I frown at Axel's empty seat.
"He's not here," I mutter, nudging Vex's arm. Vex rolls his eyes.
"Clearly. Think he's sick?" says Vex. I tap my fingers against the desk.
"Doubt it."
"Then what?" Vex asks tilting his head. I sigh.
"I don't know. But I don't like it." I'm worried about Axel, why is he not here?
…
I star at the ceiling, blanket pulled up to my chest, shaking. Scissors left on the floor. my phone buzzes for the tenth time.
Kai. Again.
I ignore it.
Another buzz. Vex, this time.
I breath and burry my face in my pillow. I don't want to deal with this.
…
Lunch break. I slam my tray onto the table.
"We're going to his house." Vex raises an eyebrow.
"Now?"
"Yes."
"Do you even know where he lives?" asks Vex. I blink.
"…No."
"You really didn't think this through, huh?" Vex laughs.
"I'll figure it out," I pout. Vex sighs, grabbing his phone.
"Relax, detective. I've got it."
"You're the best," I grin. Vex smirks.
"Obviously."
…
I groan when I hear the knocking. My breathing becoming faster. I ignore it. The knocking gets louder.
"Axel, open the door!"
Kai. I sigh, putting on a hoodie to cover myself, I drag myself off the bed. I barely unlock the door before Kai pushes it open and stomps in. Vex follows, looking unimpressed.
"You skipped," Kai accuses. I flop back onto my bed.
"I know." Kai crossed his arms.
"Why?" He asks. I don't answer. Vex sits on the edge of the bed, watching me.
"You good, emo boy?" Vex asks. I exhale.
"Just… not today," I say shakily. Kai softens glancing at the scissors on the floor.
"But you could've told us," Kai says. I shrug. Vex nudges me, my thigh, pain spreading through my body more clearly reminding me of what I just did.
"Next time, don't ghost us, yeah?" says Vex. I glance at both. They weren't mad. They aren't leaving. I swallow.
"Yeah… okay," I whisper. Kai smiles and says,
"Good. Now, move over. We're staying." I groan.
"You guys are impossible," I say. Kai watches me closely.
"What are the scissors for?" He asks. My stomach lurches.
"Ah…" I start. Vex painfully grabs my wrists moving the sleeve to reveal the mix of cuts and scars.
"Axel…" Vex whispers.