FRIEND ZONE

The partygoers were still reeling in shock as Violet's slap echoed through the room.

Oliver's eyes widened in horror as he rushed to intervene. "What did you do, Violet? Can't you see she's drunk?" he exclaimed.

Violet's face was a mask of fury as she turned to Snow. "Snow, what the hell do you think you're doing?" she spat.

Snow's laughter was like a spark to gasoline, igniting the already volatile atmosphere.

She laughed with abandon, her eyes shining with a mischievous glint.

The room was a cacophony of confusion and anger, with everyone talking at once.

Oliver tried to steer Snow away from the chaos, but she shook him off. "Snow, let's go home," he urged.

But Snow was relentless. She stormed back to Violet, her words dripping with venom. "You can't have two things at once, Violet. You have to let go of one."

Violet's face twisted in outrage. "What are you talking about?" she demanded.

Snow's laughter was like a slap in the face. "Why the hell did you let him go?" she taunted.

Violet's eyes flashed with anger. "How dare you! He's my...he's mine!" she spluttered.

Snow's smile was a razor-sharp blade. "If he was yours, you wouldn't have let him go," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

Oliver's voice was a desperate attempt to intervene. "Snow, stop it! Let's go!"

But Snow was unforgiving. "No, I won't stop it," she spat, her eyes blazing with fury.

Snow's lips locked onto Violet's ears, her voice barely above a whisper. "Leo was mine too, but you kissed him, and I didn't cause a scene." She smiled sweetly, her words dripping with venom.

Violet's face went white, her eyes wide with shock. Snow turned on her heel, her hips swaying as she walked away. "Go ahead, keep doing what you're doing, Violet. But I won't let you have two things at once. I'm very good at that," she called out over her shoulder.

Oliver followed Snow, his face a mask of concern. "Wait, Snow," he said, but Snow kept walking, her feet stumbling as she went.

"Snow, what's wrong with you?" Oliver asked, grabbing her arm to steady her. "You're drunk."

Snow looked up at him, her eyes glassy. "What did I do? I'm just looking out for you," she slurred.

Oliver's face darkened, his voice rising in anger. "You're not looking out for me, Snow. You're causing a scene and embarrassing me."

Snow's smile faltered, her eyes welling up with tears. "I'm sorry, Oliver. I didn't mean to," she whispered.

But Oliver was beyond consolation. "Let's just get out of here," he spat, his voice dripping with disgust.

As they stumbled out of the party, Snow's legs gave out beneath her. Oliver caught her, but not before she vomited all over his shirt.

"Seriously, Snow?" Oliver exclaimed, his voice a mixture of frustration and disgust.

Snow looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Oliver. I don't know what's wrong with me."

Oliver sighed, his expression softening. "This is what happens when I hang out with you, Snow. Let's just get you to your dorm."

But as they walked, Snow's words slurred together. "I'm not drunk, Oliver. I'm just...just tired."

Oliver raised an eyebrow. "Tired? You're not tired, Snow. You're drunk."

Snow shook her head, her eyes closing. "No, Oliver. I'm not drunk. I'm just...just sad."

Oliver's expression softened, his voice gentle. "What's wrong, Snow? Why are you sad?"

But Snow just shook her head, her eyes remaining closed. "I don't know, Oliver. I just...just feel lost."

Oliver started the car, carefully helping Snow into the passenger seat beside him.

As he drove, Snow's eyelids began to droop, her words slurring together.

"Oliver..." she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Oliver glanced over at her, his expression softening. "What, Snow? Just go to sleep."

But Snow's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking onto Oliver's. "Oliver, I'm sorry...I couldn't tell you this before," she whispered, her words laced with regret.

Oliver's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "What is it, Snow? What are you sorry for?"

Snow's eyes began to close again, but she forced them open, her voice barely above a whisper. "I knew you and Violet were dating...and I knew she was cheating on you with Leo."

Oliver's eyes widened, his face frozen in shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his heart shattering into a million pieces.

But he refused to believe it. He couldn't believe that Violet would cheat on him. He shook his head, his voice firm. "Enough, Snow. Go to sleep."

Snow's eyes finally closed, her body relaxing into the seat. "I'm sorry, Oliver...I'm sorry..." she murmured, her words trailing off into silence.

Oliver's face was a mask of calm, but inside, he was reeling. He couldn't believe what Snow had just told him.

He felt like his whole world had been turned upside down. But he refused to believe it. He wouldn't believe it until he had proof.

Infact he didn't want prove. He just doesn't want to believe it!!

Oliver pulled up to Snow's dorm, the building looming before them. He turned off the engine and got out, carefully lifting Snow out of the passenger seat. She was still fast asleep, her body limp in his arms.

Oliver fished the keys out of Snow's purse and unlocked the door, pushing it open with his shoulder.

He flipped on the light, illuminating the empty dorm room. Snow stirred in his arms, murmuring something incoherent.

Oliver looked down at her, his voice soft. "Which room is yours, Snow?"

Snow's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused. She pointed down the hall, her arm waving vaguely.

Oliver followed her gesture, carrying Snow to her room. He laid her down on the bed, covering her with the blankets. For a moment, he just stood there, staring at her peaceful face.

But as the silence stretched out, Oliver finally turned to leave. He switched off the light and closed the door behind him, making his way back to the entrance of the dorm.

As he stepped out into the cool night air, he was surprised to see Violet waiting for him. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.

Oliver's expression was grim. "I want to have a word with you," he said, his voice low and even.

Violet's eyes narrowed, but she nodded. "Okay."

Oliver turned, walking away from the dorm. Violet followed him, her heels clicking on the pavement.

They stopped at the stairs of the building, the darkness seeming to press in around them.

_____

Minnie and William were having a blast playing video games together. Minnie was hilariously bad at it, and they were both cracking each other up with their funny commentary.

As they took a break from the game, Minnie reached for her drink, but as she took a sip, a droplet of liquid stayed on her lip.

William's eyes caught on it, and he couldn't help but stare. Minnie's heart began to beat faster, and she wondered if William could hear it.

Without saying a word, William leaned in closer, his face inches from Minnie's.

Minnie's mind was racing with excitement. "Wow, it's happening! This is just like those K-dramas where they always end up kissing!" She felt like she was melting into William's gaze.

But just as suddenly, William's thumb brushed against her lip, cleaning off the droplet.

Minnie's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a pang of disappointment. Oh, it was just the drink!

William smiled, holding up the droplet on his thumb. "Look what was on your lip!" he said, chuckling.

Minnie was upset, feeling a bit silly. "Thanks," she said, smiling up at him.

But as they stood there, Minnie suddenly felt a bit awkward. "Ready for another round?" William asked, gesturing to the game.

Minnie hesitated. "Mm, actually, I don't think so. I guess it's getting late, and I should probably get going."

William raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

Minnie nodded. "Yeah, I guess so."

William smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Bye," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Minnie smiled back, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Bye," she replied, turning to leave.

**

Oliver's eyes narrowed, his voice low and even. "What do you think you're doing, Violet?" he asked, his words dripping with accusation.

Violet's expression was defiant. "Oliver, I couldn't just stand still while she...while she kissed you."

Oliver's eyebrows shot up. "While she what? You're acting like I'm some kind of prize to be won."

Violet's voice rose. "Don't behave like someone kissing you is just a normal thing! I wouldn't stand there and watch them do that."

Oliver's eyes flashed with anger. "Why did you need to protect it? Why couldn't you just let me go?"

Violet's expression softened, her voice taking on a pleading tone. "Come on, Oliver. Don't do this. You need a break, and I...I miss you. I realize I made a mistake by needing space."

Oliver's face hardened. "Don't take advantage of my feelings, Violet. Not this time."

Violet's eyes welled up with tears. "What's going on, Oliver? You're acting like you're done with me."

Oliver's voice was cold, detached. "I gave you time, space, attention...everything. But you proved to me that you're not worthy of my word."

Violet's face crumpled. "What are you talking about? You think Snow is worthy of it?"

Oliver's eyes flashed with anger. "What I'm talking about is that you ended things with me. You needed a break, time to think."

Violet's voice rose. "You said it yourself - I needed to think! Why would I want to end things with you?"

Oliver's expression was bitter. "I don't know what you want, Violet. But I do know I'm not a fool."

His words cut deep, and Violet's face went white. Oliver turned and walked away, leaving Violet standing alone in the stairwell.

💫💫💫

As Oliver walked up the stairs of the boys' dorm building, he heard the sound of footsteps coming from above.

He looked up to see Minnie descending the stairs, without smile on her face.

"Oh, Oliver!" Minnie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with thoughts. "You guys are back from the party!"

Oliver nodded, his expression subdued. "Ah, yes. We're back. Were you with William??"

Minnie's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Yes, I went to see William. He needed help with something, so I went over to lend a hand."

Oliver's gaze drifted away, his voice distant. "Well, I guess I'll see you around."

Minnie nodded, her smile faltering. "Yeah, see you around. I guess Snow should be back soon...alongside Violet."

The two of them stood there for a moment, the silence between them awkward. Finally, Minnie spoke up. "Well, good night, Oliver."

Oliver nodded, his voice low. "Good night, Minnie."

With that, they parted ways, each of them heading in opposite directions.

The silence between them lingered, a reminder of the unspoken tensions and unresolved emotions that hung in the air.

Oliver trudged into the suite, looking like he'd just been through a war. William opened the door, a look of concern etched on his face.

"Ah, you're back," William said, stepping aside to let Oliver in.

Oliver nodded, his expression subdued. "Yes, I'm back."

William's eyes narrowed. "What happened? You don't look right."

Oliver sighed, flopping down onto the couch. "It's just been a long night," he began, rubbing his temples.

William sat down beside him, his eyes curious. "What happened at the party?"

Oliver took a deep breath, launching into the story of Snow and Violet's fight. William listened, his eyes growing wider and wider as the story unfolded.

When Oliver finished, William let out a low whistle. "Oh my God, how could Violet do that to her friend?" he exclaimed.

Oliver shook his head. "I know, right? I just don't understand her. She said she needed a break, and when I gave her one, she made things complicated."

William snorted. "Girls, right? That's how they always are. They're like, 'I need space,' and then they get mad when you give it to them."

Oliver raised an eyebrow, a wry smile on his face. "Yeah, maybe. But Violet's always been a bit...different."

William nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I can see that. So, what are you going to do now?"

Oliver shrugged. "I don't know. I just need some time to think, I guess."

William nodded. "Well, you can have all the time you need. Just don't let Violet get to you, okay?"

Oliver smiled, feeling a bit better. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."

He stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "I think I need a shower. And I hope Snow and Violet don't lash out at each other tomorrow."

William nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I hope so too. That's all we need, those two going at it again."

Oliver chuckled, heading for the bathroom. "Tell me about it."