Page 149 of Dark Little Game

“Wes was cool about it today,” I explain. “I saw him in the reading room and he asked me what was up, and I gave him full transparency. Told him I was going on my first real date with Hunter. Told him I was nervous. I know Hunter isn’t really thedinner-and-movietype of guy, but I told Weston I was going to try to show him a good time anyway.”

“I’m guessing he didn’t fist-bump you and tell you to have a good time getting your dick wet?” Noah asks.

“No. But Wes was honest, too. He said it feels fucking weird to hear about it, and he still thinks I need to be on my guard with Hunter at all times. But he said he trusts me, too.”

“That’s a damn good best friend, right there,” Oliver says.

I pull out my phone to check the time, and I have a text from Hunter.

Hope you’re ready for the best fucking date of your life.

I’m intrigued.

If you’re willing to actually be with me, one thing I can promise is you’ll never be bored.

You only left our room a couple of hours ago and I already miss your presence. Pretty sure I’m willing to be with you.

I don’t deserve you. See you soon.

“I’m going to be late. I have to leave now,” I tell Noah and Ollie as I turn to leave the room.

“Where are you guys meeting up?”

“Earlier today he told me the date will havetwo parts, God knows what that means. But he said to meet at the far end of Red Row, and we’re going to walk somewhere.”

“Have fun,” Noah says with a pat on my shoulder. “You lovebirds make me sick, which probably means you’re perfect for each other.”

“What are you guys going to get up to?” I ask as they follow me down the staircase.

“Ollie says he has a spooky video game that’s perfect for fall, so I assume I’m going to be passing out from terror pretty soon.”

I snort, and Oliver grins.

“It’s my favorite horror game. Noah gets scared when a freaking leaf falls in front of him on campus, so I’m going to show himMisty Hillfor the first time.”

“I think Wes and I played through that in high school. Good fucking luck, Noah. I pray for your blood pressure.”

“Enjoy your date throwing knives or walking around graveyards with Hunter,” Ollie says.

“Later, guys.”

They duck into the living room and I head out the front doors.

The sun hasn’t set yet.

The sky is grey outside, casting everything in a muted light.

Red Row is usually calm in the daytime, but right now most Crimson College students are back at home.

And it’s fucking peaceful outside.

I start off down the sidewalk.

Leaves blow past me on the road ahead, gently scraping the pavement.

The air has that far-off campfire smell, and for the first time in a while, I have a glimmer of renewed hope about this semester.

So many good things have happened, even in the bad.