I couldn't put up with reason B anymore. My attraction to Damien was unwavering, unreasonable and suffocating. We still had fights but it was the make-up tactic that always made me fall. Video games. Every fucking time. It was also a harmless way for us to pour out our pent-up frustration toward each other without either of us getting hurt. The surprising thing was, he started initiating it almost every night since last week. The one night I decided to stay in my room and read, he'd shot me a text.

I rolled my eyes and replied.

Honestly, if I could use a word about how Giordan felt after Damien broke up with him in the same similar fashion he'd announced their relationship in the morning gathering, I would say pitiful. He was completely devastated to learn that Damien had indeed messed up with his feelings all these while and when he accosted me in the hallways, I refused to have him back as a friend. He wasn't worthy to be kept around as one if he could switch into a total stranger anytime Damien was around. It was becoming alarming when Giordan took his obsession to the next level by stalking him. He'd pass by our house multiple times, looked for new excuses to talk with Damien at school, practically calling and texting repeatedly even when Damien gave him the cold shoulder.

It was becoming sickening to witness.

He's been calling ever since we got back from school. At this point, I think he needs a fucking therapist.

I would never had refused an offer to talk about Giordan. I was truly concerned about him, and suggested we tell his parents, which Damien agreed. We decided we'd go together and talk to Mr Macaulay tomorrow.

And so that night, we shared another bowl of ice-cream and played the game till one in the morning. I even managed to beat Damien 18-17. Even though he didn't open up to me directly, the gaming sessions seemed to be his own way of saying he didn't find my company terrible anymore, and that maybe he was finally warming up to me.

But, as always, just when I thought he couldn't be nicer, Damien just had to show me that a jerk remained a jerk no matter what.

|•|•|•|•|•

It was barely two days before my big date with Matt. Melody and I were hanging out in the kitchen when Damien walked in and did his normal routine of rummaging through the refrigerator for some juice. He took out a Vitamilk bottle, popped the cover open and gulped it down like water. 

Now you see, Melody was sweet, innocent and petite. She was that rare, natural beauty who all the boys in the room seemed to look past until they eventually got to know her better. I'd never heard any news about her dating anyone and if she was attracted to a particular boy, she did a damn good job in hiding it well. But I didn't miss the way her eyes were fixated on Damien's shirt riding up he lifted the bottle to drink. The two shamrock tattoo on either side of his rock-hard abs were exposed.

She drew in a sharp breath, face flushed. “Hey, Damien.”

Damien nodded in response, tossing the now empty bottle into the trash bin. He then took a granola bar from the snack cupboard and was almost out the door when Melody spoke again. This time to me. “So, have you asked Matt where he'll be taking you Friday night?”

“No. He says it's a secret. I'm excited to find out too.” 

Melody fanned herself dramatically. “Oh goodness, I love surprises.”

I couldn't help but notice though that Damien was still in the kitchen, frozen in the doorway with his back to us and his ears perked up. He was listening to our conversation alright, and when he turned to glance at me fleetingly for a moment, I'd never seen him look so curious... And was that anger in his eyes?

“Well, I think he should totally take you to the movies. There's a brand new season of Euphoria, and goddamn, you really need to see it! Have you seen Euphoria, Damien?”

“What's Euphoria?”

“It's the name of this after school series... totally cool sex scenes and stuff. I think if Matt wants to win Tim over completely, they should try the movies.”

He ignored her rambling and looked at me. “You can't go out with Matt. That dude is a fucking psychopath.”

“You can't tell me what to do.” I stared him down in challenge.

His eyes widened, then his expression neutralised quickly as he turned to walk away. “Suit yourself.”

“Hey, Dammy..” Melody called softly.

He turned around. “What?”

“Would you like to join? I mean, we could go with them. It might be fun...a double date.”

He burst into laughter, and Melody frowned, wondering what she'd said that sounded so amusing. I decided to save her arse. “Not a chance, sweetheart. I'll hook you up with Cameron instead.”

He turned to me with a malicious grin. “I never said I wasn't interested in her offer.”

“Well too bad, you never agreed to it.”

“I still can.”

“No. It's my date. Matt's gonna surprise me.”

“The only surprise you'd be getting, dear stepbrother is seeing me Friday night with Melody.” He looked over to her. “I'd sure love to go with you sweetheart.”

Melody's face broke into a smile and the look of satisfaction on Damien's face made my stomach roil. It was obvious that he was doing this to spite me...and poor Melody thought that he was genuinely interested in her.

“See you Friday night, bro.” he said before disappearing.

I wanted to throw up. Melody opened her mouth in a silent scream and tapped her foot excitedly on the floor. It was official, basically going to be the worst date of my entire life.

But nothing could have prepared me for what actually transpired that night.