I must've replayed the conversation in my head over a thousand times.

Believe me, I hated lying to Scout, but on top of everything she was going through, this should've been the least of her worries.

She wasn't sober, I didn't want to make things awkward between us.

We were in a good place as friends and seeing the way she friend-zoned me last night said it all for me.

There was no way she felt the same way about me, she was just hurting over Trent, the one she truly loved.

Whether he deserved it or not was up for debate but it was the truth, as much as it hurt me.

I was pulled out of my trance by Mr Miller, who was waving his hand over my face.

"Cole!" he shouted, causing me to jump, "Have you been listening to a word I've been saying?"

"Huh? Yeah," I replied, still dazed.

"Really," he raised an eyebrow at me, "What was I just telling you?"

"Something about keys?" I guessed, staring at the object in his hands.

Mr Miller facepalmed, "Noah! Get over here, now,"

Noah looked up, confused, but jogging over to where we were, "What's up, Mr Miller?"

"What the hell is wrong with Cole?!" he cried, pointing to my work, "He's usually pretty good but today he's been messing up the entire place,"

Was that a compliment? I smiled, he never told me my work was good – or anyone for that matter.

I turned my head to see what he was pointing at, and my eyes widened at the mess I made. It looked like I had been working with my eyes closed.

Noah furrowed his eyebrows as I turned back to face them, "I don't know, he was okay this morning,"

Mr Miller gave Noah the keys he was holding, "Okay, you know what, Noah, I can't take this anymore, take him with you to the barn when you get the supplies in the cupboard, and fix... this!"

He gave me one last look of bewilderment and went to say something, but instead waved me off and left to check up on Eli.

I stepped forward but slipped over some mud, and fell on my back.

I groaned at the surge of pain that shot up my neck as I sat up.

Noah let out a laugh, shaking his head as he gave me a hand up.

I smiled weakly, gaining my balance, "Thanks man,"

Noah nodded, swirling the keys around his finger as we began walking to the barn.

"Hate to admit it, but Miller's got a point, what's gotten into you?" he questioned, looking at me.

I ran my fingers through my hair, "I don't know it's just-"

I couldn't find a way to explain it.

Noah patted my back, "You know you can tell me anything, bro,"

"I know, man," I took a deep breath as I tried to find the right words to say, "Things got a little weird between Scout and me last night,"

"Yeah, I heard she was a little drunk. She told me you said she slurred a lot, must've been weird," Noah replied, chuckling, not knowing the gravity of the situation.

But he was right, that's what I told her.

"Well," I began, giving him a look.

Noah instantly reacted, as if he understood everything with the one look I shot him. He knew me too well, even in the short space of time it had been since we had

He pressed his eyes together, "Cole, don't tell me you-"

I interrupted when I realised where he was going, "No, I swear I didn't. She tried to but I pushed her away,"

Noah smirked, "Good. Must've taken some self-control though, seeing the way you look at her,"

"Yeah, right," I rolled my eyes, punching him in the arm, "I don't even like her like that,"

He scoffed, "Yeah, you do like her like that. Don't even try and deny it,"

I finally gave in, "Okay, maybe I do, a little but-"

"But what, she's not with Trent anymore," Noah pointed out, "Couldn't think of a more perfect time to shoot your shot,"

I couldn't argue with that logic, but I knew she didn't feel that way towards me.

"Trust me, Noah, she doesn't like me," I said firmly, thinking back to last night when she friend-zoned me.

"Cole, are you serious? She tried to kiss you and proclaim her undying love for you, man. You're just being dumb now," he laughed, rolling his eyes.

"She was drunk, Noah," I explained, "And she was hurt about Trent. There's no way she'd feel the same if she were sober,"

"Well, you know what they say," Noah put a hand on my shoulder, "Drunk words are sober thoughts,"

I shook my head, laughing at the thought, "Shut up, dude,"

"What? I'm being serious," Noah replied, smirking, "Don't be mad because you're whipped,"

"Me? What about you, Mr Dais?" I scoffed, "If you stared at her any more, it would concern me,"

"What? That's crazy. We're friends," he looked at the floor, "Stop trying to change the subject,"

"Oh," I retorted sarcastically, "Okay Noah,"

He pushed me lightly, "It's complicated,"

"I fail to see what's complicated about it. She clearly likes you too," I pointed out.

"Not that, it's Eli. This might sound stupid, but for a really long time, it's always just been us two, I don't know-"

"No, I get that, it's not stupid at all. But how long are you planning to live like that," I looked over at him, "You know, in fear,"

Noah paused for a second, pondering over what I had said.

I instantly felt bad, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No, you're right." He nodded, "I do need to live a little,"

I raised my eyebrows at that," Does that mean you're going to ask her out?"

Noah laughed nervously, "Well, I'd have to ask Eli first but-"

"Oh don't pretend like you don't know that Eli's the biggest Naisy shipper out there," I reminded him of all of the times his brother had teased them.

"Okay okay," he relented, "I'll tell you what,"

"What?" I asked, curious.

"I'll ask Daisy out if you promise you'll tell Scout how you feel," he challenged, as we approached the barn

"Oh my god," I rolled my eyes at how the conversation came back to Scout and me.

"Come on, Cole," Noah teased, "You know you want to,"

Noah fished the keys out of his pocket as he waited for my response.

"Okay fine," I groaned, "I promise,"

"Ay let's go," he chanted, as he went to unlock the door.

To his surprise, the door was already unlocked and he pushed it lightly.

I shrugged and gestured for him to go in.

I looked up at Noah's face, which lost all its colour.

"What's wrong, man?" I asked puzzled.

He didn't reply, making me push past him to see for myself.

And then I saw it.

"What the-"

▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭

Sorry for the late update again, I've just had tons of work to do, ready for school, but I promise I'll pick up the slack soon lmao

In the meantime, hope you enjoyed this chapter - make sure to give me a vote and a comment to let me know x

How did you guys find the guy talk/banter between the two lads? Personally, I love their bromance haha

And wtf is in that barn? Any guesses? I'll dedicate the next chapter to anyone who guesses it :)

Next update: literally have to more chapters on the way, will be out by tonight or tomorrow latest ;)

Teaser: find out what's in the barn - only one word...DRAMA