Chapter 3: Just a talk

Eddie's POV (7 years ago)Gaege and I laughed, walking down the street. I was so happy with him. Most of my friends never made me laugh as much as him. Even if he was younger, I still connected with him in some way.

"I had fun with you today, Eddie," Gaege told me, brushing his hair out of his face with a bright smile, "Going to the movies was a good idea."

I nodded, parting him on the back. "I told you that hanging out will relieve your stress." 

Gaege nodded a little, putting his hands in his pockets. "So, how are you feeling now?" I decided to ask, watching him look down.

"I'm actually..." He said slowly, making me wonder if I did something wrong. His voice trailed off the quietly, almost as if he was lost and confused in his mind.

"Gaege?" I asked him gently, trying to figure out what he was thinking. He was silent for a moment before saying, "I actually haven't felt this happy in days."

He looked up at me with a small smile, his hazel eyes sparkling. I wasn't entire sure if it was simply a trick of the moonlight or if there were tears forming in his eyes. I couldn't explain how fast my heart was racing at that moment nor the way my eyes flickered down to his lips.

My cheeks heated up a little, but I turned away before he could see. I cleared my throat before saying, "Me too. I'm happy we got to spend time together outside of school."

Gaege continued smiling, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. We continued walking side by side, enjoying the beautiful night breeze.

Gaege's (Juicy's) POV (Present time)I shoved my hands in my pockets, wondering what Eddie could possibly want.

"What is it?" I asked him, feeling tense for some reason. "If it's about me staying here, trust me, I hate it as much as you. Can we just pretend to get along in front of the boys and avoid each other later?"

Eddie's lips parted in shock at my slightly angered tone of voice, but he stood up straighter. Eddie hesitated before saying, "It's not that. I just wanted to tell you I..."

He looked at me again, but he turned away just as quickly. My eyes trailed over his anime shirt and grey joggers. He used to love anime. Always talking about it when we used to hang out...

Why did I remember that about him all of a sudden?

"You're staying in the guest room," Eddie's straight voice finally snapped me back to reality. "Right across from mine."

I pulled at my collar, answering, "Thanks, Eddie." I paused before adding, "Is that it?"

Eddie nodded, clearing his throat, "Yeah..." I knew in his tone of voice that he wasn't telling me the whole story, but I didn't question it more. I knew him for so long that I knew he was hiding something. But it was probably nothing right? It was not like I cared anyway.

Narrator and Eddie helped me carry some of my luggage into the guest room, and I collapsed on the bed with a slight sigh. "Sorry, I'm just so tired from the flight," I told them as I sat back up.

"We were going to go out for drinks once the other boys got here tomorrow," Narrator told me, giving Eddie a smile, "You up for it?"

"Yeah, sure. I'm totally down to party," I laughed, "Although I feel like Josh can throw it down better than anyone when he's drunk." They laughed at my comment, and I rubbed a hand over my face.

"Sorry guys, I'm just so tired." I rested my head on my hand, and Eddie gave me a sad look for some reason. He was acting very strange even though we had been working for a few months together. I would think he would've gotten used to me already. Even if the imprint of our past was still on our relationship, I just ignored it. It was too painful to think about anyway.

Eddie pressed his lips into a line, crossing his arms. "What?" I asked him with a frown. "Nothing," Eddie shook his head, leaving the room, "Get some rest Juicy. We have to record tomorrow anyway."

Narrator and I watched Eddie leave the room, which left me and him alone. "What's wrong with him?" I asked Narrator, raising a slight eyebrow. Narrator sighed, "I wish I knew. He's been acting weird all day." I scratched my head, "Huh. Well, he's probably just exhausted. I know I am."

Narrator left after a few minutes of talking to me, but my head still swarmed with thoughts about Eddie. I had never seen him act that way. Maybe he was stressed about having a lot of guys over at his house? Maybe he needs to record a lot of videos?

I dragged myself to the guest bedroom, groaning as my body ached. My back pressed against the cool bedsheets, and a relaxed sigh escaped my lips.

I pulled a blanket over me when I turned off the lights. My eyes started to close as I rested against the pillow. It oddly smelled like Eddie, but I ignored it. I was way too tired to care.

"Eddie..." I subconsciously murmured to myself without even realizing it.