ANGEL'S POV
"We've got to stop meeting like this," I spoke, a raspy chuckle from Sage's chest sounding as we walked to my dorm.
"Indeed, we do," he replied.
After we ran into each other — I'd been heading to the bookstore to find a new read after Carlos and Terry stepped out — I offered to bring him to my dorm to clean him up. Though, I still had zero idea as to why his knuckles were split open.
We arrived at my vacant dorm, and after unlocking the door, I let him in first. He moved past me, his discomfort lacking subtlety, instead making its presence known through his demeanor as his eyes remained glued to the floor.
I motioned for him to sit at my desk, and he obliged as I pulled Carlos' chair from his desk over to mine. I went through an entire process; I removed every item on my desktop, instead placing it all in the drawers beneath. I then went into the bathroom and grabbed the first aid kit and empty trash can. I placed everything onto my now clear desk, Sage's eyes following all of my movements, and knelt down in front of the mini fridge. I pulled out the ice pack that Carlos and I kept in the freezer section and grabbed an unopened water bottle.
Sage pulled his eyebrows together, confused by my buzzing around.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," I assured him, scanning his expression.
"I never said you didn't."
"Your face did," I teased. He smiled softly and looked away.
I proceeded to sit down, setting the trash can in between our feet. I opened the water bottle and grabbed Sage's hand gently, causing him to wince at the movement.
"Sorry," I muttered, glancing up at him, then back down to his hand. I felt that curious gaze on me, yet I resisted the urge to meet it, focusing instead on his injury. "So, you want to tell me how you did this?" I finally asked.
"Would you like to tell me why you've been crying?" My eyes snapped up to his and I frowned.
"Sorry?"
"Your eyes are bloodshot red, so you're either high or you've been crying." I chewed at my lip, a nervous tick I'd developed — normally only when I couldn't pick at my nails, which was the current case — my eyes falling. "Which one is it, Angel?"
Here was my dilemma; I didn't want to tell him I'd been crying, essentially over him, and lead him to believe I was crazy. Yet, I was a terrible liar, so making something up would be a disaster. I sighed in defeat.
"Crying."
"Why?"
"Why are your knuckles split open?"
"I asked you first."
"Actually, I asked you first." He sighed heavily and gazed down at his hand.
"I punched a door," he admitted meekly, as if embarrassed. I stared at him, his eyes not rising to meet mine.
"What door?"
"The exit doors on my building." My eyes widened a slight fraction.
"Sage—"
"I know, it was stupid. Really stupid." His eyes looked sad, heavy, and I felt really bad for him. I wanted to know what was wrong. I wanted to help.
"Why did you do it?" He let out a long breath.
"My friends... who also happen to be my roommates," he revealed reluctantly. I understood all too well how angry friends could make you.
YOU ARE READING
Endless
Romance*2021 Watty Award Shortlister* ** I scanned his face, taking in all of his features. His eyes were large, shockingly so, and his eyelashes were long, accentuating that honey gaze. His lips were blush pink, his cheeks taking on the same tint in the n...