Page 161 of Vile Boys

“Forget it. I’m done with this conversation.” I shove the vapeback in his direction. “You know, I’m not the only one who can’t face his own feelings.”

He clutches the vape too tightly with his fist. “I’m more than just rage.”

I get up. “Then why are you so angry with both me and her? I’m not the only one who won’t say the truth out loud either.”

Something in his amused face breaks, leaving space for silence and disgust, but I still walk off. I have enough on my plate as it is. I can’t carry his emotions for him too.

Blaine

I stayin her room and wait until she opens her eyes again before I approach to put the blanket over her body.

“I’m so … tired …” she murmurs.

“I know. You need to sleep,” I say, shushing her when she tries to get up. “Rest now, darling. You’ll need the energy.”

I fish into her pocket and take out her phone when she isn’t looking, then back away slowly as her eyes start to close.

Even though the music continues to blast downstairs, it doesn’t wake her, as it barely penetrates these walls.

I swallow and grab the door handle, looking at her blink one last time before I close the door and swipe the card along the lock, sealing her in, along with my own damn heart.

Crystal

The next day

When my eyes burst open,I panic and sit up straight.

I don’t know how much time has passed or how long I’ve been asleep.

It feels as though I simply passed out and woke up here in this room.

All I remember is Blaine carrying me upstairs, his gentle hum lulling me into a deep trance.

And then I was here.

I throw the blanket off me and make my way to the door, but when I jiggle it, it doesn’t budge. It’s locked.

Fuck.

I’m trapped.

“Let me out!” I yell. “Hello? Can anyone hear me?”

When there’s no response, I slam the door with my fists.

“Let me out, goddammit!”

After a while, I hear footsteps and stop moving.

They’re getting closer.

I back away from the door.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

I crawl back onto the bed as the handle opens, and a hand slowly pushes open the door.

My heart is racing in my throat.

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