͏b͏r͏o͏k͏e͏n || ͏b͏i͏l͏l͏y ͏h͏a͏r͏g͏r͏o͏v͏e

E I G H T

Throughout the class, Billy was relentless in his attempts to make me lose my cool. He was like a kid on a mission, constantly trying to get under my skin. I could feel his presence even when I wasn't looking directly at him.

First, he knocked my pencils off the desk, sending them rolling across the floor. I reached down to retrieve them, only to have him swipe a piece of my hair as I was bent over. I shot him a glare but he only smirked in response. Next, he began poking my arm with a steady rhythm, each jab more irritating than the last.

I twisted in my seat, glaring at him. "Quit it!" I hissed, trying to keep my voice low so Mr. Dunt wouldn't hear.

Billy rolled his eyes, clearly enjoying himself, and continued his assault. He pinched my forearm and poked at my sides, his smirk widening with every reaction I tried to suppress. It was all I could do to keep from snapping, focusing on the lesson in front of me to distract myself from his antics.

The clock seemed to tick slower than ever, each minute dragging on as Billy's teasing persisted. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. I gathered my things as quickly as I could and bolted out of the classroom, desperate to escape the relentless Hargrove boy. I could feel his eyes on my back as I stormed down the hall, savoring the brief respite from his torment.

✳︎✳︎✳︎

I winced as I watched Steve struggle on the court. The game was already tense, and with Billy on the field, it felt like an uphill battle. Every time Steve tried to get a play going, Billy was there to make it harder, taunting him mercilessly.

"Let's go! Pass it up now! Get open!" Coach yelled from the sidelines. The players hustled around the court, but Billy seemed to revel in making Steve's job as difficult as possible.

Billy finally got his hands on the ball, and I could hear his throaty laugh across the gym. "All right! All right, all right!" He shouted, clearly enjoying himself. I rolled my eyes at his obnoxious antics. "King Steve. King Steve, everyone!" Billy continued to taunt.

Steve's frustration was palpable as he tried to stay focused despite Billy's relentless teasing. "I like it. Playing tough today," Billy commented, clearly relishing in the mental game he was playing.

"Jesus! Do you ever stop talking? Come on!" Steve snapped, his frustration evident.

Billy's laughter grew. "What? You afraid the coach is gonna bench you now that I'm here? Huh?" His taunt seemed to rattle Steve, and Billy took full advantage. He shoved past Steve, ball still in hand, and made another basket with ease.

Steve grunted and fell to the ground, visibly defeated. Billy's hand appeared, and he grabbed Steve's hand, pulling him up. "You were moving your feet. Plant them next time, draw a charge." He hissed before shoving Steve back down.

I couldn't stand watching Steve take this kind of abuse, so I rushed onto the court to help him up. "Why does he have to be such a douche?" I muttered, trying to support Steve.

"Has he been bothering you too?" Steve asked, his voice strained.

"I've probably been bothering him more than he's been bothering me, I'm sure," I said, rolling my eyes. I rubbed Steve's back comfortingly as I forced him to hug me.

"Thanks for coming, even though I suck," Steve mumbled.

"You're welcome, bub," I whispered, doing my best to offer some comfort.

Tommy H's voice cut through the air. "Awe, looks like Steve got him a NEW girlfriend. How sweet."

"Gosh. Do you ever shut up?" I snapped back, already irritated.