Page 96 of The Story Of Us

Luke

Isaac Evans, are you telling me you’re in Violet’s room right now

Isaac

I didn’t say that

I could be with Olivia for all you know

Luke

I highly doubt that considering I was just talking to Jinhee and they were together

I stare at the screen trying to figure out what excuse I can use but in the end I realise there’s no point in lying anymore.

Isaac

Bring it to Violet’s room

Luke

I knew it

Isaac

You’re insufferable

Luke

Wild thing to say to the guy who’s about to go in your room and choose something for you to wear in front of your girlfriend

Isaac

I will end you

Luke doesn’t respond after that mild threat to his life, so I just take a seat on Violet’s bed and wait for her to finish getting ready.

38

VIOLET

There’s a knock at the door as soon as I step out of the bathroom, and Isaac jumps up from where he’s sitting on my bed. His eyes are wide, and his momentary panic is so funny as he looks around, trying to find somewhere to hide.

“It’s probably Luke,” I tell him with a smile as I wonder how I’m so lucky to call him mine. He relaxes instantly, moving to the door to answer it, but he waits until I’ve closed the bathroom door and am standing by my desk before he opens it and lets Luke in.

I watch as they seem to have a silent conversation, ending with Luke gently punching Isaac’s arm and Isaac throwing his head back and letting out a groan of frustration. It’s cute watching them together, and they seem to have a connection where they can say so much without saying anything. I’m glad Isaac has Luke, especially now that his parents don’t want him to come back home. Luke didn’t hesitate to tell Isaac he could stay with him, practically demanding that he did.

“Hi, Violet,” Luke says, sauntering into my room in his football kit as if this is a completely normal occurrence and he’s been here a thousand times.

“Hey,” I reply, giving him a small wave. Isaac stands behind him, head in his hands, and I can immediately tell he’s regretting asking Luke for help.

The silence stretches between us as we all look back and forth at each other. It’s excruciating. This is the first time I’m interacting with Luke as Isaac’s girlfriend, and even though this is something that was always going to happen, it feels incredibly awkward now.

I’ve only spoken to Luke during classes, and our conversations were always focused on whatever we were studying, so having him in my room right now feels extremely weird, but I try not to show it. He’s Isaac’s best friend, and I don’t want to make a bad impression or say anything that will make Isaac feel awkward.

“Luke, thanks for coming, you can leave now,” Isaac breaks the silence, grabbing the tote bag that’s slung on his shoulder, before gripping his upper arm and leading him back towards the door.

“I just got here!”

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