Page 113 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
I force myself to use the bathroom, to wash my hands, to take a few deep breaths. When I finally unlock the door, there's immediate pounding.
"Harp, it's me."
I let Cole in quickly. He shuts the door behind him and locks it, his face dark with barely controlled rage.
"What did he say?" he demands.
I’m worried by looking at him.
“Tell me!” he demands.
I blink. "Uh. He wants to talk to me."
"About what?"
I shrug. "He said we have unfinished business. He accused me of being controlled by you, and that it's only a matter of time before I see your true colors."
Cole's hands clench into fists. "I'm gonna fucking kill him."
I grab his hand, trying to pull him back. "Cole. Please."
"Please what, Harper?" He looks at me, and there's something wild in his eyes. "Why are you protecting him?"
"I'm not—"
He's already pulling away, yanking open the door and storming into the hallway. I follow, my heart in my throat, but I'm not fast enough.
The living room erupts.
Cole goes straight for Liam, who's standing near the couch. I don't see the first punch, but I hear the impact, hear someone shout "Fight!" and suddenly everyone is moving, forming a circle, pulling out phones.
"Cole, stop!" I'm trying to push through the crowd, but people are blocking my way, too eager to watch.
I catch glimpses—Cole's fist connecting with Liam's jaw, Liam shoving Cole back, both of them grappling like they're trying to destroy each other. Sirus and Marcus are trying to pull them apart, but they're both too angry, too far gone.
I can't watch this. Can't stand here while they tear each other apart over me.
I push back through the crowd, grab my jacket from where I left it, and walk straight out the front door. The cold November air hits me like a slap, but I welcome it. I need the shock, need something to cut through the panic.
I pull out my phone and order an Uber with shaking fingers. Five minutes away.
Behind me, I can still hear the chaos—shouting, people cheering like this is entertainment. My hands won't stop shaking.
The Uber pulls up, and I get in without looking back.
At Cole's place, I move through the rooms like I'm on autopilot. Grab my overnight bag. Pack clothes, toiletries, my laptop and textbooks. Rex watches me, confused by the frantic energy.
"I'll see you later, buddy," I tell him, but my voice cracks.
My phone is buzzing nonstop—texts from Maddie, calls from Cole that I let go to voicemail. I can't talk to him right now. Can't process what just happened, can't explain why I left without waiting for him.
I just need space. Need to breathe. Need to not be the reason two best friends are trying to kill each other.
Another Uber. This time to Maddie and Sirus's apartment across campus. I text her on the way.
Me:Coming to yours. Don't ask.
Maddie:Door's unlocked.
