Chapter 4: Enemies Become Study Buddies

For once, Carter was late to class, covered in bruises and sporting a bandage on his nose. Autumn glanced at him, her expression complicated, then went back to her work.

The novel mostly focused on the romance between the leads, rarely mentioning their backgrounds. I only knew Carter came from a poor family but worked his way into Stanford, with a bright future ahead.

Chad tapped my back, excited to share gossip. “Bro! Do you know why Carter’s hurt?”

Seeing his mysterious look, I shook my head, urging him to go on. He whispered, “Last night, me and Joey saw a bunch of guys beating him up in an alley!”

I was shocked—seriously?

Chad scratched his head, looking a bit shy. “You told us to study and be better people, so when we saw it, we yelled that the cops were coming. The thugs ran off, so we helped him out.”

He looked at me nervously, worried I’d be mad since Nick and Carter were rivals. He was so sweet, I could cry!

Nick: “Tell him I’m not mad—I’m proud of him. He’s grown up.”

Me: “......”

Chad was overjoyed at the praise. He scratched his head again. “But they said they’d go after Carter again today. Should we do something?”

I stopped smiling. “It’s probably fine. Don’t get involved. Carter’s the main character—nothing will happen to him.”

After school, watching Carter’s back as he left, I suggested, “Should we follow him, just in case?”

Nick hesitated, then agreed. We tailed him to a rundown apartment complex.

From the second floor, we heard a huge crash. Carter paused, then bolted upstairs. I got nervous: “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

Nick didn’t answer but ran up too. The door was open, and the room was a wreck, furniture smashed everywhere. Carter stood silently in the living room. When he saw Nick, his eyes were unfocused.

“What, here to laugh at me?” His voice was hoarse, mechanical, full of self-loathing.

A group of thugs swaggered out. The leader smirked at Nick. “Hey, brought a friend to play?”

Nick’s face was cold, eyes sharp. “This is breaking and entering, you know that’s a crime?”

They burst out laughing. “Crime? This kid’s gambler dad owes us money—ever heard of paying your old man’s debts? Don’t blame us if you can’t cough up the cash!”

Carter’s eyes were downcast, his arms tense with bulging veins. I froze. In the book, Carter’s father died, leaving him and his mother alone. It was barely mentioned.

Nick looked at Carter. The thugs brandished sticks, closing in. He said coolly, “I’ll pay his debt. Now get out.”

Carter jerked his head up, eyes dark and stormy. The thugs went from suspicious to grinning after getting the cash.

After they left, the room was silent. Carter stared at Nick, his voice rough. “Why help me?”

Nick shrugged, as cocky as ever. “Don’t get all sentimental. You’ll pay me back.” ...He really knew how to kill the mood.

Carter actually looked relieved, forcing a stiff smile. “...Thanks.”

Nick: “If you can’t smile, don’t bother. I’ll have nightmares.”

Carter: “......”

Me: “Tsk, helping people makes you happy, but you pretend not to care.”

Nick snapped, “Shut up!”

Carter’s phone rang. After answering, his face turned serious. “I have to go to the hospital. You go home.” He rushed downstairs.

Watching his familiar back, I suggested, “Maybe... we should follow him?”

Nick: “......”

At the hospital, we learned Carter’s mom’s condition was worsening—she needed surgery soon. But Carter couldn’t afford it. He held his mother’s hand, eyes red, face full of guilt. It was brutal for a high schooler.

Nick didn’t say anything, just went out and paid the hospital bill. As he was leaving, Carter caught up, sweating, lips trembling. “Thank you. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”

Nick was flustered by the sincere thanks, scratching his head. I had an idea: “Why not ask him to be your tutor?”

Nick wasn’t thrilled. “Isn’t that what I have you for?”

Me: “......” How do I politely say I want out?

Since the bet with Will, Nick had been extra diligent. But making me do practice problems in the middle of the night was a bit much. Before I could argue, he gave in.

Nick turned to Carter. “How about being my tutor? I’ll pay you, and if my grades go up, there’s a bonus. Deal?”

Carter was surprised but quickly agreed. Nick was actually pretty soft-hearted—he saw Carter’s struggle and was willing to help, no grudges. Watching this, I was genuinely moved.

Nick grinned and clapped Carter on the shoulder. “You’ll stay at my place for a while—we’ll study day and night.”

Me: ?

Carter’s expression was odd, taking a step back. People in the hospital corridor paused to watch. Feeling the stares, Nick blushed and shouted,

“I mean, you have to help me get into Stanford!”

Carter relaxed, giving a genuine smile. “That might be tough.”

Nick: “......”