Virgil woke up to the sound of his phone ringing.

He groaned, blindly reaching for it with his face buried in the pillow. When his hand found it, he answered it and brought it to his ear. “Hello?” He mumbled. 

“Vee?” The person on the other line asked, before giggling. “Hiiiii, Vee-Vee~”

Virgil furrowed his brow. “Janus?” He rubbed his eyes with the back of his free hand. “Are you drunk?” 

Oh yeah, there was a party last night, wasn't there? Roman and Remus’ birthday party. Virgil blinked, a bit more alert. He didn’t remember getting home last night. In fact, hadn’t he--?!

Instinctively, Virgil reached a hand to the back of his head. There was nothing there, no indication that he’d ever been harmed. Had that been a dream? Was he more drunk than he realized?

“Ju~~~~st a lil’.” Janus snorted, before frantically shushing whoever was with him as they laughed loudly. 

Virgil huffed. “God, Jan--This is the fifth time this week--” 

“Fourth, actually.” Janus interrupted, seeming to be proud of himself. 

Virgil blinked. “Wasn’t yesterday the fourth--?”

“Can you open the door, pretty please~? I can’t get mine in the hole.” Janus asked. 

“That’s what she said.” The person with him, Remus, commented. 

Jesus Christ, Virgil was getting some serious deja vu. 

“Yeah. Okay. Give me a second.” Virgil shook his head, a bit confused. 

“Thank you~~!” 

Virgil hung up, staring oddly at his phone for a few moments. 6:45 A.M. displayed itself on his screen. He hummed, heaving himself out of bed.

When he opened the door, he was greeted with the sight of his wasted roommate and his (equally wasted) boyfriend: Remus Prince.

“You should’ve gone home early.” Virgil informed him, sighing a bit. “It’s Friday, you have class in a few hours.” 

Janus giggled at him. “It’s Thursday, silly! And I can sober up in a few hours!” He informed him, before pushing past Virgil with his hand wrapped around Remus’ wrist. 

Virgil blinked. No, it wasn’t Thursday. Yesterday was Thursday. He turned to them. “How drunk are you?” He asked them.

Janus and Remus ignored him, the former leading the latter to the couch, both giggling like idiots. They practically fell on top of each other, instantly beginning to make out. 

“Jesus Christ.” Virgil hissed, hastily looking away. “You couldn’t even make it to the bedroom?” He asked incredulously.

They pulled away from each other, both looking at Virgil. Remus smirked, pulling off his jacket. “You don’t have to watch. Of course, unless you want to?” 

Virgil furrowed his brow. “You said that yesterday, I thought originality was supposed to be your thing.” He scoffed. 

Remus, for once, looked genuinely confused. He shrugged, resuming his make out session with Janus. 

“Gross.” Virgil shuddered, quickly walking back to his bedroom and slamming the door shut. 

God, those two had a serious addiction to each other. 

He glanced at the window, realizing he had left the curtains open last night. A spike of anxiety went through him. Two nights in a row? He was beginning to form a dangerous habit. 

He quickly walked over to close them, when his eye caught someone outside the window.

Absolutely gorgeous green eyes, a perfectly tanned and muscular body, and red hair styled to perfection. It was Roman Prince, out on his morning jog. He had clearly been out for awhile, his white tank top was damp with sweat, revealing the chiseled abs underneath.

Virgil melted a little, smiling stupidly. 

Leave it to Roman to be exercising first thing in the morning after a massive party like last night’s. He was always so healthy, unlike Virgil. Virgil truly admired that about him.

Roman paused, turning as if someone called his name. When Virgil followed his line of sight, he frowned.

It was Patton Hart. 

Not only did Patton get Roman all to himself after Virgil left the party, but now he wanted him right in the morning too? No way in hell. Virgil wasn’t letting this happen.

He quickly threw on something presentable (a hoodie and sweatpants) and rushed downstairs (pointedly ignoring the two on the couch, who were still making out).

When he reached the two of them, he quickly fixed his hair and stepped forward. 

“Hey Princey!” He spoke up, playing it casual. The two looked over at him.

Roman lit up. “Virgil! You’re up early!” He chirped, his voice practically music to the ears.

“Oh, hello, Vee.” Patton smiled politely. “I’d forgotten this was your dorm.” 

Virgil raised an eyebrow. “...You ‘forgot’ two days in a row? I didn’t think you were so absentminded, Patton.” 

Patton bristled, but the statement didn’t irritate him as much as Virgil wanted it to. In fact, he looked more confused than anything, glancing at Roman. 

Roman looked equally confused, before quickly recovering and smiling at Virgil. “This is perfect timing, actually! Patton and I were just thinking of grabbing coffee!” 

“Yes, what perfect timing.” Patton forced out a laugh. “Almost too perfect.” It was said in a joking tone, and succeeded in getting a cute little laugh out of Roman. Still, Virgil could hear the pointed edge it had to it.

Virgil contemplated the offer. He had gotten breakfast with them yesterday, which was way more stressful than it needed to be. Still, it was either endure that again or let Patton steal Roman. 

“Sure, I’ll go.” Virgil shrugged.

---

By the time the three of them entered the cafe, Virgil felt incredibly confused.

It was just like yesterday, with Patton subtly flirting with Roman and excluding Virgil. With Roman trying to include the emo in the conversation. But that was what was confusing. It was exactly like yesterday. Patton used the same tactics, and Roman tried to include him at the exact same points in the conversation.

What was going on?

They walked in, and Virgil’s eyes immediately landed on one specific customer inside. 

Logan, once again, was sitting at a table by himself, sipping on a cup of black coffee and looking at something on his laptop. Virgil tilted his head. Was this his morning routine? It wasn’t too surprising, and fit his character perfectly.

Logan noticed him, glancing up. When he spotted the other two, he raised a single, knowing eyebrow at Virgil, who rolled his eyes. They would talk later.

The three of them sat down at a table closeby, unlike yesterday. He decided he might as well let Logan listen in, and back him up if Patton tried to pull something again.

“Someone needs to go up there and order.” Patton commented innocently, glancing at Virgil, who mentally scoffed. This shit again? 

Virgil smirked. “I want an espresso. Roman, what do you want?” He glanced at him. 

Roman smiled. “Thank you for asking!” He chirped. “I really could go for a caramel latte right now!” He told him. 

Virgil looked back at Patton, whose face had fallen. By stating his own order and then asking for Roman’s, Virgil had shut down the idea of either one of them getting the drinks. 

Patton grit his teeth. “I’ll go order then.” He growled, standing up.

Virgil watched him go, smirking a bit. The blond should’ve known better than to use the same trick twice. He turned to Roman, who was completely oblivious to Virgil’s victory. “I had a great time last night.” He smiled, even though it was a very blatant lie. 

Roman’s smile dampened a bit in confusion. “I’m…glad?” He tilted his head. “What did you do last night?”

Now it was Virgil’s turn to be confused. “Um, I was at your birthday party? Remember? I gave you my gift?” 

Roman looked fully perplexed now. “Virgil, my birthday party is today. What party did you go to, and who did you give my gift to?”

Virgil pursed his lips. 

No doubt about it, something was wrong. Had all of the day prior been a prophetic dream? He was sure that he was reliving the same day by now, but perhaps it was just incredibly strong deja vu?

“What day is it today?” Virgil asked Roman, who frowned in concern.

“Thursday, Vee. March 25th.” He informed him. “Are you alright?” 

“I think I’m a prophet.” Virgil shook his head, glancing away.  

“What?” Roman murmured. “A prophet?”

“Does any of this feel familiar to you, Roman?” Virgil met his gaze again. “Or is it just me? I swear to god, I’ve done all this already.” 

Roman frowned. “Should I call someone? You’ve gone pale, Stormcloud.” 

“I’m always pale.” Virgil stood up, turning to Logan. “Can I talk to you?” 

Logan bristled, looking up from his laptop. “Wha--? Right now?” 

Patton returned with the drinks, staring at them incredulously. “What’s going on?” He asked. “Is everything alright?” 

Virgil swiftly took his coffee out of the drink tray, grabbed Logan by the wrist, and walked out of the cafe. 

“Wha--Virgil--My laptop--!” Logan exclaimed.

On the way out, Virgil bumped into someone, spilling his drink all over them. 

Damn, he was actually looking forward to that.

“What the fuck?!” 

Oh, joy. 

Remy’s eyes went as wide as saucers as he took in the large stain that had made itself present on his white, silk shirt.

Virgil could see the steam coming off of the stain, wincing a bit. “Oh shit.” He mumbled. That was definitely going to leave a burn mark.

Remy soon went as red as a tomato, breathing growing heavy with rage. His eyes snapped to Virgil, his entire body practically shaking with rage. “You--You--!”

Virgil was severely hoping Remy wouldn’t sue him, however he didn’t have time for this at the moment. “I’m so sorry--” He walked past him, Logan in tow.

Remy looked beyond furious, practically hyperventilating with his fists clenching and unclenching. “Do you have any idea how much this shirt costs?!” He screamed at them, apparently mad about the shirt more than the first degree burn he just acquired. “It costs more than your fucking life, Virgil Storm! YOUR! FUCKING! LIFE!”

Virgil just walked faster, ignoring the incredulous look he could feel Logan sending him.

---

Virgil dragged Logan back to his dorm, ignoring Remus and Janus. (They were still making out! That had to be a new record!) 

They went into the bedroom, and Virgil quickly shut the door. 

Logan looked incredibly upset. “Please tell me you have a good reason for abandoning my unlocked laptop in the middle of a crowded coffee shop.” He pleaded.

“This is going to sound insane.” Virgil explained quickly, running a hand through his hair. “But I’ve lived through this day already.” 

There was a pause.

Logan squinted at him. “...Are you on drugs?” 

“No!” Virgil exclaimed. “I’m being serious!” 

“So, you time traveled?” Logan crossed his arms. “That isn’t possible--”

“I know it’s not possible, Lo! That’s why I’m freaking out!” Virgil snapped. “Maybe I didn't time travel. Maybe I just had a dream that followed the exact events of today?"

"An extremely vivid dream, that had you absolutely convinced you lived through more than twelve hours whilst sleeping?" Logan raised a brow. "You're a college student with insomnia, Virgil. You barely get two hours."

"I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t think of any other explanation!” Virgil huffed. “All I know is that I woke up and everything has been the same.” 

Logan shook his head. “This is a prank. You’re pranking me.” He rolled his eyes. “I don’t have time for this, Virgil. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go retrieve my computer before it’s stolen.” 

And with that, he turned on his heel and left the dorm.

Virgil sighed, troubled. It did sound crazier once he said it aloud. Still, he was sure he was right.

Which led him right to another problem.

Would the person with the baseball bat come for him?

He hadn’t really thought about it until just now, brushing it off as just a weird detail of his dream. Now, however? Now, he was growing concerned.

The rumors could be true, and Virgil could wind up dead by the end of the night.

Obviously, he didn’t really want that to happen.

“I’m not going to the party.” He decided then and there. 

Oh, but wait! He had convinced Roman that he had given his birthday present to someone else. If he then failed to show up to the party, would Roman think he was an asshole?

But was Virgil really willing to risk his life over a boy?

…A very attractive boy, but a boy nonetheless.

And besides, Roman liked him. At least, Virgil thought he did. He had caught Roman drawing him in his sketchbook, after all. Or…he will catch Roman drawing him in his sketchbook?

Whatever, he was getting a headache just thinking about it.

Well, since he had a few hours until he had to go to class, he might as well go pick up a gift for Roman. If he wasn’t going to the party, he could give it to him in class. All’s well that ends well, as they say. 

He opened the door, to find that Janus and Remus had stopped kissing, and the latter was putting on his jacket. Neither had noticed him yet.

“Why not?” Janus was saying, looking up at Remus in disappointment.

“I’m sorry. I have to go.” Remus sighed, smiling at him. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“You always leave.” Janus huffed, slumping back onto the couch. 

Remus frowned. “I know. I’m sorry. But this is really important, okay?”

“Why won’t you tell me what it is?” Janus demanded, suddenly annoyed. “Do you not trust me, or something?”

Remus bristled. “Wha--No? I--” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I just have some things to take care of, okay? But we’ll see each other tonight, at the party. Okay?”

Janus scoffed, looking away. “Whatever. Happy birthday, Remus.” 

Remus scowled. “Can you lose the attitude, please?” Abruptly agitated. “It’s really starting to get on my nerves.”

“Oh! I’m sorry, Mr. Prince. We wouldn’t want his royal highness to get his panties in a twist.” Janus hissed.

“What is your problem?!” Remus demanded. 

“My problem is that I feel like you only wanna hang out with me recently to have sex! I’m not some free prostitute you can just come over and bang whenever you want!” Janus growled.

Remus jolted, eyes widening. “I don’t think of you as--!”

“Maybe Virgil was right about you.” Janus spat. “Maybe you are the type of person to only be with people for their bodies.”

Virgil winced. He had said that in a moment of spite, and very much did not want Remus to have any clue those words came out of his mouth. He never got what he wanted.

“Oh my god!” Remus yelled. “Do you have to bring him up every time we argue?!” 

Virgil furrowed his brow. Every time?

“Virgil said this, Virgil said that.” Remus mocked. “I don’t give a shit! Fuck Virgil! I can’t fucking stand that guy! If I have to hear his name one more time, I swear to god, I am going to lose my mind!” He shouted. “If you care about his opinion so much, why don’t you just go and date him?!”

Janus seemed almost as surprised by Remus’ outburst as Virgil was.

Remus seemed to remember himself, shaking his head as if waking up from a dream. “I…I’m sorry. I don’t know what--” He mumbled. “I just--Sorry, Janus. I’m gonna go. I’ll see you tonight.” 

He turned and left the dorm.

There was a tense silence in the air as Janus dragged his hands over his face.

“...Well, damn. I didn’t know he held such a strong opinion of me.” Virgil spoke up.

Janus jumped, whipping his head over to him. “...I thought you left.”

Virgil furrowed his brow. “Yeah, and then I came back.” He tilted his head. “Did you really not notice?”

Janus swallowed, glancing away. “How much of that did you hear?”

“All of it.” Virgil told him bluntly. “It’d be hard not to hear it.” 

Janus scoffed out a laugh. “Yeah, you’re right.” He sighed. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

“Does…that happen often?” Virgil asked, despite the fact that he really didn’t wanna know.

“Recently? Yes.” Janus ran a hand through his hair. “He’s just been leaving all the time, and he won’t tell me what he’s doing.” He huffed. “And every time I ask he gets so defensive.”

Virgil pursed his lips. “Do you think he’s…cheating?” 

Janus opened his mouth, but then quickly closed it. “No, he…he wouldn’t.” He didn’t sound too sure.

There was a pause. 

“Well, I’m gonna go to the store.” Virgil murmured awkwardly. “Good luck with…that.”

Janus snorted, though there was a certain animosity within it. “Gee, thanks.” 

---

Virgil scanned the store for birthday gifts. 

He had limited funds, but it was vital that he didn’t get shown up by Patton Hart. Of course, he had no clue what Patton had given Roman, but it was allegedly pretty big. 

Before, he had gotten Roman a sketchbook and pencils, which wasn’t exactly a mind blowing gift. It was also a bit rushed, considering he had forgotten Roman’s birthday. Now, he had more time to think about what to get, which would prove to be advantageous for him.

Now, it was figuring out what Roman’s dream gift could be. 

What would someone so perfect possibly want? Nothing seemed quite right.

Maybe he needed to do some research into what Patton got for him, and how much Roman liked it.

“No, I--Father, I know.” 

Virgil glanced at the source of the voice.

It was Remy, who had changed into a different (but still very expensive) shirt. He was on the phone, not even noticing Virgil. His expression was irritated, but also a bit vulnerable. In his free hand, he was holding a pack of condoms.

“I don’t--! I know how expensive it was, and it’s not my fault that coffee spilled all over it--!”

Virgil silently winced. So, they were talking about the shirt he’d ruined. He went back to scanning the shelves, deciding to mind his own business for once.

“WHAT?!” 

Virgil flinched, turning back to the young millionaire. 

He had gone pale, the bag of condoms lying abandoned on the ground, and both hands clutching onto the phone. 

“Dad--It was just a shirt--We can just buy--No--I--!” He was sweating, taking the sunglasses off of his face, revealing the wide eyes underneath. “You promised I’d inherit the company, you can’t just--!” 

Virgil felt his jaw drop. Remy was going to lose his status as heir to the company? 

A small part of him felt smug. Serves him right. That’s what he deserved for not paying attention in class, he wouldn’t have been qualified in the slightest. 

“It wasn’t even--! But it wasn’t my fault! Yes, I know I have been ruining a lot of clothes, but that’s ‘cause they were out of style! I didn’t care about them anymore!” Remy desperately tried to justify himself. “Financially intelligent?! I am financially intelligent! It was that stupid emo’s fault--! No, I’m not making it up--! Dad!”

Remy pulled the phone from his ear, staring down at it in shock. “Hello?!” He yelled. 

He soon went red as a cherry, letting out an angry scream and stomping on the floor like a child. 

Virgil quickly hid behind some shelves, not exactly wanting Remy to see him after the conversation he’d just overheard. 

“Virgil Storm.” Remy growled, his voice more hostile than Virgil had ever heard. “You are dead meat.”

And of course he was going to take the blame for this too, because Remy was incapable of taking responsibility for his own actions. Yippee. 

Remy walked away, muttering curses under his breath venomously. 

Virgil let out a breath of relief, and went back to looking for a gift.

---

Virgil walked into class, his present securely held in his hands.

He had decided on getting him a ukulele, since Roman often lamented having left his at home, since he had nowhere to pack it in his bag. 

It had cost him $70, meaning that Virgil would have to rely solely on whatever was in his dorm for food for a week. Oh, the price he paid for love. 

When Roman spotted him, his eyes widened. “I didn’t know you played--”

“It’s for you!” Virgil accidentally cut him off, internally cursing himself for it. “For your birthday!” 

Roman’s eyes went even wider. “You didn’t have to--” 

“I wanted to, Princey.” Virgil insisted, holding it out a little further. “Happy birthday.” 

Roman looked like he might cry as he gently took the instrument, holding it like it was something precious. “Thank you so much, Stormcloud.” He breathed, eyes running over it. “It’s beautiful.” 

Virgil brightened at the praise. “I’m glad you like it.” He muttered shyly. 

“I love it.” Roman met his gaze, which made Virgil slightly weak in the knees. “It’s perfect.” He smiled, revealing the gorgeous dimples on his face and perfectly white teeth. “I think you just made my day.”

Virgil stared dumbly for a second, simply marveling at the sheer beauty of the creature in front of him. He quickly regained his senses, shaking his head as if breaking a trance. “Oh--I--Um--” He went red, smiling stupidly and playing with his hands. “...thanks.”

Roman chuckled, looking back at the ukulele. “I don’t know how I could possibly pay you back.” 

Virgil quickly shook his head. “It’s a birthday present, Ro. You don’t usually pay those back.”

“I’ll just have to get you something just as amazing for your birthday, then.” Roman looked back up at him, green eyes shining cheerfully. “December 19th, right?” 

Virgil went even redder, eyes widening. Roman remembered his birthday?! That made him feel like an even bigger jerk for forgetting. “Yeah! Yeah, that’s it!” Virgil laughed bashfully.

Roman’s grin widened. “Okay.” He nodded. “Be prepared for the best present you’ve ever received in your life.” He winked. 

He turned to go to his seat.

Virgil watched him walk away, feeling like he could faint.

---

Virgil couldn’t stop smiling the entire way back to his dorm, feeling light and giggly.

Janus was laying on the couch, head in his hands. “The hallway is too bright.” He grumbled, turning his back to Virgil.

“Love is such a beautiful thing, Janus.” Virgil sighed dreamily, practically collapsing on top of Janus. 

Janus shoved him off the couch. “Can love cure my hangover?”

Virgil glared at him from on the floor. “How is it that you managed to kill my mood in a matter of seconds?” 

Janus rolled his eyes, glancing down at him. “What’s got you in such a romantic mood?” He asked, though it was evident that he did not actually care. “Did you finally ask Prince Charming out?” 

Virgil blushed at the thought. “No, not yet.” He muttered, flustered at the mere idea of asking him out. “But I gave him his birthday gift.” 

“Ooh, speaking of his birthday.” Janus sat up, though he seemed to regret it immediately, since he winced. “I’m going to another party tonight.” He smiled wryly. “You should come with me.”

Virgil grimaced, the memory of the person with the baseball bat immediately coming to mind. “I don’t know, Jan…” 

“This is a good one, though.” Janus smirked. “I hear that Roman Prince will be in attendance.”

Virgil pursed his lips. 

Was he willing to risk it? 

He would have tomorrow to woo Roman over. He didn’t need to risk his life just to show Patton Hart up. Besides, parties really weren’t his thing. The cons severely outweighed the pros. 

“I think I’ll pass.” Virgil shook his head. “I’ll just stay here, do some homework.”

Janus snorted. “Suit yourself.” He shrugged, laying back down. 

---

Virgil curled up in his blanket, sighing contentedly.

Now this was his preferred setting. Not a loud party, the smell of booze and weed in the air, with people pressing against both of his sides. No, he would rather be snuggled up in his dorm, relishing in the silence.

There was a knock at the door.

Virgil’s expression dropped. Well, he was relishing in the silence.

He dragged himself away from his blanket, and made his way over to the door. He groaned a bit, his foot having fallen asleep. 

When he looked out the peephole, there was no one there.

Virgil felt his mood plummet. Seriously? Who the hell ding-dong-ditches in college? His dorm was full of literal children. He had been so comfortable too.

He rolled his eyes, walking back over to the couch.

There was another knock at the door.

Virgil froze, brow furrowing. “What?” He murmured to himself, turning to look at the door again. 

He walked back over to the door, looking out the peephole once more. 

Nothing. 

Virgil felt uneasy. He pulled the door open, glancing down the hallway. He looked to the right, the terrible feeling growing at the lack of presence. He looked to the left.

He was met with an anonymous mask staring back at him.

A harsh gasp escaped him, and he quickly moved to slam the door. The person with the mask caught the door with his hand, tilting his head in a mocking sort of manner.

Virgil backed up, his entire body shaking. 

The person in the mask closed the door behind them, and pulled out a knife with their other hand.

“No.” Virgil sobbed, shaking his head. “No, no, no.” 

He tripped over the edge of the couch, falling onto the floor of the dorm room. He frantically backed away with his arms, the person in the mask moving closer. 

“Help!” Virgil screamed, back hitting the wall behind him. “Someone hel--!” 

The person shot a hand out and grabbed his cheeks, effectively shutting him up. They shushed him, shaking their head. 

There was movement, and suddenly it felt like fire had exploded in his chest. 

He glanced down, only barely able to see the hilt of the knife in their gloved hand. They twisted the weapon, causing a choked whimper to escape him. 

Blood spilled over his lips, his entire body beginning to feel numb.

The person pulled the knife out, and then slammed it back into his chest once more. 

Virgil felt a spike of dizziness go through him, his head beginning to droop along with his eyelids. 

The last thing he saw was the bounce of the person’s shoulders, as if they were laughing. 

Then, he only knew darkness.

A/N:

I don't like the end of this chapter but this already took like 2 years to write 😭