Chapter 5

Irvin’s POV 

After I told them that I wanted to join them it spread around the campus the next day. All the bullying was gone, though those lustful or death glares are still there. It’s fine. At least they can’t touch me. All I have to do is pass the initiation that will happen this weekend. I’m nervous. Am I going to survive? 

“Alone?” I woke up from my thoughts when I heard Moe’s voice. I am sitting under the tree where the open field can be seen when he comes. 

“Still being bullied?”

“Nah. They stopped already. Thanks.” 

“For what?” He laughed at me. 

“I don’t know. Maybe help me to get out of this problem?” 

“Actually, I’m glad you joined. Henrick’s...” He didn’t continue his words, which makes me feel weird. Are they hiding something from me? “It’s not a bad idea to ask for help.” 

“I’m worried that I might not pass the initiation. I don’t know what will happen to me.” I took a deep sigh as I told him.

“You’ll be fine. Trust me.” 

“Trust huh.” 

Yes. They helped me from those maniacs. But I doubt it cost nothing. How can I trust someone if every time it happens they just crash it to pieces. And I think one day they’ll end up like Tristan. They just want me to do what they want to do to me. But for now they are my solution. 

This is really tiring. To fight to live. To live alone and being sucked by loneliness. I hate it. I hated my life. But I’m too afraid to end this. 

“You’re just like him.” 

“Him?” 

“Henrick.” His phone suddenly rang. “I have to answer this. You know ladies hate to wait long.” 

“Sure. Take your time.” I focus my attention on the field. It's a perfect view for relaxing. 

I’m like him? That’s impossible. He has everything while I don’t have any. Only this feature has a big resemblance to my mother. I used to consider this a gift from her but now it comes out differently. All the burdens and problems now are because of this face. 

Saturday has already arrived. Henrick said that he’ll be meeting me at Boone’s owned hotel before eight pm. That’s where the initiation will happen. He left the mansion earlier than he usually does because of some personal business. 

It’s nearly eight when I reach the place. The place is full of silver and glasses that shine. It even has a big chandelier above the information that makes my jaw drop. Makes me remember that this is one of the five star hotels.

I hurriedly go to the elevator before I’m going to be eaten by the perfection of the place. Exactly eight when I knocked on the door where Henrick told me to meet. My hand is now starting to feel cold from too much anxiety. I really don’t know if my body can stand this. 

An unfamiliar guy opened the door, which made me panic even more. DID I KNOCK THE WRONG DOOR?! “Uhm. S-sorry I think...” 

“Let him in!” Henrick’s voice shouted from the inside. And the guy opened it widely. He smiled at me as I entered the room. I just nodded to greet him and went to where Henrick is, who is busy reading some papers in a room full of red roses? Is this really where the rites are going to happen?

“Have a seat first. I need to finish this then we can start.” He said still on the papers. “Send this to Ran. I already signed it. Thank you.” He handed it to the guy and he bowed and left. Cool!

“Where’s everyone? I thought we had an initiation.” I asked as he walked towards the table where the liquor was. 

“Want some red wine?”

I start to feel uneasy. You can’t blame me. We are in some famous hotel, an expensive room, alot of flowers and now he offers me red wine. I’m not that naive and I know what this means.

“I have to go.” Standing on my feet and starting to exit the room but he grabbed my hand that made me stop before I reached the door.

“Okay. Okay. Just relax.” Tiny beads of sweats on his forehead start to form. “Please hear me out. Give me a few minutes of your time."

“I’m here for the initiation. What the hell is happening, Henrick?” I would really hate him if he would say that he wants to sleep with me. I. Am. Not. Into. Guy. Okay? 

“I know. Listen first.” 

“Five minutes. I’ll only give you five minutes to explain.” 

“WHAT?! ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME?!”

“Four.”

“Fine! Argh. I can’t let you in.” 

“Huh?”

“Well, VIP is for influential students only. And I don’t want to be rude but...”

“So why did you agree in the first place?” I cut him off. Don’t really get him. One day he would say yes then the next he wouldn't. Is he a girl or what? 

“’Cause there’s another way to avoid those bullies."

“And what is it?”

“Be my lover.” He said like it was a normal thing to do between two straight guys. 

“ARE YOU CRAZY HENRICK EVANS?!” Is he kidding me? Does he forget that I’m straight? Hello?

“It’s not like we’re going to be real lovers. It’s only to show the campus. It's a win-win offer.” He explained. Eye smiling at me. 

“And how is it even a win-win offer? How does it benefit you?” 

“That’s right.” He holds his chin like thinking of something while walking back and forth. “You see Tristan is our enemy. It benefits us to make him jealous."

“But I am not gay.” 

“It doesn’t matter. We’re only going to role-play. It’s not like I’m gonna fall in love with you.” He has a point. Should I agree? “Unless you’ll fall for me.” My face twitched on his overflowing self-confidence. 

“That’s not going to happen.” 

“Then that’s a yes.” He offered me a hand shake but I just looked at it. He’s still smiling waiting for my reply.

“I guess.” Accepted it. It’s only a role-play after all.