Suddenly, two warm hands cover my eyes from behind. I freeze. April starts to say something, but I can tell the mystery person shushes her because she just chuckles.

I smile, shaking my head. I can feel cool rings against my skin and the familiar scent gives him away. I don’t even have to guess.

“Blaze.” I giggle. “Try to fool someone else.”

He laughs and lets go of my eyes, stepping back. “Damn, you caught on quick.”

I turn to him, grinning. “You can’t trick me.”

He smiles back, and I can’t help but take in how good he looks. He’s wearing a black T-shirt and ripped jeans, a white cap turned backward on his head. His dark hair peeks out from under the cap. He’s wearing black Vans, and his skin is so flawless it almost doesn’t look real.

He’s perfect. ~My perfect.~

“You look nice,” he says, and I glance down at my simple outfit. I’m just wearing a hoodie and jeans. I think he’s being too kind, but I accept the compliment anyway.

“Thank you, you do too.” I smile.

“April, baby.” James grins, moving closer to her. “I missed you.”

“James, get away from me,” she snaps.

Blaze laughs, and I remember what April told me earlier about them sleeping together. Suddenly, I can’t look at them the same way.

It’s not just harmless flirting like I thought. They’re hiding the fact that they had sex. It changes everything.

I start to wonder if the rumors about Blaze sleeping with Yuna and Tia are true. Blaze doesn’t keep female friends unless he gets something out of it. I wonder what other secrets they’re hiding.

“Want something to drink?” Blaze asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. I really need to stop overthinking things.

I nod. “Sure.”

“Come with me.” He takes my hand, and I’m reminded of last night. Seeing him so vulnerable, lost in pleasure because of me, makes me want to touch him again. But I don’t know if he’d let me.

“Really, Blaze? You’re going to leave me here with your friend?” April complains. We turn to see her pushing James away.

“James, stop bothering April.” Blaze chuckles, and James holds up his hands, grinning.

“I’m not. Am I bothering you, April?”

She rolls her eyes. “I’m going to find Yuna and Tia. You’re annoying.” She walks off, and James follows her like a puppy.

Blaze shakes his head, smiling at their antics, and we keep walking.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

He smiles. “To get a drink, and then we can escape this loud, stupid concert and be alone.”

“The life of the party wants to be alone?”

He chuckles and looks down at the grass as we walk.

“I’m not the life of the party. Actually, I prefer being alone. I just pretend to enjoy these annoying people so they don’t know about my condition. Honestly, I hate being around all these people.”

He looks at me, a smile spreading across his face. “Except you...of course.”

His words make me blush, but I scrunch up my nose to hide my nervousness.

“I find it hard to believe that you can’t like or love anyone at all... What about your dad...or your mom. Have you completely lost all feelings for them?”

He tilts his head, looking genuinely unsure. He doesn’t answer, and I let it go.

We finally reach a stand selling drinks, and the guy behind the counter grins, bumping fists with Blaze. “Hey, Xander.”

“What can I get you?” Blaze turns to me, his eyes questioning. I squint at the menu hanging above the counter, not wanting to seem too picky. I opt for the least expensive item.

“I’ll just have a bottle of water,” I say.

He gives me a look of disbelief, a smile playing on his lips. “Water? You can get that back at the dorm. Pick something else, Harmony.”

I rub my arm, feeling the pressure of the decision. The guy behind the counter waits patiently, a smile on his face.

I’ve never been good at making choices, especially when it comes to menus. And it’s even harder when I can feel two pairs of eyes on me, probably growing impatient.

“Um...I guess I’ll have a ~Lemonade Splash.~” Whatever that is.

Blaze seems satisfied with my choice. He nods at the guy, who immediately goes to prepare our order.

Once Blaze has paid and collected our drinks, he hands me mine. I struggle with the bottle cap, but he takes it from me, easily twisting it open before handing it back.

“I wouldn’t want you to hurt that magical hand of yours.” His eyes are playful, a hint of lust in them. I pretend not to catch his reference to our activities the night before.

“Um, thanks.” I give him a nervous smile. “And thanks for the drink. I’ll pay you back when we get to the dorm.”

He looks at me in disbelief again. “No, I don’t want your money, Harmony. Why would I?”

“Because...” I bite my lower lip. “I usually pay for my own drinks.”

“Well, not when I’m around. You’re so...proper. Most girls wouldn’t even think to pay me back.”

“Really? Have other girls done that with you?”

“No, no. I don’t usually buy girls drinks... I mean, we don’t usually get past the bedroom.”

“Oh.”

The thought of his past relationships stirs up a pang of jealousy in me, but it’s quickly overshadowed by the realization that Blaze respects me enough to buy me a drink. That’s not something he usually does.

It makes me realize that he sees me differently, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.