"Harry," he sighs.

maybe he is

just as disappointed

in me

as i am

"You can't just copy and paste from the internet. That's academic dishonesty. In uni that would get you thrown out."

a lot of things

are dishonest

especially people

what's one more

dishonest thought

"I didn't have time to work on the paper."

"Getting shit faced wasted isn't a valid excuse. I'm sorry."

getting wasted

is just a way

to ignore the pain

of wasting away

"Listen, I can't fucking fail this class."

"Then put in a little more effort. You're smart Harry but it isn't reflected in your work."

"What in the hell do you suggest I do?" I fold my arms over my chest and huff, annoyed with him wasting my time.

w

a

s

t

i

n

g

"Geez I don't know, maybe write something that comes from your own brain." He taps gently on the side of my head. "Anything up there?"

"Hilarious," I sneer. "This is ridiculous. My girlfriend is waiting on me."

"Life is one big waiting game. Perhaps, you should learn how to be patient."

Each tick of the clock is one march closer to death. I don't have all the time in the world. Even when I want it to stop it doesn't.

Tick tick.

hours are scars

that burn into days

and become searing months

my body aches

with each passing year

The gears keep churning in my mind.

"I'm giving you an opportunity to redo the assignment. It's the same prompt but you'll have to actually read the book this time. I know what Spark Notes is, I wasn't born yesterday."

"Seriously?"

"I don't usually do this thing but you have potential. You're a pocket full of possibilities. Please just do the assigned reading and follow the rubric guidelines."

"Thanks," I mutter.

He flashes a smile before writing something down in his notebook. He glances up at me for a second and my cheeks flush.

"I'll see you in class tomorrow, correct?"

"Uh yeah."

"Don't do anything stupid today. At least wait until Friday night to party. I would prefer you not show up to my class hungover."

"Whatever."

"Check the attitude Styles," he calls out as I pivot on my heel and head on the door. I chuckle to myself and run into my best friend Louis in the library.

"Hey Haz, what took you so long?"

"Mr. Malik," I grit. "The prick kept me late after class."

He arches his brows in amusement and I elbow his side.

"Not like that you idiot," I have to redo that assignment."

"What's going on?" Liam appears out of nowhere (like always), drapes his arm around my neck protectively as my fingers skim over torn spines on the shelf. Always the bigger brother I never had.

"Harry is pissed he had to stay late in Lit. Apparently be failed his last essay," he rolls his eyes sassily.

"I'll help you," Liam offers.

"I would appreciate that."

"I'm not writing it for you though."

"No shit."

"What's wrong with you? Lighten up."

Check that attitude Styles.

"Sorry, I just really don't like the guy. He tries too hard to act cool and relatable. I want to tell him to piss off."

"I actually enjoy his class. Besides, he's really hot."

Lou hums in agreement and smirks. "I would totally bang him if you know...how old do you think he is?"

"Why should I care?"

"Probably like twenty-five," Liam responds. "Pretty young if you ask me. To be honest I'm surprised he's single. He's so chill and easygoing. Seems like a genuinely nice guy too, not to mention he's walking sex."

"What are you guys talking about?" Niall plops his backpack down beside Lou, grinning from ear to ear. Always bubbly, always annoying in the best possible way.

"How sexy Mr. Malik is."

"He's funny too, I always laugh in his class."

"Everything makes you laugh," I scoff. "It isn't like it's hard."

"Maybe so but he's witty as hell and he's almost as sarcastic as Lou so that's a big feat."

"Key word almost," Louis emphasizes.

"I get it, he's your favorite teacher. Good for you. I just can't stand the guy."

"Because he calls you out on your shit?" Liam tries to suppress his laugh as Louis gives a little satisfied grin.

"Whatever, I've gotta go. Sam is waiting up on me."

...

"Hey baby," she slinks her arm around my waist, the strong scent of her perfume wafting through the air.

the snake

slithers

and hisses

before coiling around

the unsuspecting

to never let go

"Miss me?"

"Always," I smile into a kiss and her mouth parts, granting my tongue entrance.

She pulls away frowning and I cup the side of her face. "What's wrong babe?"

"You promised you'd be here forever ago," she pouts.

"I'll make it up to you," I wink. She giggles and laces her fingers with mine. "Wanna go to my place?"

"Sounds nice." She tilts her head, her eyes glimmering. "Sounds tempting."

"Don't tease," my lips graze over her exposed neck and she lets out a moan as I suck, leaving a little bruise. "Had to mark my territory." My eyes scan over her body, suddenly appalled. "Did you wear that all day?"

"Harry," she whines. "I like this dress."

"It's too damn tight. Why would you wear that to school?"

"God Harry, it isn't a big deal. You're being so controlling!"

"Are you fucking joking? I'm trying to look out for you."

"So you're calling me a slut?"

My eyes widen in shock and my fingers slip out of her grasp. "You're putting words in my mouth. Did I fucking say that Sam?"

"You didn't have to," she remarks coldly.

"Unbelievable."

"Where were you Harry?"

"I had to talk to a teacher."

partial truths

are the truth

nonetheless

"Right," she clicks her younger as I fumble for my keys and unlock the car. She slides into the passenger seat, her mouth drawn into a frown. "You're always full of excuses."

"You don't see me flirting with other people at parties either."

"I was drunk Harry, give it a rest. You know I want you. Come on. You were my first. I gave you everything."

"Sex isn't everything. When is the last time we went out on a proper date and actually talked?" My fingers tangle in my curls.

"You spend all your money on alcohol."

"Oh that's a low blow, considering you always drink it."

"Sometimes I need it," she says defensively.

"So do I," I drum the steering wheel, my jaw set in a tight line.

"I think you need something else."

"Do I? And would that be?"

"My body under yours."

"Fuck yes, keep talking."

her words fill my ears

but i hear nothing

my mind is clouded

i hate that my thoughts

wander to first period

to fast moving lips

and cursive on the board

to discussions about

shakespeare

and unrequited love

it isn't like i care

i doze off

half the time

but you call on me

a smile splaying

on your face

and i want to answer

so badly

but you know

i haven't been

paying attention

it's a wicked thing to do

so i shrug

disinterested

and someone else

gives the response

you wanted to hear

her words fill my ears

but i hear nothing