Love, On Read (MxM)

Chapter 24: Where Do I Start?

A/N: Honestly wasn't sure which to make this chapter about and said might as well drop the drama already, given I'm already at chapter 24 XD

Ollie's POV

Haruto's cafe was my sanctuary. My home. The only solace I had found after all those years of trying to move on and finally live my life, tainted now with the sight of these idiots in front of me.

Granted, I had a feeling they'd show up here; eventually, I hoped they'd just given up by now.

I guess I hadn't made my point clear to Mason. I didn't ever want to see them ever again, and yet he was back, in my damn coffee shop, with Benjamin. The only thing keeping me sane from me running out of this damn place was the reassuring glance Haruto gave me from behind the counter and that the bathroom was right next to the back room, an option to hide away from them. After explaining it to him, Haruto had told me he'd jump over the counter if he tried anything again, something I had laughed at, but he was dead serious. He had done hurdles one year for the track team in high school.

Still, the nerves and frustration at seeing them this close made me sick to my stomach. They hovered behind me as I stood in line, Haruto sparing a concerned yet reassuring glance my way as he approached the register.

Like last time, Mason offered to pay for my drink, so I let him, Haruto charging them extra for the white mocha syrup, something he always had thrown it in for free whenever I came in. Haruto smirked before saying quietly. "Alright, iced americano, macchiato, and the usual for you. I'll bring it to you, Ollie."

"Thanks." I smiled back.

Benjamin had a strange expression on his face as he heard Haruto use his old nickname for me. What? I mouthed to him before heading to my seat. They followed suit, sitting in the seats in front of me; Haruto typically sat in the seats.

As I waited for my drink, an awkward silence fell between us. Benjamin, unlike Mason, had changed quite a bit in the past few years. He had gotten slimmer, his outfits more trendy than before. He hated patterns, especially on fitted clothes, but he was wearing a slim-fit shirt with a triangular pattern.

Haruto walked briskly with my cold brew and their drinks, clearing his throat as he set the cups down gently. "Can I get you anything else? Ollie?"

"I'm fine, Haruto, thanks." He walked away reluctantly before going behind the counter and chatting with Janice and Mi-young. The three would glance at our table before helping the customers that strolled in while Mason and Benjamin sat there awkwardly.

I couldn't even look them in their eyes, knowing I'd probably start stuttering and shaking like a leaf, so I bit my lip, steeling the nerves enough to spat, "talk."

"Um. Where....where do I start?" Benjamin finally muttered, handing Mason his water. "It... It's been a while, Oliver."

It was the first time hearing his voice again since high school, slightly richer than before, but still distinctly his voice. I turned to Mason, my eyes settling at the collar of his shirt instead. "I thought I said I didn't want anything to do with you two."

"Come on, Oliver," Benjamin implored. "Just hear us out. We were friends. Don't be like that."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Close? Before junior year, maybe. Friends don't pull the kind of shit you did."

"Oliver—"Mason nudged his side.

"Don't you start," I sneered. "You're just as guilty as he is."

Mason pursed his lips before muttering a faint, "I know."

My fists clenched under the table, "Why are you even here? Why are you two so incessant on speaking to me?"

Benjamin fiddled with his hands, a nervous habit he hadn't given up. This time, the ring around his finger reflected the lights in the cafe. It was more delicate than the football and class rings he'd wear during the championship game after-parties, almost out of place and too thin. Yet, sure enough, Mason wore a matching one.