“Pens down. Time is up.”
The supervisor speaks into the microphone, just as I finish the last question. All those hours of being stuck in my room studying endlessly definitely paid off. I successfully completed my last exams of high school. If it was socially acceptable, I would jump into the air and cry tears of joy. But it’s not, so I keep my mouth shut and wait for a supervisor to take my exam before I am dismissed.

I walk out of the exam room, and it’s absolutely amazing. I still feel like I’m chained down by something, but it feels like the chain is a lot less heavy. I’m looking forward to hanging out with Kai, because he seemed to be in such high spirits when he called me. I walk home, leave my bag in the hallway, and walk to Kai’s house. I stand in front of his door and ring the bell. Harley opens it.

“TJ. Hi. Good timing. See if you can talk sense into that boy. I’m out.” He seems very flustered, and nearly trips over in his haste to leave. Hesitantly, I step inside.
“Kai? Where are you?”
“WHAT?!” He thunders. His angry yell seems to be coming from the kitchen, so I carefully walk there. I notice that there are bottles of beer strewn around the house, especially around the lounge. I feel myself frown when I see the bag of white powder on top the dining table when I step into the kitchen. There are bottles of alcohol lining the shelves, and Kai leans against the counter with a drink in his hand. My stomach drops. He’s intoxicated and there’s a chance he’s high. Are we still going to go out?

“What?” He asks more calmly.
“I finished exams!” I try to be bright and happy about it.
“Oh? Congratulations. I walked out on mine.” He finishes his bottle and places it on the counter. “What are you doing here?” He walks to the fridge and gets another bottle.
“You told me to come here after my exams.” He looks at me like I’m crazy, and then his expression changes.
“Ohh that. Nah, don’t worry about it. I don’t feel like it anymore.” I’m angry that he’s just cancelling our plans so suddenly. I was actually looking forward to them.
“I was actually looking forward to them.” I cross my arms across my chest and make it plain as day that I am annoyed with him.
“Well, I was not, so I cancelled.” It hurt that he didn’t want to spend time together. It really did.
“Oh.”
“Yeah.”
We stand in an awkward silence for a little bit.
“So are you going to leave?”
“Well, can we spend some time together? I’ve missed you.”
“I don’t feel like it.” It felt like being stabbed with knives. Why is he being such a jerk?
“Can you just stop?”
“Stop what?”
“Stop being an asshole! I was looking forward to spending time with you, you know! I’m putting a lot of effort into trying to keep this relationship going, but you just like to shove my efforts into the bin and blow me off like it’s nothing! I’ve put up with you taking drugs, but you aren’t putting in any effort to change! You said you would quit!”
“What do you mean I blow you off?! This is the first time! God, I just want some space. You’re so clingy! And what makes you think I’m going to quit taking drugs?!”
“Why did you do it the first time?!”
“I thought you were a good person! Then you went and cavorted with that guy. I would feel guilty if I dated a good person but wasn’t actually one myself, so I tried to be some other person, but it turns out you aren’t such an angel yourself!”
“What do you mean?! I keep telling you, I didn’t do anything with him!”
“You can’t deny you didn’t do something. I saw you myself! But because I love you, I let it slide. So because you love me, you should let this slide, too!”

Infuriated, I grab the bag of cocaine and throw it at him. The bag was open, and the powder flew at him.
“HEY! YOU B****! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”
“YOU’RE JONGIN! NOT KAI! I LOVED KAI, NOT JONGIN!” I let out all my anger, and he stands there shocked.
“How the hell do you know about that?”
“How do you think?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to quit.”
“Then we’re through. I’m not going to stay with you.” At the moment, I am just letting my anger do its thing.
“Fine! Get out!”
“I am!” I storm out of the kitchen, and behind me, I hear glass breaking. I don’t care anymore. I just want to get away from him.

I exit his house, and I feel free. I’m finally not chained down anymore. It’s weird that I don’t feel even slightly remorseful at the fact that I’ve ended our relationship. What’s even stranger is that I’m actually happy. I grin, and feel like all my worries have been lifted off of me. I don’t have to worry about him anymore. I can now focus on myself. I can’t help but laugh. I was so heart broken about the first break up, but now look at me. Yeah, go me. Maturation. I walk happily with a skip in my step, and decide to eat something at the shops before going back home. I don’t have anymore studying to do, so what’s the point of staying home?

I do some shopping to reward myself, and walk to the food court. There’s hardly anyone here, but it’s a Thursday, why would anyone BE here? Everyone will be at work. I buy some fro-yo and walk to a seat. As I enjoy my food and my new found freedom, I hear my name.

“TJ? Is that you?” I look around for the source of the voice, and my eyes land on Luhan.

Notes