Page 67 of Your Side of the Offense

Really?

Now I just want to hear if I heard wrong. Sure as shit, the cellphone pings again.

Out of campus.

What the fuck?

Then why is your cellphone pinging in your room, Deltona?

Standing outside of his room, I don't knock but he knows he's been found out. He doesn't open and I stand outside for a minute. I hear footsteps finally and the door opens slowly. A shame-filled Archer revealing himself.

"Don't hit me," he says in a small boyish voice.

I huff and push the door.

"You are unbelievable."

"I'm sorry, okay."

"Why?" Doesn't he want me here?

"Because I knew you'd come and…I…it feels like I'm manipulating you to come to me if I report to you."

I feel that in my gut. My mouth parts before I bite my lower lip, pulling myself together. The mood sours instantly.

"But you know that's not…"

"I know."

"That's not what I think. That's not how this is. I care for you, and I know you will never manipulate me." I step closer as he hides from my gaze.

"It feels strange, Peach." He walks past me, heading to his desk.

"We are friends, Arch. In every sense of the word. I don't want you to hide things from me. Do you understand?"

He sits and his gaze still isn't on me.

My heart hurts with every step I take towards him. I take his face in my hands. He has deep circles in his eyes and his blond strands are disheveled, he’s clearly been running his hands through them. This poor boy.

I exhale.

"How long?"

He looks into my eyes. "Four days."

Fuck.

"Before then?"

"When you were here." He confesses.

A tear escapes me, and I can't help it.

"No, Peach, please don't cry. At least not for me. Don't cry." He holds my face and gets up from the chair pulling me to him.

I sniffle in his arms. All my own tiredness from the week comes back.

"I am tired, too. I want to sleep."

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