Chapter 16: 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄

MY WORLD'S BEEN SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL, I JUST NEED YOU TO HOLD

______ die with you.

THE GET TOGETHER PROJECT also known as the 'Get To Know Each-other better' project. It's quite self explanatory, is what Gray said to get out of describing more than he needed to.

The project is centered around more knowledge of the people around you which is why a partner is mandatory. This being the reason for Kenji and Ghost suddenly being paired together, plus their original partners either dropped out of school or simply choose not to come (at all).

To go more into detail, students have five weeks to complete ten hobbies each of one another's interests and they must provide video or picture proof of the task being done together as a duo.

"That don't even make sense. If we're both free today then why not? Two done in one day is more than good enough."

"Oh my Godddd, Siah!" She groaned into the speaker, making his phone vibrate "Its gone be too many people there!"

"And? What you scared for? I ain't gone let shit happen to you."

"I just don't wanna be around all those people. It's Saturday, the whole block gone be down there. Not to mention how I have to be at work in like two hours!"

"Ight bet." He shrugged, "I'll reimburse you. Call out and come spend the day with me."

She went quiet for a few seconds, "Keep talking."

"Half a band." He offered, "Thats triple what you make in a day."

"I'll be there."

"Heard you."

Ending the call, Ghost carelessly threw his phone next to him on the tattered, old couch before running a tattooed hand down his face.

He sighed deeply, feeling long finger nails trail down his body to which he quickly shuddered away from. Ghost really despised physical touch, only being able to tolerate it for one person.

"Stop touching me and count the money." He mumbled roughly, placing a rubber band around a wad of cash

The half naked and obviously drugged up woman rolled her bright blue eyes sassily. She couldn't understand rejection because most men that worked for Pablo always welcomed her sexual intentions with open arms, except him.

She was beginning to think he wasn't attracted to women and from what Honey had seen, it simply irritated him to be flirted with by one.

"You always acting like you too good to fuck."

Ghost didn't respond, not feeling bothered enough to. His entire life he'd only had sex once and he didn't want to experience that with anyone else... especially not a prostitute that whores herself out to every gang member walking through the warehouse doors

Still, Ghost is a teenage boy with needs that must be met at some point and when girls practically threw themselves at him, of course he wouldn't say no to getting his dick sucked sometimes.

Interrupting his thoughts were heavy footsteps sounding out through the entire warehouse, a loud voice following soon after.

"Yurrrr."

"Yo." Ghost mumbled, eyebrows furrowed at the sight of Robbie and Reece. He was more concerned with the black duffle bags they held.

Robbie only smirked, dropping the bag onto the glass table with a thud, Reece doing the same.

"Niggas was lackin'. Guess they ain't know we was outside." Robbie chuckled

"Say word? Who ya'll caught down-bad?" Ghost asked surprisingly

Reece and Robbie shared a look before their eyes darted towards the only person that didn't need to be around when they spoke on serious topics.

"Aye Honey, you can leave the room right quick?" Reece said, it was a question but sounded more like a demand

The prostitute rolled her eyes with a slight scoff as she stood to her feet and walked towards the door, attitude clear in her posture

Just as she left, Hakeem entered while staring back at Honey's ass, a tall and obviously annoyed man behind him.

"Damn that shit fat..." Keem muttered, biting his lower lip

The man looked disgustingly at his nephew before slapping his neck "We ain't here for that fool! Focus!"

"Damn unc..." Hakeem winced, rubbing along the sore spot

"You one nasty ass nigga yo." Reece curled his lips in distaste

"He'll fuck anything light-skin with a fat ass. I told ya'll he sick in the head." Robbie tapped roughly against his temple

Ghost sucked his teeth irritatingly, glaring at the playful three "I got places to be bro. We here for strictly business so open the damn bags."

"Bet this guys fun at parties." Robbie whispered sassily, rolling his eyes as he unzipped the duffles

The older man, Pablo, chuckled, shaking his head as he patted the boy on the back "Thats why you're to take my place when I leave the game. Strictly business. I fucks with that."

Ghost shuddered away from his touch. Yes, he hated anything physical but Pablos hands felt like snake skin against him. He knew better than to trust anything that came out of the liars mouth.

Ignoring his thoughts, the boy stared at both duffles, confusion laced upon his face. A multitude of different drugs filled the inside of the bags to a T.

Noticing the doubtful gaze, Reece quickly elbowed Robbie to explain further. Though Ghost hardly spoke, his facial expressions always did.

"Ight this what happened." Robbie began dramatically. Ghost let out a sigh, knowing this story was about to be unnecessarily dragged out.

"So boom. Me and Keem in the heights, right? We just chillin', honestly wasn't even on no typa bad timing. Until we seen some dirty, bum, opp ass, OY niggas in the alley."

"They looked like they was carrying something important so we put our ski's on and took all that shit. Plus they dumb asses was lackin' like it ain't no beef in the city."

Ghosts looked uncertain as he glanced between the substance filled bags and his friends "Ya'll ain't know they had this on em'?"

"Hell nawl." Hakeem shrugged "We really just wanted to bully them niggas and coincidentally came up on a score."

Shaking his head, the older didn't say anything else, it wasn't his place too. He only looked towards their boss, expecting his opinion.

Surprisingly, Pablo nodded in approval "Divide it evenly between you four and sell it."

Slowly, Robbie raised his hand "Ian' gone lie, ion wanna sell shit that ain't weed or percs. No cap ya'll niggas got that."

"Punk ass." Hakeem whispered, rolling his eyes "I want the cocaine and molly. Them white frat boys up north know i'm good for it."

Reece shrugged carelessly "I'll take anything. It never mattered to me."

Pablo's body language suddenly turned serious, making the entire room be filled with sharp tension that a knife couldn't even cut through.

He clenched his teeth "Don't fuck up and don't play with my fucking money."

Like always, silence was a response good enough for the boss. Pablo gave one last look at them before exiting solemnly.

Once the door closed, Robbie drew his head back as though he was offended "The fuck... like okay big worm."

"That nigga think he Debo." Hakeem joked, "On King Dave he wasn't talking to me like that. I'll let that be known right now."

"Bet ya'll won't say it to his face." Reece challenged

"You damn right I won't." Robbie scoffed, dusting his shoulders as Hakeem quietly agreed

Ghost cleared his throat to speak, "We still going to the courts?"

"Hell yeah." Hakeem rubbed his hands together smoothly, licking over his lips "Finna be some bad ass hoes outside."

Robbie pursed his lips "How the fuck you gone get to 'em? Youn even got no car."

"See this why that bald spot at the back of your head ain't gone never grow." Keem pointed, "You always being messy."

Reece winced "Not gone lie gang, you do look insane walkin' around with a bald spot. That shit ain't small either, it's big and bold."

Robbie gasped, holding his chest dramatically "Ya'll know that crazy bitch cut my hair when I was sleep! Too fucking far!"

"I'm finna go." Ghost mumbled, twirling his car keys around his finger

"We riding with you?" Hakeem smiled widely, hoping to look convincing

"No."

Hakeems smile instantly dropped into a frown, "Thats fucked up."

Robbie twisted his lips "Remember that time I gave you a dollar in seventh grade... and this how you repay me?"

"Thats true. I was there." Reece nodded

"We ain't even know you in middle school."

—

Stepping out of the car, Monica's face scrunched at the scorching sun that brightly shined down on the basketball court.

She shut the door with a small groan "Glad I wore these shorts."

The girl placed a hand on her forehead to shield away the sun while squinting as her eyes darted around the lively park. It was always like this on Saturdays, not a week passed where the courts wasn't the hangout spot for most.

Behind her, Kenji silently agreed while gripping onto a plastic cup that was filled with ice. She'd had an ice chewing habit for years. There wasn't anything wrong with her, it was just satisfying.

"Oooo!" Moe scowled, "I see Zaria and her ugly ass friends. Gots to slap one of them hoes before we leave." She made a mental note

"Let's try to have a good day."

"Tuh. A bitch better not even blink wrong or Imma make it a fantastic fucking day."

Before Kenji could respond, she felt her phone vibrate in her hand. Her eyebrows instantly knitted together at the message.

siah 🦉💌

come here.

Kenji smacked her lips together in annoyance. She glanced around the entire parking lot confusedly and had yet to make eye contact with the boy. Was he playing a trick on her?

"Hate this mysterious ass nigga yo." She mumbled

siah 🦉💌

come here.

I don't see you spwm ✌🏾

Ion play all the time

girl

i'm looking dead at you

look straight Akina 😐

Making an 'O' with her mouth, Kenji glanced up directly in front of her and surely enough there he was. Ghost sat in his car with the door wide open, phone laid in his lap while exhaling smoke.

Not to mention the typical straight face he held that made Kenji's knees feel weak. He didn't say anything, but the way his eyes stared, she knew he wanted her to come (not literally).

Chewing on her bottom lip, "I'll meet back up with you in a few minutes." She said to her obviously distracted friend

Monica nodded, not glancing up from her phone for even a second while she walked away towards the court where other teenagers were.

Kenji could feel her heart beating as she neared Ghosts car. The way his eyes dragged down her body made her feel insecure, she quickly regretted wearing the tight clothing that Monica suggested.

Why is he looking like he wants to eat me?!?, She thought, shortly giggling after

"What you thinking about?" A deep, smooth voice interrupted. Kenji didn't even realize she was in front of him.

"Nothing."

Ghost only hummed in response, he dug deep in his pockets, pulling out a large wad of hundred dollar bills. He counted out eight bills silently before his brooding brown eyes moved back onto the girl.

Kenji grinned widely, holding out her hand expectingly "I see you know my worth."

Dropping the bills in her hand, Ghost shook his head with a quiet chuckle "Your lil ass worth way more than that."

Counting the money, Kenji's eyebrows furrowed confusingly "You know this eight hundred instead of five hundred?"

Ghost nodded, blowing smoke out of his mouth while standing to his full height. Quickly towering over her 5'7 frame, making her feel smaller than what she is.

Shutting the car door, Ghost pocketed his phone "I gave you a tip cause' you pretty."

"Awww." Kenji cooed, reaching up to pinch his cheeks "Extra three hundred just because you like my face? Awwww, how cuteeee."

"Fuck on." Ghost mumbled, swatting her hands away from him- he secretly liked the feeling but no one needed to know that

The younger laughed at his irritation, following behind him towards the park- all though it was a bit difficult because his legs are much longer so he naturally walks faster.

"Imma teach you to skate today and then-"

"I'm not getting on no skateboard because if I fall and hurt myself, I'm just gone say fuck that project all together."

"You not gone fall. I promise."

Kenji huffed, "Alright now..." She side-eyed, crossing her arms over her chest

Rolling his eyes playfully, Ghost lightly pushed the girl towards their friends and other teenagers that surrounded them. He didn't know the other kids but recognized some faces from school.

Kenji's eyebrows furrowed as they got closer, a quiet laugh emitting from her mouth at the sight of Hakeem and Robbie hyping up Bobby while everyone else laughed and recorded.

"New York produce the most crackheads." Ghost whispered

Kenji made her way towards Monica who was sat in the metal bleachers, talking to a girl that looked very familiar but the way her face was turned made it difficult to tell.

"Hey boo! I was just talking about you." Moe exclaimed, "Nadia this my friend Ken."

A wide smile graced Kenji's face, attacking Nadia in a hug while she simply giggled while patting her back.

"I missed you bitch!"

"I missed you too! We gotta start meeting up outside of work!"

Monica squinted her eyes, trying to figure out how the two girls already knew each other

"Ain't nobody told me nothing!" She protested

Kenji pursed her lips, waving her off "You so dramatic. She my coworker."

"More than a coworker but a friend too." Nadia inquired in a cheery tone

"On another note, how do you two know each other?" Kenji questioned

"We been friends on Instagram for months! Just never had the chance to meet in real life and it was a coincidence that she was here." Monica explained

"Okay anyways, no shade but why is Ghost staring at us? Don't look because-"

She couldn't finish her sentence because Kenji being the socially unaware person she was, had already whipped her head around to stare right back at him.

"This bitch..." Monica muttered, mentally face palming

Kenji's stomach felt physically sick from his dark eyes, she stopped being able to tell if the feeling was good or bad a long time ago.

Ghost poked the inside of his cheek, only turning away from her once a shirtless and sweaty boy had approached him, asking if the two were still going to play a few games of basketball.

Robbie smacked his lips together, "On King Dave you finna let me be on your team."

"Fuck no. Youn ever pass the ball, be getting me mad tight with that shit." Ghost frowned

"Ion give a fuck." Robbie shrugged, "I'm not playing against your tall ass, you already 6'2."

"This nigga Robbie be thinking he Lebron when we on the court." Reece joked, "Can't be on the same team as him."

"I'll beat a nigga ass for thinking he in the NBA. Nigga this just street ball, calm down." Hakeem said confidently

Robbie scowled, "The fuck is you on about yo? Gang you can't even fight..."

Ghost shook his head, glancing over at the girls whom sat on the bleachers, most likely gossiping about some worthless high-school drama.

He bit his lip as he neared them, eyes trained on the only person that could ever catch his full attention. Kenji failed to notice Ghost because her head was buried into her phone but Nadia and Monica definitely did as they quickly scooted away from their friend with a smirk and giggle.

"Peach." Ghost mumbled

"Hm? What?" Kenji glanced up, fanning her hand over her face "And it's hot as fuck, why do you have on a Nike tech?"

Ghost rolled his eyes, unzipping his jacket to reveal a white Polo t-shirt that hugged his muscles perfectly, Kenji had to resist drooling. He threw the jacket next to her before dumping out his pockets which really only consisted of his car keys and hundred dollar bills that were held together by a rubber band.

"Keep my stuff for me." Ghost placed his signature gold chain around her neck as she smiled "Don't lose my shit. Word to everything imma fuck you up." He threatened with a glare

Kenji laughed loudly, pushing his shoulder "I'm not. Don't be trynna press me."

He chuckled, glancing over at the two girls whom tried to be discreet about eavesdropping but Ghost knew they were listening, obviously being told by how much they giggled mischievously.

"Imma play a few rounds then we can start on the project. I'll be quick, promise."

"Thats fine." She nodded, watching as he walked away to a group of boys stood on the court. Once out of earshot, Kenji turned towards her friends whom immediately bursted into laughter.

"Oh my God! Ya'll are soooo cuteeeee." Monica cooed, clutching her hands together

"Girl bye." Kenji rolled her eyes

"Bitch you got on this nigga chain! Is them real diamonds?" Nadia gasped, grabbing at the necklace "They shining like they is."

Kenji quickly swatted at her hands, "Move!"

Monica stood to her feet with a yawn and stretch, "I'm craving something sweet."

"Now that you say that, I want some red velvet cake. Ahmad still bake cakes?" Nadia licked her lips at the thought

"Ew... red velvet...?" Kenji grimaced

"Don't piss me off. Thats the best flavor."

"Said nobody literally ever. The best is vanilla pound cake with a side of homemade icing."

"Girl fuck your hungry ass."

"Hoe please, whatever." Kenji chuckled dismissively

"Ya'll both sound dumb cause' chocolate cake takes the crown against any and everything." Moe chimed in, crossing her arms over her chest

Kenji and Nadia turned towards the girl, confusion and disgust clear on their faces.

-

"Josiah! Get me off this damn thing!"

Kenji gripped tightly onto Ghost's arms as she panicked and tried not to fall off the skateboard. Ghost only held her waist, chuckling while purposely making the board wobble.

"Calm down." He shook his head, "You ain't even moving for real yet."

"I'm not fucking playing with you!" Kenji wailed

"I have to let go of you for the video and you have to be rolling just a little, okay?"

"No! No, don't you dare! I'm too damn big!"

"I'm gonna let go in three..."

"I'll deadass slap the fuck outta you!"

"Two..."

"Josiah!"

He didn't announce the last second, instead just letting her go as she screamed and yelled insults at him, giving the two unnecessary attention from people nearby.

The skateboard rolled slowly considering it was pavement and he stayed closed behind while recording for the project. After a few more seconds, Ghost thought she suffered enough.

He quickly caught up to the skateboard, picking her up by her waist, Kenji instantly wrapping her legs around him. Ghost knew he didn't need to carry her but he definitely wanted to.

"I actually don't like you." Kenji said breathlessly

Ghost placed the girl on the ground, dusting off her shoulders "You ain't bleeding."

"You finna be bleeding if youn' get out my face."

Ghost rolled his eyes, "Walk with me to the deli. I'm mad hungry."

"Oh I just know you finna get me a Philly cheesesteak with extra cheese and a bev." Kenji drooled at the thought

"I guess..." He trailed off, shrugging his shoulders unsurely

EVER SINCE THE DAY THAT I MET YOU, I KNEW YOU WERE THE GIRL OF MY DREAMS BUT WE COULD NEVER BE

AUTHORS NOTES %

I struggled sm to produce this chapter😭😭

And ya'll aint shit cause why nb told me I accidentally published this chapter and ts was unedited asf like...