Calling Affection (Boyxboy)

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Oliver's POV

Some of the ex-girlfriends Axel had talked to were totally cool with him. 

"What?" Emily asked him, confused. Drake stood beside her, holding her hand tightly, glaring at Axel. Emily shrugged. "I don't care. I mean, yeah, I was upset you ghosted me, but whatever. It was a one-time thing."

Axel rubbed his neck, aware of the eyes on him — not just Drake's, but everyone in the hallway was peering over from behind their locker doors, or huddled in groups, all listening in in curiosity. Even the French teacher was pretending not to listen as she conspicuously straightened the poster on her door. 

I was listening in, but I kept my head turned staunchly forward as I rearranged the textbooks in my locker. There were visible white earphones in my ears, but the volume was completely turned down to allow me to hear what was going on. I had put a small magnetic mirror on the side, and the reflection gave me a clear view of what was going on without me having to show that I cared. I didn't care, but I was curious. 

 "I... yeah. Sorry about that," Axel cleared his throat. "I shouldn't have ghosted you... That was, uh. My bad," he glanced at the floor, at the ceiling, at the classroom, at Emily, at Drake, and then back at his feet.

"It's cool. Besides, I met Drake because of you, so actually, thanks," Emily giggled, fluttering her lashes at Drake. Drake's insecurity was extinguished immediately. His chest was puffed up and he wrapped an arm around Emily's waist, staring at Axel with his chin raised, smug.

Axel's brow ticked, noticing the silent provocation, but he kept his mouth shut. "That's... cool. Great for you." He paused. "Seriously. I'm glad you're doing well, you were always pretty cool," he trailed off, visibly feeling awkward. 

Emily took the compliment with careless ease. "Thanks Axel! Is that all you wanted to say?" She asked intentionally, and everyone eavesdropping leaned in, eyes wide.

Axel hesitated. "Well, I mean," Axel's eyes flickered over to where I was standing and ignoring him. "I'm not sure if you've heard..." Axel started.

"I don't think I have," Emily, the gossip lover, lied.

Axel looked resigned to it. "Well, I was hoping to ask out Oliver," the eavesdroppers immediately began chattering quietly, but quietened when Axel painstakingly continued. "And... I was wondering if you'd give your blessing... or something, y'know," he mumbled.

Emily leaned forward, a predatory yet innocent look on her face. "I don't think I do."

Axel closed his eyes, gathering his bravado. "I mean, since I was kinda shitty when I was with you, I just, y'know, want to make sure there are no hard feelings between us, and that we can give our blessing to each other's future relationships," he fumbled his way through the script Van probably gave him.

It wasn't bad, all things considered. Earlier, Axel had said something along the lines of "Oliver doesn't want to go out with someone who others have grudges on." 

But Rosalia had called him out on that. "So you're only apologizing because Oliver's making you?" She scoffed and gave Axel the finger. "Fuck off."

Emily had received sufficient gossip material, and grinned at Axel. "Yeah, I totally support you and Oliver! It's all good, I hope you guys get together soon!"

Axel gave a stiff, almost bashful smile back. "Thanks. Could you, um. Let Oliver know that?" 

I sighed internally. Quickly closing my locker, I began walking away. I kept my pace casual to prevent it seeming like I was running away, and walking with my head down and earphones in made me blend in pretty easily.