Help me understand you love 

Help me go the way you want me to go

Cause you're going 'bout this all the wrong way

-Tell Me by Sabrina Claudio

He did not understand how he got here: leaning his head back against the closed door, showing off his long-tanned neck while his eyes rested shut in pleasure. The breath that breathed down his neck as soft lips caressed the skin, creating goosebumps throughout his body, drove him mad. 

I shouldn't be here; repeatedly rang through his mind like a broken record. And maybe, he was broken because the person creating mind-blowing sensations from his neck to his toes while whispering mindless promises was not his lover. 

And that note there should have stopped him. Because he had a lover, and the one about to take him in this barely-lit room, is not them.  

So, how did he end up here?

"Nineeeee," someone whined while throwing their bag on the cafeteria table, "did you finish your calculus assignments yet? If so, can I copy them, pleaseeeee?" 

Nine sighed while rolling his eyes. Sometimes, he wondered why he was friends with Jon. Jon was the type to skip out on school work (and even regular work) to party or hook up with any person catching his interest. He was a good friend, but responsibility did not even appear in his vocabulary. 

"You know it is due in an hour, right? Professor Meyer's class is literally our next class." Nine responded, wondering if he should shake his head at his friend's consistent irresponsible behavior. 

Hey! At least Jon is consistent. 

Nine felt a hand smack his back as another person joined the table, setting down their tray. "Don't give Jon shit. He should learn to deal with his mistakes. We spoil him too much." 

"Ahhh, Lee, I am going to tell Cassy that you are bullying me," Jon complained. 

And here is Lee, the type of friend perfect for me. He is a top student at the university that is all about responsibility and diligence. 

Lee threw a fry at Jon, "Stop complaining to my girlfriend every time I say something you dislike." 

"She is my sister," Jon muttered. 

"If you two are going to argue, take it somewhere else, please." Nine interjected, already getting a headache from the incoming "argument" between his best friends. Honestly, he has been in a stressful mood since last month. 

"Nine," Jon started again, "forget the assignments; you should come party with me tonight." 

"Jon," Nine sighed for the umpteenth time today, "I told you, I am not going drinking nor feel the need to." 

"But, you have been looking so stressed out lately. Are you fighting with your boyfriend again?" 

Hearing those words caused Nine to flinch because, once again, he did have another argument with his boyfriend. It makes the 20th time, doesn't it?

"Fuck," Lee blurted out, "do you even have a filter, Jon?" 

Jon shrugged, not caring for his loose tongue, "I am only asking. But, Nine, seriously, you need to come out and relax. Lately, you have been letting your boyfriend stress you out." 

Nine wanted to bang his head on the table at Jon's words. It is not like he is letting his boyfriend stress him out. It is just—

Actually, he is letting his boyfriend stress him out! 

But that doesn't mean he needs to go out partying to relax. He could relax at home with peace and silence (Nine is 100% lying to himself). 

"If I let you copy my calculus work, will you drop the subject?" Nine asked. 

"Yes!" Jon quickly responded. 

"Spoiled," Lee sang. 

Nine doesn't care if Jon used this as a new way to get him to copy his work; he didn't want to hear about partying or his boyfriend anymore. 

It was around seven at night when Nine returned home. Once he unlocked the door, seeing the lights on and another pair of shoes at the doorway, a broad smile graced his face as energy filled him. 

He hurriedly took his shoes off as he raced inside. When he reached the living room, he saw his boyfriend sitting on the couch, typing away on his laptop. Seeing him after not hearing anything from him for a week made Nine forget that they were even arguing. 

He ran over, instantly hugging him. "Welcome home, Quin! I missed you." 

Instead of matching Nine's mood, Quin pulled away with a tired sigh, "Please, Nine, I am busy. I need to finish these documents before the deadline." 

Nine tried holding back a pout, but it came out anyway. "Seriously, Quin? You were gone a week without contacting me or letting me know if you were okay, and you cannot grant me even a second?" Frankly, Nine wanted to cry, but he held back. 

They have been together for seven years, and since the new year started, he felt a wall building between them. What happened to the affection that they used to share? When was the last time they cuddled, went on a date, spoke sweet nothings, or even slept in the same bed? 

Fuck, he couldn't even remember the last time they kissed or made love. 

"Nine," Quin pinched the bridge of his nose while closing his eyes, "don't start this again." 

"Don't start what," Nine jumped up in anger, "another argument? Because that is all we have been doing. I feel like you don't understand me, Quin." 

"No, you don't understand me, Nine. I tell you I am busy with work, and all you want to do is hang out when I am too busy to." 

"You never make time for me! You act like you are busy 24/7. Did you forget that you have a boyfriend?" 

Quin closed his laptop before standing up, grabbing his discarded blazer resting next to him and his bag. He strapped his bag over him, passing by Nine as he walked towards the front door. 

"Where are you going!" Nine yelled, feeling frustration and anger coursing through him. 

"Let me know when you decide to act like your age, Nine." After Quin spoke his words, the door slammed behind him. 

Nine stared in the direction of the door in anger and shock. Quin finally came back and left just like that. God, is he being unreasonable? All he wanted was just a little affection from his boyfriend. Did that make him a child? Was he truly not understanding Quin?

His head hurt, his heart ached, God, everything felt wrong. 

He did not know if he should stomp his foot in anger like a child, let out every single curse he knew, or crumple to the floor and cry out all his emotions. 

Quin, why don't you understand that all I want is you here with me? Nine thought as a single tear finally escaped his eye socket, slipping down his right cheek. 

Before he could go with his last option of crumbling to the floor, he felt his phone vibrate. Wiping his face, Nine pulled out his phone and unlocked it, seeing that he had a message from Jon. 

Jon: Join me at Club Infinity. If I can convince Lee to come, I can convince you too. Let's have fun, Nine!

Nine stared at the message, chewing his bottom lip before making up his mind. 

Forget Quin! I shouldn't let him continue stressing me out. I should go out and have fun. Who cares about that jerk!

Nine: I will be there in twenty. 

If only Nine knew that was the night everything changed for him, he would wonder if he should have stayed at home like he originally planned. 

Oh, I also have a Spotify playlist made for this story. Let me know if y'all want a link to it.