The Black Ocean

Episode 5

"Who's there?" Blair's voice echoed behind us, footsteps nearing, orders probably being given. The steps paused briefly before moving away.

"Just a couple kissing" Dorian said nonchalantly. I stayed on Alex's lap until the footsteps faded, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. But when I finally glanced up, his dark eyes were fixed on me.

I settled back on the other seat just as we had positioned ourselves initially. I clutched onto the black leather jacket Alex had left draped over my shoulders, feeling lost and unsure of my next move.

He let out a deep breath, almost a sigh. Perhaps he was worn out by this never-ending, tiresome drama. With a determined stride, he rose and made his way through the garden gate toward the house’s kitchen.

Dorian’s words reignited memories of a night etched into my memory, one I'd never be able to erase.

The beach was dim and deserted. We laughed aimlessly, intoxicated by the night. Dorian lay on the cool sand, smiling, his arm serving as a pillow. I watched his perfect face, etched by moonlight, mere inches away. His rhythmic breathing hinted at his impending slumber.

Struggling to keep his eyes open, he blinked lazily. Perhaps this time, sleep had claimed him.

"Dorian?"

My voice was a whisper. My hand had drifted to his face as his eyes fluttered open. Realizing, I reached for my shawl by his head.

"You're cold. Put this on," he said, making me wear the denim jacket he donned. He used my arm bag as his pillow and extended his arm towards me.

"Lie down here."

Complying, I rested my head on his arm. I felt his warmth, his breath brushing the nape of my neck. I had to confess, consequences be damned. It was too late to hide the truth.

"There's something I need to tell you, Blake."

His voice was a hushed murmur. A smile tugged at my lips involuntarily. Did he share the same feelings? My heart raced, flushing my cheeks. Yet, lying in the same direction, I couldn't see his face.

"I think I'm in love."

His voice wavered, uncertain whether to disclose it. My heart thundered in my ears, trying to steady my breath.

"With whom?"

"Make a guess," he teased, laughter hidden in his voice. I smiled back.

"Her name starts with 'B'."

It felt like the world ran out of air, halting its spin. His words felt like a bullet piercing my heart. As he noticed my silence, he persisted. It was the scene I'd dreamed of for years—a night on the beach, wrapped in his jacket, waiting for him to utter my name. If only I could see his face.

"Tell me, I don't know."

I began to worry at his silence, a terrible premonition growing within me.

"Blair."

Thankfully, he hadn't seen my face, hadn't witnessed the shattering pain when he uttered someone else's name. Air refused to fill my lungs; tears flowed unchecked.

"Tell me more tomorrow." I managed, masking the pain in my voice.

"Sure" he muttered, his voice trailing off as sleep claimed him.

Alex returned with two coffee cups, his expression a mix of boredom and contemplation when he left, making his reappearance a surprise.

When he handed me the coffee, I couldn’t meet his gaze; embarrassment overwhelmed me like never before.

"I think we might have found the answer," I said, attempting a smile in reference to his earlier question about my chances with Dorian. I should have left that silly party without looking back, but there I was, attempting humor across from him.

His familiar smile appeared, lifting the corners of his lips.

"I don’t think we've even asked the question yet," he said, his hazel eyes catching the dim light, curious. Realizing I was confused, he clarified.

"Are you doing Dorian’s term paper?"

I nodded in agreement.

"Is he making you run errands for him?"

"No, he just mentioned being busy. So, I offered to help."

"Do you expect the man you care about more than yourself to notice and love you, Blake? Someone who knows you’d always be there for him, someone for whom you’d do anything..."

"After what we've heard, does the truth even matter? I can’t believe anymore that he could love me, or that he ever will do."

"What if we played a game? No winner, just a guaranteed loser. A spectacle for Dorian to see what slipped through his fingers," he proposed, a wry smile playing on his lips, relishing the scenario forming in his mind. His hazel eyes focused distantly, moonlight painting his delicate features.

"What's the game?"

I didn't want to tumble further, seeking revenge or proving something to myself.

"Dating me," he explained, his hazel eyes getting darker in the dim light.

"If you're in for this game, commit. Can't back down after two days," I muttered.

I didn't understand why I accepted his offer to date him just to see how Dorian would react. I must have lost my mind. It was something I'd never do, and yet, here I was, agreeing to this love game. Perhaps, deep down, I already knew the answer. I just wasn't prepared to confront the truth. Being in love with Dorian had become so ingrained that my feelings for others felt almost unreal.

"Let the game begin," he said, a remarkably bright smile gracing his face.