Pugsley’s phone buzzes. Eugene’s helping someone else again. Perfect. Just perfect.

Eugene: Almost done helping Sam.

Sam. Of course. Why him and not me? Why not me?

Pugsley: i’ll kill what’s his face

Send. Good. Strong. Chaotic. Appropriate.

Eugene: …?

Of course he texts back confused. He doesn’t get it. He never does. But that’s okay. He’ll notice anyway. He has to.

Pugsley: gn

Send again. Short. Sharp. Too much emotion wrapped in nothing. He’ll feel it if he’s paying attention.

My chest twists. I’m mad. I’m furious. I’m… scared. Scared he’s getting tired of me, scared he’s slipping away with everyone else while I… I just wanted him.

Pugsley: i just wanted you.

As a roommate? Friend? More? Whatever. Tap. Send. Too late. Perfect. He’ll see it. He’ll feel it. Maybe he’ll get it. Maybe he won’t. Doesn’t matter. I needed to say it. My hands are shaking anyway.

Phone down. Staring at nothing. Half angry, half broken. I’ll kill who’s his face, sure, but mostly… I just wanted his damn bee boy.