Chapter SEVENTY ONE

Yo bless yall from 280k

The school left early, because snow had started filling up the roads and streets, which only made everyone happier but negligent towards the dangers the weather posed.

Claire has gone home as soon as she was set free for some unknown reason and Lucas just watched her leave for the second time on the same day, totally confused about everything that was going on, but decided to head home too. And with a heavy chest he stepped out of school grounds after waving Conner a goodbye.

This vacation was going to be a very long one.

Usually, he would use this time to study and get the lessons done, but this time, he was unsure. Maybe, maybe ..just maybe he might not be able to impress his dad this time. Not to mention, it's the final year.

Sure, he had applied for colleges, but he still had to graduate before he started college.

On the other hand, Sean had a lot of time to kill before his first shift started. He hated his job, but he had to do it anyway.

So, walking through the corridors of the school and sipping coffee, he tried to keep himself warm with the numerous amounts of Adidas jackets he owned. He just loved the sporty feeling, ya know.

He still couldn't figure out his feelings towards Adam, which made it a lot difficult to text Nate back, and he also didn't want to leave him hanging or on read. But Nate, he turned out to be genuinely considerate as he changed the entire subject.

Nate: do you like someone?

Received 45 mins ago

Nate: nvm you don't have to ans that

Nate: what's your plan afree school?

Received now

Sean sighed.

Sean: I wanna get into a music institute

Nate: really? You wanna become an artist?

Sean: ofc why not

Nate: nah was just surprised

Sean really never expected Nate to turn out to be soft towards him. He just didn't know how to accept the fact that his bully, the person who made him cry countless times was the one he would open up to.

But something about Adam always stood out for Sean. Something, he didn't want to figure out.

To Adam: yo where you @

Sean waited for a few seconds, still walking, and patiently staring at his phone screen, when Adam replied instantly.

From Adam: terrace

To Adam: I'm coming

And Sean snapped his phone shut and hurried to the said place. He was wondering whether Adam would accept him if he came out? He HAD to tell him about his secret there and right then.

His phone went off with numerous messages at once, Sean chuckling as it read 'five new messages from Adam' but he didn't bother opening it, he was gonna meet him anyway, so there wasn't a point texting him while they're under the same roof.

Well, at least he was under the roof, Adam was over it, but that didn't matter right now so Sean shrugged.

He took big steps up, a grin plastered on his face. He jogged up to the door separating him from entering the open, cold terrace, and he swung it open quietly, so that he could yell "I'm coming out!", but instead, his grin fell, and he stopped dead in his tracks.

There he was, Adam, going at it with.. someone from the cheerleaders.

Then, he pulled out his phone and looked at the messages.

Adam: no, don't come Rn

Adam: I'm with Laura

Adam: don't ruin my chance

Adam: answer me

Adam's eyes flickered to the open door and he glared at Sean. Sean noticed how the cold boy pulled out his phone and typed away, Laura sitting on him, with her face buried in his neck.

Adam: ugh you're so annoying why don't you just leave

***

Meanwhile, Lucas was pacing back and forth in his bedroom, stopped for a while and pulled up his sweater to throw it across the room. It was ice cold outside, yet so frustratingly hot for him in here. He did what that website asked him to do after researching on relationship advices.

They had asked him to be a man and go for it. But they never told him what to do if the girl never gave an answer to whether she accepted it or not. Or even better, no one asked him if he was ready for a relationship.

No no, obviously he WAS ready. Why else would he ask her?

But why.. why then did he hesitate when Claire asked him so?

Was it because he didn't like her that way or just saw her as a best friend? That was.. impossible. How then would he explain all the tingles and white and pure blissfulness he feels when he holds her or when she pins him against the hardest and coldest surface of all?

He sat back down on his bed, pulling his covers over himself because suddenly the temperature was dropping and because there was no one in the entire house, the heaters were off and he had no idea where the switch went. .. and he had thrown the sweater to Narnia.

He pouted, pulling out his phone. Well, he had to search up whether he was ready or not.

But decided that calling Connor was a better option.

Two beeps in, the call cut off notifying him that Connor was busy on someone else's call. Oh, how much he dreaded this day.

Suddenly, the door opened up, (wasn't there no one in the house?) and... his dad, one and only, walked in with a blazer hung loosely on his arm. He gave a tight smile, before sitting himself down in front of his son. Lucas looked up with big blue eyes, just wanting to NOT hold any conversation at all with his dad.

"So," he started, but Lucas already wanted to whine and throw a tantrum just 'cause he wanted his dad to leave him alone. This had not been a great day and he didn't want it to get worse. But, his dad's words surprised him to no end. "It's Christmas. Meaning, presents and gifts from loved ones. I'm... giving you back your art stuff. And I know I've been hard on you lately."

"R-really?" He asked, eyes growing bigger.

"Yes, son. I've decided to take you on to a art supply store, and buy you whatever you desire for Christmas in repentance caused from snatching away the only one thing you love." His dad looked down, expressions still cold as the climate outside the house.

His dad had never been the best in showing gratitude or remorse to anyone. But him trying, was a lead to something.. better than what he used to be. Lucas could see the sincerity in his words and feel it when his dad spoke.

"Dad.." he started, not knowing how he would reply so something as such. "I don't need a lot for art." He said quietly.

His dad paused for a moment, thinking. "How about we.. umm, hangout?"

"How?" The son giggled.

"Have dinner in the grand palace-"

"No, dad it's really expensive there."

"We can buy the building-"

"How about ice cream?" He said, eyes glimmering in excitement, even though it was risky to have ice cream in this dangerous weather. He knew that it was going to be the best day, spending time with his dad which he hadn't done since he was 5 years old. It hurt to think about how busy his dad used to be, and never came home before his bed time after then.

He loved his dad, no matter how many restrictions he laid in front of him, he was still a parent and also enjoyed the excitement radiating off of his son.

"Do I get ready?" He asked.

"No, not today."

His face fell, a pout making its way back in. "When?"

"On Christmas. It's the day off." He dad smiled apologetically.

He really wanted to do this. He couldn't miss an opportunity to something so wonderful.