Glass Hearts [BL]-Chapter 252: The Girl Who Ran Away

Ash’s POV

"I need to talk to June," I murmured. "I need to know everything."

"You should," Jae agreed. "But after you calm down. Right now, you’re in shock."

Shock.

Yeah. That sounded about right.

"I’m leaving," I muttered, grabbing my bag with shaky hands.

Jae blinked. "Ash, are you sure you’re okay to go home like this?"

"Not really," I whispered truthfully. "I’m done with my shift. I should go home."

I barely heard her calling after me as I rushed out of the diner.

As soon as I got outside, I pulled out my phone and typed:

June, we need to talk. Call me back when you get my message.

No reply.

So I called.

The phone rang... and rang... and then went straight to voicemail.

"Come on, June... pick up. Please."

I stared at the screen, frowning. Even when she was mad, she never ignored my calls.

I opened our chat.

She wasn’t online.

She still hadn’t replied to the text I sent three hours ago.

’Bro I’m dying, I forgot work is actual labour 😭 send help I can’t feel my legs’

Unread.

That was not June. June was never offline.

June replied to texts faster than Siri.

She should’ve been spamming me with clown emojis or those unhinged stickers she uses mid conversation for no reason.

But nothing.

Just then, my phone started ringing.

A call.

Juney’s dad.

Shit.

"Hello sir?" I answered, trying to steady my voice.

"Ash," he said calmly. "Is June there with you?"

What was I supposed to say?

If I said no, he’d panic.

If I said yes, that was a whole different problem.

My silence stretched.

I could feel sweat forming on my forehead.

"Ash?" her dad asked again. "Are you there?"

I had to think of something, fast.

I panicked.

"Uhmmm...actually," I managed. "June is just..uhm, in Alia’s room. I think she fell asleep there. Should I... should I wake her up?"

I couldn’t believe that lie came out so smoothly.

I’m going to hell.

Please, say no. Pleaseeee.

"Oh, no, no," he sighed in relief. "I just wanted to know she’s safe. Alright then. I feel relieved knowing she’s with you."

Then, he paused.

"Tell her to call me tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir," I sighed in relief. "Goodnight, sir."

"Take care of yourself too. And don’t be awake too late," he added gently before hanging up.

The moment the call ended, I froze on the sidewalk.

"Holy shit..." I whispered. "What have I done?"

June was missing.

Her dad thought she was with me.

And I’d just lied to a grown adult parent like a criminal.

"June, where the hell are you..." I whispered, staring at my phone screen.

Ian.

I should call Ian.

Maybe they were busy making out or something, and she dropped her phone carelessly.

I scrolled to his contact.

My thumb hovered over Call when my phone rang again.

Incoming call: Ian.

Phew!

"Ian! I was just about to call you," I said quickly. "Put June on the phone. Please. Wake her up even if she’s asleep. I need to speak with her immediately."

I didn’t even let him speak.

"Ash," Ian cut in. "I was calling to ask if she’s with you. I can’t reach her. Her number isn’t ringing, her socials aren’t loading... I think her accounts might be deactivated. I’m worried, man. Really worried."

My blood ran cold.

If June wasn’t with Ian...

Wasn’t with me...

Wasn’t online...

Wasn’t home...

Then where the hell was she?

My brain went straight to the worst places.

The Coil.

Dominic’s dad’s threat.

"What was the last thing you said to her today?" I asked, quietly. "She left school early and didn’t tell me either. Did you guys fight or something?"

"No," Ian choked out. "We didn’t fight. I’m not okay, Ash. I can’t think straight. I...I’ve been worried sick. Please... please help me reach her. I won’t be able to sleep tonight."

His voice broke.

Ian Han sounded terrified.

I tried to think.

She told me she was going to Ren.

She said they’d practice and she’d be back by seven.

Could she still be at Ren’s house?

Practicing until midnight?

Not answering anyone?

Ignoring everyone’s texts?

June?

Absolutely not.

She would’ve at least sent a voice note complaining about his keyboard or something.

Omg..did happening on her way back from Ren’s?

Something happening with Ren...

"I’ll call you back," I said quickly, and hung up before Ian could say anything else.

My fingers were shaking as I dialed Ren.

He picked up on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Ren?" I asked as soon as he picked up. My voice was shaking. "Is June... is she with you?"

There was a pause, then a soft chuckle.

"Yes, Ash. She’s with me."

I blinked. "Wait... wait, really? Like, can you see her right now? I just need confirmation."

"Yes, actually, yes," he said, still chuckling. "She’s safe. Nothing to worry about."

"Omg, thank God... Give her the phone right now. I’m pissed off, we’re all worried, and I’m about to..."

"Chill, Ash," Ren interrupted gently. "June’s really not okay at the moment. Not even okay to talk. She’s asleep right now. I’m making her some dinner. Once she wakes up, she’ll call you."

How was he calm? How could he laugh?

Did he not hear the panic in my voice?

I groaned, running a hand through my hair, as i walked into the bus. "She better call me. I’m going to judge her so bad." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Ren chuckled again. "Hmm... I’d deliver your message. I’ve got to go. Talk later." And just like that, he hung up.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

June... asleep in Ren’s room, while he’s preparing her dinner? What the hell is my best friend getting herself into?

I warned her about this, she’s creating some kind of love triangle mess that could really hurt her....

I shook my head, trying to stay calm.

At least she’s safe.

I sat at the back of the bus, as it pulled away from the curb.