Wanna know a secret?

December 2017

One by one. Crystal snow fell upon your little head, creating a winter wonderland around you. The rest danced through the cold, inviting, sending tingles to your little fingers. But recklessness dismissed the feeling as you galloped through the park. The park near your house was now covered in snow, the once familiar landscape was transformed into a magical scene.

Pure white spruce trees marched all around, adorned in a blanket of snow. Your recklessness dismissed the chilly sensation as you ran.. and ran until you were stopped by a single.. majestic tree. Its strong branches were covered in snow, and it seemed to bow, welcoming you to its wintry realm. Joy spread over your bow-shaped lips as you grinned and shouted, "Come on! You're so slow!"

"Well you calm down!"

Snow spluttered everywhere as his little black boots made an entrance. Bob cut-jet black hair bounced over his shoulders, only his emerald beanie prevented his hair from slapping his chubby cheeks. "We're here! Stop running around like an idiot!" protested the boy with hazel eyes. His breathing fast, tired from keeping pace with your excited feet.

You turned dramatically, making your brunette locks bounced effortlessly. Scrunching your nose in disgust, you winced, "A what?! Oh just you see! I will tell your mom~" Grinning mischievously, you ran 50 meters away from him and stuck out your tongue, mocking him.

As the boy stood in front of the majestic tree, he found himself tiptoeing near the crest of the frozen lake. Each step was taken with caution, as he was careful not to disturb the now solid surface. After he made sure he's steady, he pouted his wide lips with hands crossed over his chest, and glared at you in defeat. However, in a second, it already turned into a sinister grin as if he had found a way to move Earth to Mars,

"No sugar cane for today I see."

Now that's a declaration of war.

Your green eyes round in horror as a war played in your head, 'No sugar cane for today..? No sugar cane for today you say—' You saw him grinning, waiting in delight. He knew he flipped the coin right then and there. There's just no logical explanation, nor reason—to cancel a free sugar cane.

Anyways, sugar cane is sacred, sugar cane is life.

Pouting in defeat, little you recollected yourself. Still wanting to keep your pride, you crossed your hands over your chest with a smug face, mumbling,

"Maybe.. I'll let this one slide."

Finally letting out a smug smirk, the boy nodded aggressively in satisfaction before challenging you, "Whoever gets to the house first can do whatever they want!" Now his feet are planted on the snow, ready to run.

In a hurried response, you ran to him with round eyes and shouted, "Hey! We just got here!"

"Still want that sugar cane?" he teased.

Oh, his tone.

How you wanted to smack him so much for it—and of course, among.. a million other reasons too. Rolling your eyes in resignation, you felt annoyance bubbling up as you recognized that he always seemed to know which card to pull when it comes to you. You dilly-dally beside him lazily, like it or not, you readied yourself to fight.

He smirked, hands and feet ready to plunge whenever he liked. Your funny expression urged him to tease you even more, so he ruffled your hair despite knowing how much you hated it.

With a disgusted expression, you slapped his hands away from any area of your head in panic, sending him into relentless chuckles. Huffing in annoyance, you fixed your standing, planting your foot steady with hands raised beside your body. You creased your forehead warily before turning to him, pouting. Once he made sure you're in position, he gave you a lopsided grin and whispered,

"Ready..."

Your glare transformed into a playful ambition as you shouted cheerfully,

"Set.."

His eyes lit up, excitement filled his lungs. However, it was as if he suddenly remembered something, and his expression turned into one of surprise. Immediately, he let out his pinkie to you, chanting with a playful seriousness,

"Bestfriends?"

You giggled at the same time he let out a chuckle, and you quickly wrapped your pinkie around his. Your matching friendship bracelets dangled on your wrists, catching the light. Then, you both turned, your bodies starting to rock back and forth in unison. His movement depended on you, mirroring every slight shift.

Just one more mantra to chant.

And when you playfully tried to steal your chance to win, both of you shouted with the top of your lungs..

"Forever!"

I have a best friend.

I've known him since forever. Heh—and when I say forever, I literally mean forever, forever. We've known each other since we're just babies, can you imagine?! We experienced ‘em all together. We shared our first steps together, we bathed together (ew). We play together.. cry together—first snow, first playground outing, first Truth or Dare—first Tiktok challenge..

First everything.

And we kind of.. made a list of friendship rules, which—based on our agreement—sorry, yeah—of course, Em, no shit. Ok, anyways, for example..

Rule Number 7: If the other tried to steal—

OH! Uh.. we can skip that part—cut that out please—yes, thank you.

For your convenience, we already struck out that rule with a red pen. Sorry, wrong start. The point is, well, you get the gist on how close we are, right?

Ok first rule.. drumroll please~

What I meant was—ok why don't you take a guess?! Here's some eazy peazy clues since I'm so nice:

Same kindergarten. Same elementary. Same junior high—

Just as you're about to pass the school gate, an unexpected arm flings around you. Alarmed, you jump, and.. kinda let out a little bit of a cursing. Annoyance takes over as you give a hard sigh, making a bored face as you mumble, "this guy.."

Oookay, not turning around.. he's still behind me.. but I know. I. just. know.

Eyebrows raised—annoying smirk on..

As you cautiously take a peek to your left..

There he is, sporting the same school uniform as yours, smirking. His slick jet black hair is perfectly styled, but a rebellious strand dangles over his eyes, adding a touch of charm. His striking RayBan sunglasses on his face, which, take most of the spotlight, still can't hide the mischievous wink he flung at you.

Right about the smirk. Wrong about the eyebrow raise though, it's a wink this time.

The smirk on his face deepens as he catches your gaze, clearly reveling in the surprise he caused. He chuckles at your expression, giving you a lopsided grin. Without missing a beat, as usual, he attempts to ruffle your hair—to have you swiftly tackled his hands in a quick movement.

You yell at him before nudging his head out of annoyance. However, after a moment sits in, also amused by his antics, you grab his waist, and clutch his hand that's been dangling over your shoulders, holding back a chuckle. Flashing his eyebrows as he grins, he smugly shouts,

"Ready to hit some logs, Winters?"

...and~

Same high school.

Rule #3: Always go to the same school as your best friend

Thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote, comment, and add to your library!

Check out some additional content on social media:

@lifelorestudio

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! I'll reveal the Playlist by the end of this story, so.. Stay Tuned!

The song that matches this Prologue's vibe:

Ariana Grande - Winter Things (Lyrics)

"So this—" you try so hard to suppress your laughter, pointing his sunglasses with your index finger, "is what made you go back to your bike?" Finally letting out your laughter, you giggle, "Where do you think you're going?! The beach?!"

He snorts and playfully drags you through the field, "Relaaax~ just a prop to mess with you—just a ritual. But sheesh—see that sunlight? That's why you need to watch those weather forecasts, bro. Anyways, everything I do always has to consist. of logical reasoning. You know I'm not that.." he pauses, racking his brains to justify whatever stunt he just pulled, but you race him through it as you laugh,

"Weird? Freaky? Bizzaro?"

You both finally enter the school hall, adorned with classic minimalist décor from corner to corner. He frowns in disapproval the same time he removes his RayBan from his face and scoffs, "Ha. Funny. Don't even try to fuse the bomb, Winters. You see—"

Releasing you, he adjusts his unbuttoned shirt proudly, and sneers with the most smug face he's ever made, "You wouldn't dare—cross The King of River High, peasant," he boasts. Now that you're face to face, you visibly roll your eyes and cross your hands, challenging his boasting. "Everyone agrees.” he adds with an eyebrow raised.

Rolling your eyes in discreet amusement, you skid to a pink decorated locker. However, the moment you see the dangling red lock on the handle.. you pause. Seeing your hesitation, Tyler knitted his eyebrows in disbelief, jeering, "Are you seriously forgetting the combination—" but before he can even continue his protest, the lock opens with a satisfying click.

"Awwwh how cute~ you're mad I forgot about our anniversary?" you retort sarcastically before pulling out several things to your bag as he rolls his eyes in irritation. Finishing, you slam your locker shut, revealing Tyler with his arms folded upon his chest with an annoyed expression.

"Oooh King of River High. I can see that. Rode to school with your brand new Ducati~" you tease, making the most exaggerated worshiping hand movements, playfully flattering him until it looks like hearts pouring out of your eyes, "I mean—look at the looong awaited hair! Wow!" You see, glorifying him has been a sugar to your coffee, a Tom to your Jerry—okay that doesn't make sense. "Our heartthrob scheming to steal some hearts, huh?!" you mock.

Hearing a hint of sarcasm in your claim, he laughs heartily, saying, "Ha—Don't worry. Even when I'm at the top, I never forget about you, Winters," in a swift move, he sandwiches your cheeks with his palms, and squeezes with all he might. His friendship bracelet dangling, grazing your cheeks. Lowering his face to yours, he shouts in glee, "You know you'll always be my favorite peasant~"

Pouting, you mumble between his palms, "Awww, wanna know a secret?" He raises his left eyebrow in amusement, already expecting another one of your comebacks before you finally yell, "You'll always be not my favorite boy!"

Switching on his Oscar-worthy acting skills, he jumps away from you in exaggeration as you rub your cheeks with narrowed eyes. Acting fuming, he shouts, "Ooh, that sounds personal. That's harsh, even for you Em—!"

"INCOMING!"

However, before either of you could react, a blonde haired boy flung his arms around you and Tyler. The voice reminds you of sunshine, yellow, crackers.. Liam.

"Liam Wyatt! Can you tone down your arrivals a little bit?" you giggle in recognition. The boys are already busy with their so-called ‘handshake’ as you shake your head in amusement, "Sheesh—why you always gotta be so extra?!"

They finally turn to you, Liam grabbing Tyler's shoulder as he remarks, "Emily~ you know you're not the only best friend, rrighttt?" emphasizing the word mockingly as you roll your eyes.

Tyler makes a tired face for this old joke, but you can catch a glimpse of smirk as he sneers, "Language, child.”

"Sorry, dad,” Liam chuckles while shaking Tyler's shoulders, "just want to show my bro some excitement after the mini school break.” Bringing Tyler along, he closes his distance with you. Leaning his face towards you, he whispers, "You know how it is—“ but before he can continue, a big palm lands on his forehead, pulling him away from you.

"Hey! Five feet apart!" Tyler shouts in haste as Liam flinches, rubbing his forehead in a frown. You laugh in satisfaction at the scene, sending Liam into a rampage, "GOD! Why are you so boring, bro?! It was even just a—“

"EMILY!"

This time, just by hearing that voice, you already know whose arms circled around you. Light as a feather, but that shrill every time she screams? Whooft—

"EEEK! Can't wait to steal some food from your lunch again!" she yells, both hands propped on your left shoulder. Eve hops up and down in evil excitement as you glare at her in annoyance.

"No way in hell!" you roll your eyes as you chuckle, then switch your attention to Tyler, "Ok remind me why the hyper duo is here again?!" Tyler shrugs his right shoulder and scoffs, still getting rants from on-edge Liam.

Eve curtsies in front of you, clarifying, "To escort you~ to class, Mi Lady.” but like a switch, in a swift move, she throws dagger eyes to Tyler and sneers, "and to separate you from him."

Noticing something he can relate to, Liam beams and pushes Tyler as he walks past him and agrees, "Oh wow, Eve! That's actually a brilliant idea! Know what he just did—"

Tyler gives him a side glance as he continues his vent to her. You chuckle at those two, already used to them feeding each other what they usually call ‘Vitamin C’. Well.. if they can relate to each other? Good for them.

Tyler ends his side glance by turning to you. And at the sight of you.. his eyes soften. Looking down to slightly shake his head, he chuckles.. then, raising his gaze at you between strands of his hair, he gives you the sweetest crooked grin you'll never.. ever get bored of.

You can't help but let out a giggle at the view. Like magnets, your feet automatically go near, leaving just enough amount of distance between the two of you.

Just how it's supposed to be.

He nudges your cheek playfully like he’s in a boxing match, and you comply—throwing your head back as if punched with great force. The two of you chuckle before he finally whispers,

"See you at recess?"

Grinning ear to ear, you reply,

"See you at recess.”

You attempt to grab Eve from Liam's kiss, but the two glued at each other like two fingers after you experimented on your dad's superglue when you were 5. "Alright, that's enough! The bell's ringing in like—3 more minutes!" you yell, and with help from Tyler, you succeed in separating the two, marking your first accomplishment of the year, but not with good reactions from both parties.

"Sheesh you two! Try be in love—!" Wyatt rants but stops in the middle of his sentence as a realization hits him.. before he raises an eyebrow to spill, "Or.. are you both in love?"

"Oh shut up, Liam."

Both of you shout at the same time as you struggle to drag each of them away from each other. "Well—try walking in our shoes then—!" Liam rants, again, but with Eve already in your hands, you have the upperhand—and drag her away.

"Bye weirdos!"

So, Eve and Liam?

Yes, they were kissing, and yes,

They're married.

Soon, though, lol. Liam hasn't popped the question yet. God, why do I still have to hear her rant like this when all I ever do, is for the sake of our lives? She knows how Mr. Bert is!

Still dragging Eve to the other direction as the boys, you turn around one last time.. to see Tyler, along with Liam, already surrounded by a pack of students as they head to Classroom V. Not just students though. Janitors, teachers, birds, even those mice that've been hiding behind these walls. You almost thought maybe he's Snow White all along.

Yeah, so.. it's always been like that. He's always been like that. The popular kid. The social butterfly. Everybody—I repeat, everybody loves him.

The King of River High? Yeah, he's not lying.

While me? It’s not that I'm a sociopath. I just really enjoy everything alone, pretty much everyday. Okay maybe I am, but—I have my reasons, I mean—I'm an INFJ ya'll! My kind is only 1.5% in this whole wide earth! I repeat. One. Point. Five. Percent.

And yes, I'm still proud about that.

But nah, kidding. Sometimes I’m an INFJ, sometimes I’m an ENFJ—I’m an ambi, but—see? Still, a complete opposite of him. He’s the real definition of an E.

I still go to parties though. In spite of the fact that.. yes, you guessed right. Still need so many dragging sessions from Tyty.

I know I've only shown his ‘normal’ side of him for the last 5 minutes. Do not. be fooled, everyone. There's nothing. nothing, more accurate than to describe him as an annoying, asshead. Ok let me elaborate, who the real Tyler Cavill is.

He pranks me all the time.

Oh, he could play sax, yes, so dreamy oh my God~

But in my case..

Once upon a time, on a serene morning.. A princess lied down in her soft.. delicate bed. Closing her eyes to the melodious chirping of birds outside the sill window. A beam of holy light pierced gently through the room as she thought, "Oh how wonderful my life is—"

BUUUUP!

It's just another tool to annoy me.

Yes, he used to wake me with that saxophone forged by Lucifer himself. And middle school was his peak—so can you imagine—middle school was pretty much.. how should I phrase it—

Hell.

Yeah, let's just put it at that. Maybe I should thank God that this beginning of high school kind of tamed him. Possibly, this could relate with him being more popular and all that heartthrob title and shit. But worry not. Believe it or not, I have a card to use because—

He sneezes like a dragon. I swear—see how those dragons in Game of Thrones roar? That's him, not even joking. This used to be my card to put him in his place. Oh sorry, forgot to mention, used to. You know what he'll do whenever I bring this up?

Sugarcane.

"Em I swear if you bring this up in front of them once more, you can kiss sugarcane byebye." "Em, shut the hell up. Ok you know what? I'm not in the mood for sugarcane anymore."

Since he won't buy me any sugarcane whenever I bring this up.. let's.. forget about this one.

"That one!"

His index finger pointed at some people flying in the air with great speed. Averting your eyes, you see the queue snaking past the railing. The screams from those on the ride made you gulp. As for him.. his eyes sparkled like a boy getting his toy for the first time. "Let's ride that one—" he suggested, turning to you with the biggest grin and cheered,

"That Rollercoaster of Hell!"

He loves the amusement parks. To death.

Unfortunately, for the weak hearted like me—nevertheless, he always drags me to ride those extreme rides for the rest of the day, so—RIP me.

Ok, I know he's maddening almost at all times..

Ivory Carpet spread beneath you. Its soft feathers tickled you with care, as if whispering sweet nothings beneath your every move. Slowly, you opened your eyes, vision still blurring, a slight burn from your sudden wake. Adjusting your head upon a soft piece of fabric, you found yourself just mere inches from someone's neck.

An adam apple danced with each peaceful breath. You raised your head, hoping to get clearer vision. You gazed for a moment as you adjusted your eyes to the view, and when it settled, you raised your eyes higher..

But.. despite everything I told you..

It's Cavill, eyes closed in peace. Nobody would dare to disturb that peace. A warm smile played on your lips as the realization dawned upon you. There you both were. Peacefully nestled next to each other, a serene aftermath following a spirited argument over whether the Yankees or Dodgers would claim victory. With a tender adjustment of your arm, you shifted onto your side, stealing a quiet moment to watch him sleep. You knew it's a bit of a stalker move.. but you thought to yourself..

He's just a softie.

Putting a tray filled with burgers and coke, he sat across from you in the booth. He reached and took a big bite, not minding the juices and sauces dripping on the corners of his mouth. "Awh! Cute~ cute Tyty~" you squeezed his cheeks in adoration as he squinted his eyes on you, annoyed.

He eats in pouts.

“Bad at math but I still hit!”

“RIVERS!”

The Rivers form a circle around a trio with their white caps nestled upon their heads. In the middle, Tyler runs in the middle of the circle, hyping their teammates as they make a howling shouts—before skids to step out of the circle with a ball in hand, making all of them make a curve around him. Until finally everyone chants the final line,

"HIT THE LOG AND I WILL HIT—RIVERS!"

And Tyler tosses the ball lightly into the air and swings his bat, sending the ball soaring far into the field! The entire field erupts in cheers! Tyler pretends to shield his eyes with his hand as if looking far into the distance for the ball, acting very cocky while his friends push him playfully. Watching him as you roll your eyes in amusement, somehow, your eyes meet his. Between the crowd, he winks at you, before giving you a devilish smile and turning back to his roaring teammates.

He’s.. ok can’t deny it he’s cool when he’s baseballing.

"HEY! Why you betray me?!" he shouted as he slammed the black joystick out of his hands. You laughed guiltily as you hid your face behind your white joystick, "Hehe, sorry bro~ needed that to level up—“

We love playing together.

Tyler tackled your annoying hand from his cheeks repeatedly as you giggled, "I'm sorry, Tyty~ I'm sorry please don't be mad~" He winced in disgust and kept tackling, but not until.. "I'll buy you more burgers!" you shouted the same time Tyler grabbed your hands, putting you in place. He stared at you in suspicion.. but in a flash, it turned into a sinister smile as he roared,

"For a whole week!"

"What the—don't push it!" you lunged at his chuckling, annoying self, with twitching hands still held by him. As the table had turned, you argued with all you might, while he laughed in satisfaction and victory.

So.. My parents won't let me buy a PS5, and so every once in a while.. he lets me play in his room. In secret, of course. But anyway, as you guessed, a few burgers later..

Pink iPhone stood upright against a filled water bottle with camera on. "We look so silly!" you giggled, both were already dancing over Tommy Richman’s Million Dollar Baby trend enthusiastically. Cavill moved sloppily—maybe thinking he got all the swag already in mind, while you nailed the move in a serious manner. After you reached your phone to have your second take, Tyler started by exaggerating the move as you laughed hysterically.

You'll see us dancing to Tiktok moves together. Yes, one minute we're arguing, one minute we're already doing a Tiktok dance. That's life, fellas. Our life.

We always hang out at our favorite spot. A beautiful park near the lake. Oh you really got to see them in Winter, so. freaking. beautiful.

Still in your high school uniform, you sit side by side near the lake, an arm resting lazily on his shoulder while your left palm supports your body. The ambient light, dim yet sparkling, hung from the gracefully bowing branches of the surrounding trees.

Tyler, lounging with his legs extending towards the lake, supports himself with hands placed casually behind him. With his head tilting to the side lazily, you see him smiling, serene drawn all over his gorgeous face.

And what do we do here, you say? Unimportant things, honestly. We talk about school.. life.. crushes. Chilling.. eating a bunch of burgers—with sugarcanes, of course. But most importantly..

Taking out your phone, you place your right Airpod in your ear. Feeling the weight of your arm lifted on his shoulder, he glances at you as you lie down. Following suit, he adjusts himself upon the grass, and you gently place your left Airpod in his left ear. You rest your arms on your stomach the same time he places his hands under his head as a pillow, the two of you lay side by side. Just two bestfriends staring at the shimmering majestic tree..

We usually just lay down on the stone pavings. Put out the Airpods, one on each of our ears, and play Comethru by Jeremy Zucker. Our song.

So yeah—he might be annoying.. and protective—and clingy, the list goes on.. But I love him. Like—like a brother of course! Please—like my childhood friend.. Like.. my partner in crime..

Tyler turns to you with a gentle smile plastered on his face. In a soft, low voice, he whispers..

"Hey,"

Returning the smile, you turn to him, lifting your eyebrows in response. He held up his pinkie to you as he mutters,

"Bestfriends?"

Feeling warmth spread all over your body, you tilt your head and gaze at him with a twinkle in your eyes. You close your eyes and nudge your head on his shoulder before directing your attention on his lonely outstretched pinkie. Gently brushing your pinkie to his, Tyler intertwines your fingers together firmly, before turning his soft gaze towards you..

to hear you whisper,

"Forever."

He’s my bestfriend forever.

Thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote, comment, and add to your library!

Check out some additional content on social media💖

@lifelorestudio

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! I'll reveal the Playlist by the end of this story, so.. Stay Tuned!

The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

Pink Sweat$ - Bloom [Lyric Video]

Jeremy Zucker - comethru (Official Video)

March 2019

The rhythmic ping sounds of hitting traveled through the air. Hands covered in black gloves, a boy squeezed the smooth baseball bat firmly, weighing it on his hands with consideration. Readied himself, he hoisted the bat over his shoulders. His eagle eyes were put to work, and as the ball bolted to his side, he swung!

With absolute precision, the ball floated in a fast line, followed with a couple of claps and cheers. With a lopsided grin, the boy slammed the maple wood bat on the base, to have it bounced back to his hand in a spin, displaying a mix of skill and flair. And as he proudly caught back the bat—

"Yeah! That's my bestfriend! Go Tyty!"

Behind the net, you jumped up and down on the tribune, hands clapping in delight. Shouting from the top of your lungs, you cheered for the boy that's been grinning back at you. Shoulders rolled under his red and white jersey, he adjusted his red NY cap, exchanging a glance with grinning you. Moving to the middle of the base, he stood with poise, ready to take on the next play. Planting his foot on the ground, he gripped the ball tightly on his palm, ready to swing whenever he liked. Creasing his forehead in concentration, he observed his opponent—and after he made sure he's ready, he swung!

Strike!

Throwing his gloves and cap to the ground, he shouted in unbridled delight, "Yeah! Let's fucking go!"

"Language, Cavill!"

"Sorry, coach—Winny! Did you see—"

However, his triumphant boasting came to an abrupt halt as he tried to process a scene unfolding before him. Instead of being met by your admiration, he found you.. with a boy, receiving a pink box with a neatly placed black ribbon at the top. He surveyed in disinterest, but not until he saw your face light up—disinterest quickly turned into interest, his face heating up. Ignoring the ongoing practice, he sprinted towards the tribune and shouted, "Hey! Em remember rule number—!"

Just when you redirected your attention back to him, a ball struck him square in the eye. The sound of your voice shouting in the distance echoed through the field as Tyler tumbled down to the ground. Cursing and groaning in pain, he put a hand over his eye—with another supporting his arse that's been flat on the ground. His eye began to sport a shade of blue, however in between his minced eyes, he noticed a faint silhouette.

A boy, notably tall for his age, strolled along the path to him. He got closer.. and closer.. until the silhouette became clearer. 'Damn, bet his eyes still bluer than mine even right now,' Tyler thought. Just when he's about to muster the strength to rise on his own, the boy extended a hand. Tyler observed in suspicion, but then he shrugged off whatever ill prejudice he had—and took the hand hesitantly—to be taken with great strength. Regaining his composure, Tyler found himself face to face with the boy, who smiled and said,

"So—"

"How's your girlfriend?"

Said the boy with blue eyes. His arm circled around Tyler's shoulders, dragging him to the cafeteria. Strikes of blonde hair bouncing over his shoulders, oh how the teachers would love to cut it, although they'd always push the thought since he'll always have his way to charm them. Or maybe they're just afraid one of the biggest benefactors in River High would cut the flow instead.

Cutting is one thing, as for the girls? It's another story. Since the moment he walks through the hallway, they're already making scenes on what to do with that loose flowy hair. And both of them in one frame? Da Vinci cried he missed the scene.

Tyler gives him a side eye as he snarls, "For fucks sake. That'll never happen—just shut up if you're bored and oh—maybe the short holiday just makes you want to pick a fight huh? You're welcome to try again." Despite Dominic being like a brother to him, his displeasure is completely shown in the way his face scowls. What's drawn in Dom's face is the exact opposite though, as his thin lips form a lopsided grin as he chuckles,

"I can make her mine then?"

In a blink, Tyler traps him in a firm headlock as he murmurs over Dom's ear, "Over my dead body, asshole." and releases him just to drag him forcefully through the cafeteria door. Dom laughs out loud, driving more attention to them. The wide room was packed with students, all busy taking their food, eating, talking. But not until both come across them. All eyes stealing glances, mouths forming into smiles, boys offering them places to sit. At this point, people might think they own the school.

But they already know where they're going for—well, more like who they're searching for. Their eyes scan the whole room for this one.. special person. Tyler releases his arms on Dominic to put his hands on his pockets, ‘for concentration’ he thought, but maybe because he's quite aware of how hot he looked like doing it. Dom narrows his eyes and searches through the corner..

Voila.

He gestures Tyler with his head, signing to follow him. Tyler nods the same time he saw what he meant, and they both stride.. until they're behind him.

The other blonde.

Dominic crosses his arms over his chest as Tyler nods and grins to the girls sitting across the boy. The both of them hover over him without him knowing, one raising an eyebrow, one chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief—still, both eyes piercing through his back. Watching the scene, the girls giggle, putting the blonde boy's love speech into a halt. As if the boy finally senses the menacing aura, he turns his head slowly..

"..I can explain,” he grins in guilt, crouching his shoulders like a hunchback.

Tyler grabs his shoulder with one hand as he says, "We don't need your explanation, Wyatt.”

Then Dominic grabs the boy’s other shoulder with one hand as he lazily demands, "What we need, is your loyalty.”

Liam jumps from his chair in disagreement and swiftly turns to them, "This is different bro! You know I'm in love!” Then he turns to Eve with a funny smirk plastered on his face and gives her an air kiss.

“So much for your ‘Bros before Hoes’, Wyatt,” Dominic complains as he folds his hands in front of his chest.

Tyler runs a hand through his hair and lets out a sigh as he mumble under his breath, "Ran as the bell rings just to see his girl? Yeah, you're doomed man—" Realizing how he gave his critiques in Eve's face, he gives an apologetic nod to Eve and adds, "no offense, Eve.”

Surprisingly, not like this morning, Eve laughs lightly and agrees, "So you're here to take him? Please do." Liam turns to her dramatically like someone just gave him a Trojan Horse and breaks his heart. "Sorry, baby I just can't stand Emily's face!" she shouts. That's when she transfers the attention to you, still keeping the excuses going, "She’s one second away from killing us, babe!"

Tyler darts his eyes to you and winks at you, to have you chuckle as a response. Nodding your head to Tyler and Dom as an approval, you agree, "You're damn right Evie. Thanks to these gentlemen right here, now I can eat in peace,” acting nonchalant, you dart a sideways glance to her before continuing, "but you're welcome to join your boyfriend though, no hope in you either anyway.”

Eve gives a suppressed laugh and dangles her arms around your left arm, she laughs, "Aww don't be jealous Emily~” to have you give her a glare from the corner of your eyes, rolling your eyes while continuing your feast.

"Let's just separate the two for now. It's for the best," Tyler assures, nodding. Dom leans on the wall, getting impatient as he plays with his lighter,

"Last chance to redeem your sins, Wyatt.”

Liam looks at all of you in irritation—but not until his eyes land on.. you.

His green eyes lit up.. and you only saw him this excited when he told the boys Eve likes him back. Too accustomed to the scene, you confidently mock him, "Look Eve, your boyfriend just did it again, he thinks he has the upper hand to change his bullying situation and turn it on me—"

With a smug face, he rests a hand on Tyler's shoulder, reassuring him like he's about to tell him the most confidential secret this country has ever had.

"Why can't he just accept the fact that he's so bulliable—" you mumble between chewing your gyoza as you see him whisper those inaudible—must've unimportant knowledge he ever had to Tyler. "I mean—what could he possibly think he has against me for today? All he ever do the moment he got here is flirt with you, babble around his annoyance for Ms. Liza—" you rant and rant about her boyfriend—

But you found Dominic already listening in eagerness too. You stop your chewing as you watch Tyler—his eyebrows knitted, making you wonder what the hell was that about. You start to lose your confidence as you falter.. "And ask you about what you're about to do this weekend—" and falter.. "just so he can ask you out on another—"

Then it hit you.

And when it hits, it hits like you first crashed dad's car on your own fence.

Now, Tyler's eyes on you. His eyes ablaze, tongue protruding on his cheek, pissed.

Shit this must be about—

Fuck Liam. Screw Tyler. I hate this life.

You're wondering what's with Ty's over dramatic reaction? Oh let me indulge you. Starting with the rule I regret I've ever agreed on.

Now you're in an empty classroom, chairs and tables stacked on each other in the corners. For the look of it, this must've been abandoned for a long time—but that's not what makes this room eerie. You notice a chair in the center with someone sitting on it. Their hands aren't bondaged, but still, the person sits there in obedience—no, more with fear. Face stricken with panic, feet tapping on the floor in anxiety, sweat trickling down his temple..

Your date for this weekend.

Rule #9: Every potential SO must go through a screening—*sigh* interrogation\, process.

From the darkest corner of the room, a silhouette surfaces, holding a wood baseball bat over his shoulder. A baseball bat you. know. so well. As he strides through the room, he slams the bat on the floor, dragging it, making an unpleasant screeching sound. Two more shadows follow him from behind, their blonde hairs glinting in the sunlight. Getting near to the chair, a deep voice emerge between the deafening silence,

"Well, well, well."

It's Tyler.

His lips form a sinister smile and he plays his baseball bat rhythmically onto the ground, roaring, "You heard the rumors, but you still do it anyway—you must've had pair of balls made of steel, huh?"

Your date—your poor date still keeps an upright posture. However, you can see his hands tremble as he swiftly hides them between his thighs. The three of them walk in arrogance and elegance. If you're not so annoyed maybe you'd call them the Angel of Death, but the nickname might be too noble for them.

They finally arrive in front of your date. Tyler tilts his head to the side, eyeing him head to toe with mocking eyes. He slams the maple wood bat on the ground—to have it bounced back to his hand in a spin. Using the trick you knew all too well. But instead of stopping, he slams it again to the porcelain floors, letting it bounce back, catching it, and spinning it. He spin.. and spin.. and spin—each spin getting closer to your date—and when he finally catches the bat—

SLAM!

Before swinging the bat to land on the floor just a millimeter from his groin. You jump at the sound, face painted in concern as you let out a desperate shout. The other two broke off into cheers, proud of their friend, but as for your date..

Eyes goggle in shock, your date ends up fainted in his chair.

"Geez! Do you have to?!" you hurriedly run to your date as the boys throw their heads in the air, disappointed. Pushing them out of the way, you kneel in front of the chair. "Nate—Nate! Wake up!" you worry, slapping your date's cheek, trying to wake him up. You rack your brain on how to apologize to Nate when he wakes up—how to keep a secret from anyone so you can go on a rescheduled date with him—

"Guess your date's canceled," Tyler rolls his eyes and lets out an exaggerated sigh.

Liam agrees and joins, "Haven't even got to interrogate—"

Before you kick your foot to the floor, confronting them. You glare at them one by one with fire blazing in your eyes. First to pursed-lipped Liam, then to Dom as he raises his hands and claims, "I'm just here for the fun part," as you roll your eyes, and lastly.. to grinning.. very-satisfied-with-your-reaction Tyler.

"You’re a punk or something?!" you yell at him, holding yourself from punching the guy's face.

He swings and hovers his baseball bat over his shoulders like it's the most precious to him, implying, "Well it's the rule, ain't it? Anyway, he made it clear to me either, No. Boyfriends. remember?"

Your nose let out a hard huff at him in defeat as he laughs. Satisfied, he tilts his head—when he notices how the sunlight already dimmed through the windows. Alarmed, he checks his watch in a hurry, blurting out,

"Ok I have to pick up my girlfriend at 7. Need to make a good impression—right bross?"

He turns his head to the boys, a smug face planted on his face—but not until he sees the boys'. The room goes silent as he realizes what just slipped. Liam and Dom's eyes round in horror as they dart their eyes to him.. and then to you. Colors drain from his face as he puts down his watch slowly.. to reveal your face—

Red. Nose flaring with fire. Eyebrows lifted to the max, eyeballs about to pop. Grinning like a maniac—

"YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND WITHOUT TELLING ME AND YOU DO THIS?!"

The room stays the same. But the most significant change darkens the corners of the room. Making it become way more sinister horror movies should learn a thing or two. The person on the chair changed into a girl.

His new Succubus.

You stride to her, feet hovering over the floor. You grab the chair's top rail so tight it cracks a little. The boys watch in horror, terror overtook their faces—but not as scared as Tyler for his new girlfriend.

And then there's Eve, just arrived from buying her popcorn specifically for this scene, watching the whole ordeal with delight. You hover over The Succubus as you smile at the poor girl. It almost looked like you're an angel, but not until the camera pans to your blazing eyes.

"So.. Jennifer Check, right?"

Your voice is as light as the feathers, tiny and sweet and patient. Very contrasting with your whole look right now. Taking a quivering breath, the girl answers reluctantly in a tiny voice, "Y—Yes..?"

"Tell me one reason I shouldn't kill you right now."

You give her a big smile and giggle like a maniac. "W—what?!" she replies in a cracked voice and closes her mouth with her hands.

You continue laughing a sinister laugh, giving an amused sigh, "Kidding—I'm kiddingggg, right Tyty? I wouldn't do that~"

Liam faints as Eve rolls her eyes—putting her popcorn aside to check on him. Dominic choked a laugh as Tyler's mouth twitched in a defeated smile. You drag a chair, pushing more weight onto the floor on purpose, creating a screeching sound as you delightfully watch the girl tremble in fear. You sit on the chair, taking a deep breath.. and smile, exclaiming,

"So, first question. What's the most you would be willing to spend on—cars, burgers, shoes?"

The girl thinks with all her might to answer, "S—shoes—?"

"WRONG!"

You leap from your chair—grip hers and shout to her face! At the roar, the others jump to their feet. Eve looks around to see if they get the same reaction then giggles in amusement. Liam can't handle the scene and faints for the second time. Dominic mouths a ‘holy shit’ as he takes a bunch of popcorn from Eve. As for Tyler?

He's already sitting on the floor, smiling in despair.

"How do you see yourself 10 years from now?!" you question, bombarding her.

The girl starts to tremble in fear, answering, "I—I think I want to be a doctor—"

"Think again!" you shout. With each question you raise your voice, with each answer you raise your blood pressure. "Do you want to have children—and if you do, will you change the diapers?!"

Crying, the girl shouts in resign, "I—I don't know—"

You roar, "WRONG AGAIN! Ok girl you fail—!"

"Emilia Winters you did not just ask Questions to Ask Before You Marry!"

Tyler screams in misery and despair as he slaps his hands on the floor. Dom who's been silent this whole time joins his comrade as he crosses his arms and exclaims, "Yeah dude spare the girl she looks like she's gonna—" and The Succubus puke right then and there, "...puke," he trails off, watching the scene in awe as he scratches the back of his head.

Liam wakes up just to ask "What smell is this?" before he finds the girl puke for the second time—

He faints for the third time.

“No no no no—Emily—Em!”

Eve runs a hand through her hair, frustration boiling over as you sprint through the tribune like a bat out of hell. She tries her best to hold you back, but you shrug off Eve’s hand and keep running, eyes locked on the field with a deathly stare.

On the field, The Rivers are already huddled up. Inside the circle, Liam, Dominic, and Tyler are pacing frenziedly, hyping up their teammates. Grinning widely, Cavill throws his bat in the air before catching it, and shouts,

“READY TO HIT SOME LOGS, RIVERS?!”

Their teammates howl excitedly. Before Dom claps his hands with an echoing sound, silencing everyone. All waits in anticipation as Liam inhales before running around the circle to shout,

“Not the brightest but still hit!”

“RIVERS!”

Liam then points to Brad, whose shoulder is already moving up and down with hype, arms around the shoulders of his teammates as he shouts,

“Got no girlfriend but still hit!”

“RIVERS!”

“Not my dad but acts like one—RIVERS!”

Suddenly, an angry sound echoes through the field like a hurricane. Tyler stops in his tracks, recognizing the voice, his eyes widening in horror. Everyone turn to find the source, finally spotting you up on the podium with the mic. Eyes locked, glaring like fire meeting fire, he silently mouths a 'don’t you dare.' But with a smirk, you sneer,

“Hope you suck your date tonight.”

Tyler’s face turns crimson with rage. He cocks his head, cracks his fingers, and storms out of the circle. Wyatt and Hunt try to hold him back, but he ducks under their arms and keeps marching, his eyes never leaving yours. Equally enraged, you shouts to the mic,

“This is for sabotaging my date, asshole! FUCK YOU!” and bolted, letting the mic drop with a thud that made everyone cover their ears.

You both reach the netting at the edge of the field, stopping momentarily to glare at each other, nostrils flaring like two bulls about to charge! Like a game of tag, your eyes focus, each predicting the other’s next move. You finally dart right—and he mirrors you!

You bolt, glancing back to see his fierce gaze from down the field. When you’re almost reaching the end of the net, you notice him already preceding you. Trying to make a sudden move, you turn right to the stairs, and when you look behind you, he’s already leaping over a pipe—and to the tribune, heading up towards you! Just then, a booming voice echoed from the mic,

“Tyler Cavill get your ass down here right now, or you’ll be suspended!”

Tyler freezes, throwing his head back in irritation, and as he does, he notices people around the tribune already recording the fiasco with their phones. Unfazed, he turns and glares at you—to find you already far near the exit gate.

“And your friend up there—who—!”

Still running ahead, you sneak a glance back—and quickly turn back your attention to the front.. before darting into a corner, successfully escaping the field.

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