Chapters 11: The bloodstained uniform

A piece of clothing was tossed into Aiden's arms.

Aiden shook out the school uniform, paused, and asked Keller, "Whose uniform is this?"

"Who do you think?"

"Mine?"

Aiden had honestly forgotten about it. Before he even arrived at this school, they had prepared more than one uniform for him. So when the bloodstained one went missing, he didn't think much of it, assuming it had been thrown out after his last fight.

"It's the one you wore the day you got into that fight."

That was all Keller said before slumping over his desk, ready to sleep.

But Aiden wasn't calm anymore—not at all. He grabbed Keller with hands like steel clamps, pulled him up, and asked, emphasizing each word, "Did you wash this for me?"

"No."

"Don't lie to me." Aiden smirked. "Would you dare let your family see this uniform?"

"You already know the answer, so why ask?"

Keller's face was nonchalant, completely uninterested in continuing the conversation.

The grin lingered on Aiden's face for what felt like an eternity. His eyes, sharp like hooks, roamed over Keller.

Keller washed my uniform?

The thought alone made Aiden feel oddly light-hearted. He pictured Keller—handsome and brooding—scrubbing at the fabric with a bar of soap, frustration etched on his face as the stains refused to fade. He'd probably think, Why the hell am I washing this guy's clothes? I should just throw it out. But of course, he wouldn't. He'd keep at it, brow furrowed, until every last stain was gone.

Who knew soap could smell this intoxicating?

Back at his place, Aiden neatly folded the uniform and tucked it into his closet.

His phone buzzed incessantly on the table, its vibration nearly shaking the wood.

"Aiden, buddy!"

He didn't even need to look—Jake.

"What's been keeping you so busy? You've been MIA lately!"

Jake's casual question made Aiden freeze for a moment. It was true—he hadn't been in touch with his crew in a while.

"Nothing much. Just classes, sleeping… same old."

Jake chuckled. "Well, clear your schedule for Saturday. Eagle got a new car, and he's itching to race you. You coming to us, or should we pick you up?"

Aiden's sharp gaze darkened slightly.

"I'll come to you. And listen, don't just show up here unannounced. If there's ever something urgent, call me first. I'll let you know if it's okay."

Jake laughed. "What shady business are you up to, man? Hiding something from us?"

Aiden brushed him off. "Just remember what I said. See you Saturday."

Before Jake could reply, Aiden hung up.

Not long after, his phone rang again.

"AIDEN!"

The sharp voice on the other end made Aiden pinch the bridge of his nose.

"You haven't called me in days!"

Aiden sighed. Why did everyone seem to be talking to him like he owed them something?

"We talk every day, don't we?"

"Yeah, but it's always me calling you. You never call me first anymore! You used to. You used to care."

"Who would I even be with? Don't start imagining things. If I had someone else, I wouldn't even pick up your calls."

Amy's voice wavered, like she was on the verge of tears. "Then why don't you call me first?"

"I've been busy moving. Haven't had time."

Amy sniffled softly, her voice more subdued now. "Where did you move to?"

Aiden stared at the peeling paint on his ceiling for a long moment before answering, "Just an apartment near school. You wouldn't remember even if I told you."

"Try me. Tell me where."

Aiden's expression shifted slightly, but his voice stayed calm.

"Don't come here. It's messy. I'd worry about you coming all the way out here by yourself."

Amy was quiet for a long time before her voice turned cold.

"Aiden… you've changed."

"How have I changed?"

"You never used to say stuff like that. Do you have… someone else?"

Aiden ended the call without another word. Sometimes, silence was better than arguing.

For a long while, he sat staring at the dark screen. Eventually, guilt won out, and he powered his phone back on.

This time, Amy didn't call right away. The silence stretched on until Aiden's guilt drove him to dial her number.

"Hello…"

Her voice was heavy with tears, and Aiden's chest tightened. Amy wasn't the type to cry—not in his memory, not ever.

"Alright, alright. Don't cry, okay?"

Amy's sniffles came fast, her words broken and shaky. "I know I shouldn't overthink… but you're acting so different lately. When we were apart before, it still felt like you were with me. But now… you feel so far away."

Aiden paused. "It's not that far. Half an hour by subway."

Amy let out a weak laugh. "Why'd you hang up on me earlier?"

"I didn't hang up. Bad signal."

Amy sighed, her voice soft now. "Can you come see me on Saturday?"

"I already promised Jake I'd meet up with him. How about Sunday? I'm free all day Sunday."

"You always put them before me."

"It's not about that. I made plans with them first."

Amy was quiet for a long time before replying softly, "I have a friend's birthday party on Sunday. I'll be busy all day. Next week, then."

"Alright… next week."

The call ended, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.