CHAPTER 98: ASH SEAN RIVERA, YOU LITTLE SLUT

I blinked. "That’s... not how grades work."

"Says you," she shot back. "But it’s Blackwell. They make the rules up as they go."

"She’s not wrong," Marcus added, sipping his drink like this was normal.

June placed both hands dramatically on her chest. "Do you know what that means for me? My Gleewood Arts application is going to be so freaking beautiful. A talent show win? I’ll be insufferable."

"You already are," Marcus muttered.

I blinked again, trying to keep up. "Wait! back up. There’s a talent show? With real grades on the line? Isn’t that... kind of illegal?"

"Were you even listening?" Marcus laughed.

June ignored me completely and grabbed Marcus’s sleeve. "Wait, wait tell him. Tell Ash the other thing."

"I’ve told him about Blackboard." Marcus patted my shoulder. "June, why are you so active, are you on caffeine?"

She pulled back and started massaging my shoulders dramatically. "You’re trending. You’re a Blackwell icon now."

Marcus snorted. "Told you."

"I’ve literally been waiting to see you so I could scream in person." June turned. "Ash, people are commenting, reposting, simping. There’s even a poll titled: ’Should Ash Rivera Be Protected At All Costs?’"

"I voted yes," Marcus added.

"What the hell is wrong with everyone?" I muttered, already starting to panic. "I don’t want to be popular. I don’t like it."

June smirked, stepping closer. "Yeah? You don’t wanna be popular?"

"Exactly."

She leaned in, and whispered. "And yet... you’re out here smooching Blackwell’s golden boy. Think about it."

I gasped. "I... I what?!"

June cackled. "You heard me, right."

I looked around fast. My eyes shot straight to Marcus, who was scrolling casually on his phone. Shit. Shit. What if Marcus just heard what June said.

"Marcus, Marcus, did you hear what she said?" I tapped his shoulder.

Marcus didn’t even glance up. "Relax, dude. Anytime I see June lean in like that, I just assume she’s whispering about hot seniors or makeup stuffs. I tune out automatically. Zero interest." He stretched, and started walking off. "Anyway, I’ve had enough chaos for one morning. Bye, nerds."

"Did he just call us nerds?" June pouted and folded her arms.

"Marcus is literally the nerdiest nerd I’ve ever met," I laughed, burying my face in my hands.

June tugged on my sleeve again. "Okay, but seriously. How long has that been going on? Like, do i need to debrief? Are you in love with Dom? Did you cry after? Did he? Did you cuddle? Ash Sean Rivera, have you had your first kiss without telling me?"

"Can you not scream my entire life into the hallway?"

She shrugged. "Sorry, I’m just excited. You’re finally letting yourself have something good. For once. Dis he tell you before posting that video? I just thought you wouldn’t want it to go public."

I stayed quiet.

See, June knows me so well.

She nudged my shoulder. "You okay?"

"Yeah..." I murmured. "Just trying to figure out what it means. To be known. Like this. For something good, finally. Not the scholarship kid. Not the poor boy. Not the liar or the guy that push Liam off the roof."

June’s voice softened. "Maybe it means... you’re not cursed after all."

I snorted. "Wow. Thanks for the warmest pep talk ever."

"Anytime, babe. Now, tell me everything before the class starts."

"What do you mean, June?" I frowned, clutching the strap of my bag tighter. "I literally told you there’s nothing going on between me and Dom."

June crossed her arms, like she was waiting for a confession.

Right then, like the universe wanted to laugh in my face, the hallway door creaked open and in walked Dominic...alongside Ian. Our eyes met instantly.

Dominic winked at me. I looked away too fast.

I swear to God, my heart did this ridiculous backflip.

June didn’t even have to say anything. Her smirk said it all.

"That’s not ’nothing,’" she said, leaning in. "I practically saw you two kiss in the rain. If you don’t tell me the truth right now, I’ll assume I’m not your best friend anymore."

"That was..." I paused, stammered. "That was barely a kiss."

"Oh my God," she said, "If you don’t tell me what’s going on right now, I’m going to assume you don’t see me as your best friend anymore."

I groaned. "Okay! Fine!" I laughed, burying my face in my hands. " I swear, we’re not dating, alright? But we’re in... I don’t know. What’s the word called.....situationship?" I peeked at her through my fingers.

"I knew it!" she squealed.

Then she grabbed my arm and yanked me down the hallway. "We’re going somewhere private. You’re telling me everything."

She shoved open the door to an empty classroom.

"Please, tell me everything," she whispered. "Have you guys kissed?"

I laughed, already embarrassed. "Yes."

Her eyes went wide. "You had your first kiss and you didn’t tell me? Ash Sean Rivera, you little slut. I feel personally betrayed."

"I’m sorry!" I said quickly. "I just... I wasn’t sure you’d be cool about it."

She squinted at me. "Why wouldn’t I be cool?"

"I don’t know," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "After that whole hearing thing, you and Marcus kinda sounded like... you weren’t fans of him."

June blinked. "Omgg, no. That’s not what happened."

"Then what was it?"

"I was just pissed that I didn’t know you were getting expelled and he knew about it," she said.

"Ohhh," I mumbled. "I’m sorry for not telling you earlier."

June softened a little. She stepped closer, and touched my arm. "Okay. So now that we’ve started this gossip train, don’t make me beg...have you two had sex?"

"June!" I laughed. "Why do you love gossip so much?"

She shrugged. "That’s literally what I live for," she said shamelessly. "Omg. Wait. Wait." Her eyes narrowed. "You have. You totally have."

She started tearing up. Actually tearing up.

"Are you crying?!"

"I’m emotional!" she said, waving her hands. "I’m so proud and also deeply offended that I didn’t know."

I lifted a shoulder awkwardly. "I mean... is a blowjob considered sex?"

She let out an actual gasp and slapped both hands over her mouth.

I groaned and covered my face. "Please, don’t look at me like that."

She looked like she was about to cry, scream, and laugh all at once. "So...you gave your virginity to Dominic Vale. Ash. That’s kind of iconic. Like, messy, but iconic."

"Please don’t say it like that." I dragged my hands down my face. "And don’t tell anyone. Please. Not even Marcus."

June blinked. "Wait... so... Dominic Vale is gay?"

I looked at her and nodded. "Yes."

She spun back to face me. "Ofc, your secret is always safe with me," she said, then rolled her eyes. "God, Ash. I’ve been keeping your secrets since middle school. You really think I’d start flapping my mouth now?"

I sighed with relief and sat on the edge of a desk. "Thanks."

She flopped down beside me, legs swinging off the edge. "Honestly? I’m just happy you’re letting yourself feel something. Like... for once."

I smiled. "Yeah."

We sat in silence for a moment. It wasn’t awkward. It was just quiet.

"Also," she added, grinning, "I’m gonna need every single detail of how that happened. I mean...was it good? awkward? Romantic? Was there eye contact? Did he say anything romantic after?"

I turned my head slowly. "June!"