Treatment 284_Badass in Disguise

The doorbell rang just after eight. I was helping Ss with his calculus when Captain bolted toward the door, barking excitedly.

 ‘I’ll get it,” Ss said, pushing his chair back.

 A momentter, Ss returned to the sofa with Ethan trailing behind him.

 I watched Maxi glide back and forth across the living room. “Can I take it apart?” 

 “This is my gift to Max,” Ethan said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “But I can have a few more sent over tomorrow if you want to 

 dismantle those instead.”

 I looked up at him. “I don’t want to destroy it. Just modify it.”

 “Exterior design not to your liking, or the operating system?” Ethan asked, studying me with interest.

 “It’s fine,” I shrugged, straightening up. Just won a few awards in robotics. “What about you? Any interest in robotics?” 

 “I dabbled in AI development while at boarding school in Russia,” he said casually. “Started apany to experiment. It was just for practice, but I enjoyed it.”

 As Ethan prepared to leave, he paused at the door, leaning close.

 “Goodnight, Jade,” he whispered, brushing his lips against my cheek.

 I narrowed my eyes at him, but he was already walking away, a satisfied smile on his face.

 The doorbell jolted me awake at 2:17 AM.

 I checked the security camera on my phone. Ss stood outside, shoulders hunched, looking more haunted than usual.

 Sighing, I made my way downstairs and opened the door.

 “Do you know what time it is?” I asked, not bothering to hide my irritation.

 ‘I can’t sleep,” Ss said, his voice barely audible. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his face had a gaunt, hollow look.

 I stepped aside to let him in, watching as he moved like a ghost into my apartment.

 He sank onto the couch and stared at nothing.

 “I have a friend who’s a psychiatrist,” I said after a moment. “When he’s avable, I could arrange for you to meet.”

 Ss nced up sharply. “I don’t need a shrink.”

 “Your mother’s death, witnessing that man die under the wheels of a car, years of whatever’s happening at home…” I gestured to his arm, where fresh bruises peeked out from under his sleeve. “All that builds up, Ss.” 

 He tugged his sleeve down, avoiding my eyes. “The sleeping pills you made help sometimes.” 

 “Those aren’t meant for long–term use. The side effects-” 

 “I know,” he cut me off. “I just… I don’t know what else to do.”

 I nodded toward the guest room where Ryan had stayed. “You can crash here tonight. Try to get some rest.” 

 “Thank you,” he whispered.

 I turned to head back upstairs, but his voice stopped me.

 “Jade?”

 I nced back over my shoulder. “Something else?”

 Ss hesitated, then asked, “Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night? There’s a new restaurant near campus that’s supposed to be good.”

 I studied him for a moment, weighing my options. “Sure,” I finally said.

 The restaurant Ss chose was trying hard to be upscale–white tablecloths, waiters in ties, artfully ted food. The prices on the menu suggested seventy to eighty dors per person, which I knew was a stretch for Ss’s budget.

 “This ce has good reviews,” I said, scanning the options.

 “I thought you might like it,” he replied, fidgeting with his napkin. When he reached for the water ss, his sleeve rode up, revealing new bruises alongside the healing ones.

 I didn’tment on them.

 We both ordered the mid–range steak. The conversation stayed light–sses, his improving grades, Max’s adjustment to Princeton.

 “About the psychiatrist,” I said as our food arrived. “I don’t know much about therapy, but I do know it depends a lot on your attitude. You have to want to get better.”

 Ss looked at me, his gaze suddenly intense. He nodded slowly, eyes never leaving mine. “I understand.”

 We ate infortable silence after that.

 Walking back from the restaurant, we took a shortcut through a quiet neighborhood. The streetlights cast long shadows, and the night air was cool against my skin.

 Mon, Sep 29 

 Chapter 284 <fna340> For original chapters go to find?novel</fna340>

 :..

 “We’re being followed,” Ss murmured suddenly, his posture stiffening.

 I’d noticed them two blocks back–a group of about twenty men in hoodies and bandanas, moving with purpose. Their eyes were fixed on Ss with unmistakable hostility. 

 “Hey, Murphy!” one of them called out. “We got unfinished business!” 

 Ss’s hand shot out, grabbing mine. “Run,” he whispered urgently.

 We sprinted down the street, the sound of heavy footsteps and angry shouts following close behind. Ss pulled me toward a small public park, ducking between trees and hedges in an attempt to lose our pursuers.

 We pressed ourselves against a </brge oak tree, my back against the rough bark, Ss’s body just inches from mine. His breathing was ragged, eyes wide with fear as he peered around the trunk.

 The gang members spread out through the park, shlights sweeping across the ground. “Murphy! We know you’re in here, you piece of shit!” one shouted.

 Minutes passed like hours until finally they regrouped and left, cursing and kicking trash cans on their way out.

 Ss exhaled slowly, his body sagging with relief. Then he seemed to realize how close we were standing. His eyes dropped to my lips, and he swayed forward slightly.

 I ced a hand on his chest, gently pushing him back. “We should go,” I said quietly.

 The disappointment in his eyes was clear, but he nodded and stepped away.

 I watched him walk away, shoulders hunched once more, before turning in the opposite direction. For the next few days, Ss was noticeably distant during our tutoring sessions, avoiding eye contact and speaking only when necessary.

 “Still not done with the tutoring?” Ethan asked, leaning against my kitchen counter. He’d arrived just as Ss and I were finishing our lesson on market economics.

 “We’re done with the tutoring,” I exined. “I’m teaching him someputer skills now.”

 Ethan looked between us, his expression cooling. After a moment of silence, he shrugged. “Then I’ll let you continue. I’m heading out.”

 Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, the door closing firmly behind him.

 Ss looked down at his notebook. “I’m sorry about that.”

 I nced at him, my expression neutral. “What are you apologizing for?”

 “You and him…” Ss hesitated. “It’s because of me, isn’t it?”

 I stood up, gathering my materials. “Remember to turn off the lights when you leave.” 

 I headed toward the stairs, but Ss’s voice stopped me.

 Mon, Sep

 “Jade.” 

 I turned around. “Yes?” 

 ?

 Ss stared at me, clearly wrestling with something. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “I… I have something I need to tell you.” 

 “You’re not about to tell me you like me, are you?” I asked bluntly.

 Ss froze, his expression confirming my suspicion.

 “Can’t you see that Ethan and I have something going on?” I asked. “The whole Princeton campus is talking about us.” 

 “Are you two officially together?” Ss pressed, a new intensity in his voice.

 I considered the question. “His heart’s racing whenever I’m around.”

 “That’s not an answer,” Ss pointed out. “So you’re not officially together yet.”

 I sighed. “That’s enough for tonight, Ss. The psychiatrist will be avable soon. Be ready.”

 “I will,” he said, his expression brightening slightly. “Goodnight, Jade.”

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Treatment 284