Tom's POV
I stared at him, stunned, like he'd just slapped me in front of the whole damn cafeteria.
"Excuse me?" I said, voice low, sharp.
"You heard me," Luke snapped back. "I said what the fuck is your problem?"
His annoyance wasn't subtle — it hit me full force. His shoulders were tense, jaw clenched, eyes practically sparking with irritation.
"I have tried time and time again to be your friend," he continued, stepping even closer. "Everybody told me you were weird, but I didn't listen. I didn't fucking care. But you've been avoiding us the whole week, so I'll ask you again: what. the fuck. is your problem?"
My chest tightened. My throat felt dry.
"What the fuck are you talking about?" I muttered, though I already knew damn well where this was heading.
"I'm talking about how you've been avoiding her," he shot back instantly. No hesitation. "Now tell me — what the hell happened between you two?"
The question hit like a punch to the ribs.
I looked away, eyes dropping to the untouched food on my tray.
"Nothing that should concern you," I said, voice clipped, cold, gravelly.
Luke stared down at me like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Then he leaned in, both hands on the edge of the table, speaking just loud enough for only me to hear.
"I don't know what the hell happened with you two," he said, each word slow and deadly. "Or what that Tyler guy has to do with it. But I suggest you talk to her instead of avoiding her like an idiot."
For a second, neither of us moved.
Then Luke straightened up, scoffed under his breath, and turned to walk away.
But right before he stepped into the crowd, he paused — head tilting slightly like he almost wanted to say more.
He didn't.
He just walked off, leaving me sitting there, heart racing, mind spiraling, stomach twisted in knots.
And across the cafeteria, Imogen sat frozen, her eyes locked on me like she'd seen the entire exchange.
I stormed out of the cafeteria, jaw tight, pulse hammering in my ears. I didn't even bother pretending to care about the food anymore — I tossed the whole damn tray into the bin without slowing down, the clatter echoing behind me as I walked off.
I needed air. Space. Silence.
So I headed straight for the gym, my usual hiding place when the world wouldn't shut the fuck up. The bleachers were empty, cool, and quiet — exactly what I needed. I climbed halfway up and dropped into a seat, shoulders sinking, head falling back.
Luke was right. And that pissed me off even more.
I didn't want to think about him being right. I didn't want to think about her. I didn't want to think about Tyler's smug face or the way my chest twisted every damn time I saw them together.
I just… shut down for a bit.
And somewhere between trying not to feel like shit and staring at the ceiling, my eyes drifted closed. I didn't even realize I'd fallen asleep until the bell ripped through the gym like a gunshot.
I jerked awake, heart racing, wiping whatever sad excuse of a nap had been clinging to my face. Lunch break was over — but I had a free period next, so whatever. No rush. No need to face anyone.
I stayed right where I was, letting the silence settle back in.
Then the gym doors swung open.
Voices. Laughter. The sharp clack of sneakers on hardwood.
The cheerleaders filed in being loud, bright, perfect. And there she was, right in the middle of them.
Imogen.
Fuck.
My breath caught for a second. Her cheer uniform fit her way too well — playful skirt, bright colors, hair tied up. She looked happy, carefree… nothing like the girl who'd grabbed my wrist and pleaded with me in the park.
It pissed me off that she could be so effortlessly adorable while I felt like bullshit.
She didn't notice me — thank god — so I sank lower into the bleachers' shadow, deciding to stay. Watching her was pathetic, I knew that. But I couldn't bring myself to move.
She was laughing at something one of the girls said, the sound echoing through the gym. My chest tightened, stupid and painful, as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and got into formation.
I knew I should've left.
I knew staying here would fuck with my head even more.
But I didn't move.
I just watched them, I watched her, because for the first time all week, my anger wasn't swallowing me whole.
Even if it hurt like hell.