Callum's POV:

I don't think anyone was able to sleep last night.

Haze joined me in the kitchen at about ten to six the next morning, looking extremely sleep-deprived. I offer him a tight-lipped smile.

"Couldn't sleep either?"

He shakes his head.

"Coffee?"

"Please."

I flick the jug on and Haze collapses onto the stool near the kitchen bench. He sighs, leaning onto his elbows.

"I feel really shit."

"Tired?"

"About how I acted," he explains.

"I think it was a pretty standard reaction. It wouldn't be easy to see her after everything."

"I wanted to do this for Jake. But when she started saying all those things..." he trails off, rubbing his hands roughly across his face. "Made me so fucking angry."

"She can't expect to come back in and pick up where she left off. It's not possible," I say. "Some things can't be forgiven, either, no matter how much time passes."

"That's the thing," he agrees. "I am just so angry at her that I don't think I can forgive her."

"It's okay not to forgive someone after they've hurt you," I mumble, my finger playing with the cord. I was forgiven when I didn't deserve to be.

"This is nothing like your situation, Cal," Haze says in a tone softer than I thought he was capable of.

I don't say anything back to that but instead, make us both a coffee.

"Sugar?" I ask.

"Trying to quit," he half-smiles.

"Are you hungry?"

"Sort of."

"I'll make some breakfast."

"I can make it."

"It's all good," I say. "I like keeping busy."

Haze stands and stretches for a moment.

"Despite things that have happened, Cal, I think you and my brother are the best things for each other. He has never loved someone like he loves you. Not family, no one."

I press my lips together as we stare at each other. I have no idea what to say back to that. And I'm worried I might cry. Which would be really embarrassing.

"Just don't fuck up again, or I'll kick your ass," he adds, before strolling from the kitchen.

***

Jake's curled fist slams into me and I stumble back.

"Again," I demand.

He hurls towards me, hitting with no remorse. I battle to stand my ground as the hits get faster and harder.

"More," I pant.

The hits come harder and faster and then suddenly we're both toppling over and landing in a sprawl on the ground.

"Ow," I groan, letting the barrier pad I'm holding fall beside me.

"You said more," pants Jake as he drags his arm over his sweaty forehead.

"Do you feel better now?"

"Lots," he nods. "This was a good idea."

I prop myself up and look across the floor, to see Haze and a boy I've never met practising hits. I would not like to be at the other end of his fists. Jake's are hard enough.

"You boys all right?" the trainer calls out.

We nod and help each other get to our feet.

"I might go lay some on that punching bag," Jake nods towards the bags swinging a little from us. "I have a bit more anger to get out."

We part ways and I go to the treadmill. I pick the one that lets me get a good view of Jake. Him punching, his arms veiny, his skin glistening with sweat is something I don't mind looking at.

A blonde-haired girl climbs onto the treadmill beside me, even though there's at least five other ones spaced apart. She smiles at me.

"Hey."

I smile in reply, too breathless to respond. I run until my legs feel like jelly and my lungs are burning. I finally ease back to a walk, my saliva thick in my mouth, and my insides on fire.

"You live around here?" the girls asks me.

"On-campus."

"Oh cool, me too," she smiles.

I hit the stop button and lean onto the frame, trying to catch my breath.

"We should get a drink sometime," she continues.

I don't really know what to say and I still can't breathe.

"Um," I finally get out, as Jake comes over.

"Let's go get some food. I'm starving," he says.

"Hi," the girl says to him. "I'm trying to get your friend to agree to have a drink with me," she says boldly with a flirty smile.

Jake turns to me with a grin. "And? Are you?"

"Um," I repeat.

"I'm sorry," Jake intervenes with a polite smile. "I should tell you he's actually in a relationship. Hence the awkwardness," he waves his hand at me.

"Oh," she says. "I didn't realise. Sorry."

"All good. See you around," Jake says, before taking his hand in mine.

As we walk, he leans up and kisses the corner of my mouth.

"You think her jaw is on the ground right now?" he smirks.

"Probably pretty close."

"Good," he grins.

When we get to the car, Jake follows me to the driver's side.

"What are you doing?" I ask before he pushes me against the car and kisses me hard. It's wet and slippery and salty but I kiss him back just as much intensity.

"I love you," he tells me, brushing my hair back from my forehead. "I've decided something," he goes on.

"What's that?"

"I'm going to go see dad tomorrow," Jake answers. "And you're coming with me."

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