Chapter 32: The Group Chat From Hell

I am in my room.

I am supposed to be studying for midterms.

But my phone is a ticking time bomb.

I've blocked Fuji. I've blocked Daiki.

It doesn't matter.

They text me from different numbers.

(Unknown - FUJI): Isuzu-san. This is childish. Unblock me. I need to discuss the History review packet.

(Unknown - DAIKI): Yo. I just hit a 150-win streak. Kinda wish you were there to see it. (You would have been 151).

I throw my phone onto my bed.

BZZZT. BZZZT. BZZZT.

It vibrates.

Non-stop.

What now?

I pick it up.

A new group chat.

Oh, no.

$$HirotoJerk has added You, FujiKenJerk, and DaikiJerk to "Aoi's Angelic Harem <3"$$

I am going to scream.

HirotoJerk: "HELLOOOOOO, rivals! Welcome to the official fan club! <3"

DaikiJerk: "What the HELL is this? Who are you? How did you get my private number?"

FujiKenJerk: "This is harassment. I am reporting this number."

HirotoJerk: "Aww, Fuji-kun, don't be like that! And Deception! It's ME! Hiroto Suzume! The actor? We're all friends of Aoi-chan here!"

DaikiJerk: "Suzume? The idol? You're the pants-ripper from the concert?"

HirotoJerk: "SHE TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT?! My Angel! You wound me! <3"

HirotoJerk: "P.S. She sewed them while I was wearing them. It was very intimate."

FujiKenJerk: "Isuzu-san. What is he talking about?"

Me: "I AM LEAVING THIS CHAT."

$$You have left the chat.$$

BZZZT.

$$HirotoJerk has added You to "Aoi's Angelic Harem <3"$$

HirotoJerk: "No leaving the party, Angel! It's just getting started!"

DaikiJerk: "So you're the new idiot. Got it. Get in line, 'Actor-boy'."

FujiKenJerk: "This is a waste of time. Aoi is studying for midterms. Unlike the rest of you."

HirotoJerk: "Ooh, a low blow from Fuji-kun! Salty about that 'dropout' comment, are we? Tsk tsk."

HirotoJerk: "Speaking of... secrets are so fun!"

My fingers freeze.

What is he doing?

HirotoJerk: "@DaikiJerk, does our Angel know what really happened during the 'Cybernetic Dawn' qualifiers last year? The ones you mysteriously 'slept through'? Or was it a different game you were playing? ;) "

DaikiJerk: "YOU. SHUT UP. HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?"

HirotoJerk: "I know everything, my friend! The entertainment world and the pro-gaming world are very close!"

HirotoJerk: "And @FujiKenJerk! My goodness! Does our Angel know why you're really living in that fancy apartment all alone? It's so sad! 'Study hard and get #1, or you can't come home for the holidays!' Such drama! It's Shakespearean!"

FujiKenJerk: "...I am going to end you, Suzume-san."

DaikiJerk: "Wait... what? He's grounded? Mister Perfect is grounded?"

HirotoJerk: "Big time! ;) "

My phone shuts down.

The battery died.

From the number of notifications.

I stare at the black screen.

Grounded?

'Slept through' qualifiers?

This actor. This lunatic.

He just blew up everything.

My peaceful life is gone.

But...

A tiny, evil smirk tugs at my lips.

This is also kind of funny.