All Chapters of Last Year of Seventeen: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Do you wanna make a bet?"Theo finishes his cigarette. It was his second stick and yet he reached for my pack to start another one. He has been in a sour mood the whole morning. And I can only guess it was that August girl."That August girl–"And I was right."–how can she be so infuriating?"I didn't want to start another conversation about her, but I asked him anyway, "Why? What did she do this time?""Didn't you see how she looked at us in the parking lot earlier?"I didn't."She walks around here like she owns the place when technically she never even paid a cent to get in.""That's what being a scholar is." I huffed the last of my cigarette and felt my pockets for gum. "It's not her fault she's smart."Theo only rolled his eyes. He's a fucking bully. Always had been. Ever since we were kids, he'd find someone whose life he'd make a living hell. I am his friend yet I know this. That would make me a terrible one I guess. But I don't care enough about anyone here to stop him. And

I have spent the entire week trying to make August notice me. And every attempt failed. I asked if she wanted a ride home, she said "No". One time, I saw her walk out from Chemistry carrying flasks, test tubes and beakers and offered assistance, again, she said "No". Every day I waited for her to walk past our class so I could help her carry the picked-up books back to the library. And every day she would say, "No". I have never been rejected in my entire life, but August has already compensated for that. I have also never been challenged before. Every quest was so easily completed that it became unexciting. Like watered-down wine. Dull. Pale. And makes you want to spit. But with August, every failed attempt, felt like revival.It was after a week-long humiliation that I had an epiphany. August isn't the same as the others I've encountered before. She's not playing hard to get just to make me want her more. She actually despises my existence. I know she didn't like Theo. I mean, how c

The first rule August and I agreed upon is that, "This is not going to be another teenage love affair where we fall in love for real in the end."That idea, apart from being ridiculous for her, August also said that she can never risk her entire future for something as fleeting as teenage romance. She knows the position my family holds in society. She heard stories. And she knew if she pissed enough people, her scholarship could get retracted."Why do this then?" I asked. If she knew about that possibility, then why continue with the fake-dating scheme?"First off, none of this is true. Plus, I get the money, you get to keep your pride. Also your parents probably know about your dating history. They'll brush this off as one of your curiosity. And you are curious aren't you?"I smiled. I wanted to pretend I didn't know what she meant. But she's too cunning for that. I want to know what it's like to date the smartest, most difficult girl I've known. Even if it's fake."I figured. You're

Over the weekend, Dove wouldn't stop referencing Paris. She only spoke with me in French through the entire run of our equestrian training. She even brought quiche and Crémant for our "goûter". She laid out museums and boutiques she plans to visit and has already pre-picked her wardrobe. She was urging me to match some of hers, "It'll look good on photos" she said."Are you already assuming I'm going to lose the bet?" I sipped the sparkling wine she bought. It was too sweet for my liking.Her lips curved into a charming smirk, "Mon beau, tu as déjà perdu. Just accept the fact that there are girls, however rare, who are immune to your charms. Jeter l'éponge."In any other circumstance, I'd agree with Dove. I might have already raised a white flag a few weeks back if it weren't for this scheme I had with August. Is it a loss if I rigged our bet to change court and ally with the enemy? Maybe. But that's something they never have to know. I should feel guilty lying to my friends, but it's

On a typical Sunday night our hangout place will be The Mockingbird, the club owned by Altair– Dove and Raven's older brother. We always get a free pass and a VIP Lounge in an area that overlooks the entire place. We get dibs on the finest drinks and freshest weeds. Legally speaking, we're not really allowed any of those yet. But what is even illegal to us?In our defense, we don't take anything more than what's provided. Nothing hard and dangerous. And Altair always makes sure of that. Even freedom has their restrictions.When I got there, Theo was already raving at the dance floor trying to pick up girls. But his aggression and massive ego could only chase them away. It was painful to watch him. I guess that's why he accepted the deal. He's in desperate need of guidance– my guidance specifically. And he knows I'll never help him in any other circumstance.Arlo and Raven were already on their own corner and whatever they were doing should be done in private. I still wonder when they