Chapter 83 - Ignorance is bliss (1)

Since last night, Aki felt like all of his senses went numb, his thoughts blank. In a way, it was good. He could focus well and study without thinking of anything else. He poured all of his efforts into his remaining exams.

It was the last day of the exams and most students were exhausted at this point. But not Aki, even if he had to take the exam for all of his classes. It was as if he had a renewed concentration that allowed him to answer the questions quickly.

But it also felt like he was like a doll, all hollowed out from the inside.

Aki wanted to let loose after exams and wished to shake off this mood. Maybe it was a good thing that Liam was not yet back. His heart was not ready to face his roommate.

He knew that he should be helping around the welcome party Mia was organizing. After all, he promised to himself that he would help once his exams finished. But Lava Java reminded him too much of Liam, just one look at their uniform, at Mia's beautiful face that resembled her cousin, and the artworks hanging on the wall that was all created by Liam.

Drinking then. He could unwind with alcohol. With that in mind, he attempted to reel Jun in and join him to drink but his friend went to his part-time job after class. He thought about inviting Zy and Drew. But then he shot down that idea right away. They would see through him. And even if they did not, they would be lovey-dovey with each other. Aki was not in the mood to act as their third wheel.

Without any other friends to turn to, Aki went to Moonlight alone. Unlike Aki, most of the students there were happily celebrating for the end of this long week. He picked his usual corner, far from the rowdy patrons, to nurse his heart. Again.

He sighed inwardly. From one heartache to another. 'Good job me.' He decided right then and there that he would just be a good friend to Liam. He would put a stop to this madness.

Aki picked up his drink, finishing it in one swig. He ordered some more… and more.

"Look who's here! Mind if we join you?" A cheerful voice called out behind him.

Aki shut his eyes as if calming himself. Before he could reply, the newcomer already took a seat in front of him. He almost had a double-take when he noticed the red highlights.

"Karen? …and Chris?" Aki was not sure if he was remembering the other guy's name right. Though he remembered him as Liam's friend.

Chris raised his eyebrow at Aki. "Alone?" He asked as if he could not believe it. The person beside him, Karen, flashed a narrow gaze at Aki and did not say anything else. At least she seemed less catty to Aki.

He gave a half-hearted shrug. The two let him be and all three of them spent their time in comfortable silence. Something Aki was thankful for.

Though if he was being honest, he would be more thankful if he got really drunk. That way he would not be able to see clearly and not watch the coveted glances Chris and Karen threw at each other. Why was everyone pairing around him? The thought only soured his already sour mood.

Maybe it was because of alcohol. Or maybe because it was easier to be the one observing people while being oblivious in your feelings. Or maybe he just wanted to be that annoying drunk. So he said in a direct way, "So you two are an item?"

Karen's face turned as red as her highlights while Chris guffawed.

"What, you're jealous that my boyfriend's here? Where's yours anyway? Hanging out with…" Karen stopped as Chris elbowed her.

There was something with their exchange that made Aki want to know what they meant by that. But he thought otherwise and just took another swig.

Karen cleared her throat and pointed her chin at Aki's phone. "Your phone's ringing."

'Liam.'