No. way.

There ain't no way I'm getting lunch with him and that bimbo again. There ain't no way I'm seeing that bully ever again—Regina George? Oh hell, more like that blonde Smiling Titan from that anime—what's it called again? Forget it. What matters the most is that, there ain't no. way. I'm seeing his face again. You know what? I'll move. Yes—yes! Packing up my belongings, definitely grabbing Tumba. I'll find a place far, far away where the mere thought of running into him is a distant nightmare. It's time for a change. A fresh start. I won't be his neighbor again. I won't be his—

"Em!"

Beside you, down the window, a guy screams your name with the top of his lungs like a psycho. Cringing in shame, you notice the inside of the bus start getting distracted by the commotion he made. You give them an apologetic gesture, then swiftly turn to the window. With impeccable timing, you catch his eye, making him pause. You shoot him a mischievous nervous grin, and fly a middle finger right to his face! Aware of his scrunched nose when he continues his rant, you look away to find a mix of gasps and stifled cheers erupting from the other passengers.

The bus thankfully starts to pick up speed, leaving him behind in the traffic jam. You watch with a sense of relief as he's becoming distant. Turning your attention back to the front, the frown on your face now replaced with a victorious smirk. The passengers around you exchange approving glances, and a few even give you subtle high fives.

Yeah, I know. He's been following me around since school. Thank. God the bus is on schedule today—at least the universe's on my side this once. Probably already dropped off that girlfriend of his—but how the hell he's already behind this bus? How can I lose him once the bus stops? Run? Yeah, that's the only option.

The bus grinds to a halt, and as it aligns perfectly with your housing complex, you're already standing at the door, nervously clenching and unclenching your knuckles. The impending dread of potential encounter with an unwanted boy hangs heavily in the air.

Ok three, two—

Once the door opens, you run as fast as you can. You sprint past the security guard, past your complex's statue.. and as you pass Wyatt's house, you're feeling a mix of relief and amusement—he's still nowhere in sight. You're close. So close to finally arriving at your house. You can't help but let out a small chuckle at your own stealth skills, you've outsmarted him. Grinning, you turn the corner to your usual spot—

But Cavill stands right there, leaning casually against his black Defender. Once he sees your disheveled self, he wears that mischievous grin of his, the perfect opposite of your stunned reaction. You come to an abrupt halt, eyes widening in disbelief.

"How did you.. what?!"

Clearly enjoying the moment, he raises an eyebrow. And as his grin turns into a smirk as he scoffs,

"Nice try."

"Fuck's sake, Em! Why do you always make my life harder than it already was?!"

Supporting his hands on his knees, Cavill pants heavily in exhaustion. "You—you—!" etched with irritation, he groans annoyedly towards the skies like a Kingkong.

Not far across from him, you stand in front of the large tree, also panting like you just ran a marathon—well, you did run a big mile just now. Unintended, the two of you play cat and mouse, just like when you were a kid. The difference is, this time, it has an essential goal:

You. need. to get away from him.

Nevermind, that has. been the goal of a cat and mouse game since way back, dumbass.

Taking advantage of his exhaustion, you sprint further from the tree. Tyler rolls his head while closing his eyes, creating a tired, almost crying expression. Following you, he jogs, likely surrendering with a metaphorical white flag. "You can't do this to me, Winters. My practice this week was far from easy and now—"

"Oh yeah? How's 'The Love of My Life'? Has Her Majesty left her carriage safe and sound yet?!"

Ignoring his complaint, you give him a sarcastic rhetorical question, still zigzagging through the mini trees and bushes. Starting to catch up as he fastens his strides, he gives you a disgusted look as he yells, "Hey! Will you stop with the judging? She's my girlfriend!"

"SMASH and WEBBS are in vain—just for that dumbo bimbo?! Plus—she's a fucking bully! Geez, Tyler!"

Occasionally, you glare to the back, only to find Cavill responding with an exhausted sigh. Stopping in his tracks, looking up, he runs both hands through the sides of his disheveled hair in irritation. And when he brings his head back down, he slightly tilts his head and stares at you jadedly.

"Listen, I know she seemed—" he pauses. You notice him on the verge of opening his mouth but hesitating. Unexpectedly, seemingly deciding to retract his previous defense, he cringes instead and admits, "Ok that was uncalled for, I'm very much surprised myself—"

"No shit! Who the hell bullies a guy when they're angry? Psychos?! And did you notice how that boy looked like he had enough?! That means she's been doing it to him for a long time!"

Cutting him off, you roll your eyes as you unload everything that's been on your mind onto him. He seems considerate as he decides to sit on the ground. Noticing how he looks like he's also been thinking about this one, you pause to catch your breath and clarify, "So you admit your girlfriend's crazy?"

He's now all slouched with two hands supporting his back. Tilting his head, you notice strands of his hair covering his eyes as he squints them at you in a serious manner. However, it suddenly transforms into something more.. sinister, because you swear you notice his evil smirk slightly surfaces from a brief moment. But then, he skillfully hides it behind his nonchalant look as he says, "Eh, I don't know," but what comes out from his mouth next is what confirms your suspicions—

"Still not crazier than you."

...

Oh so he chooses war.

Eyes widening, he observes the color rising in your face. Your expression shifts from disbelief to annoyance, and it's almost comical how your features contort with exasperation. Tyler, notorious for not taking anything seriously, registers your escalating frustration with a mix of amusement and genuine surprise, struggling to contain his laughter.

As flares seemingly start to emerge from your nose and a metaphorical storm cloud forms over your head, Tyler swiftly changes his slouched posture into an alert stance. 'Uh oh', he mumbles, realizing you're getting angrier than he anticipated. Knowing that it might be wise to put some distance between himself and your escalating wrath, he readies himself to run—

And you flee, now the one chasing him down! Cavill bolts ahead with a mix of surprise and amusement, letting out a loud cackle. With a burst of adrenaline, you sprint after him with determination. Almost closing the gap, you shout, "Fuck you Tyler Cavill! Fuck you!"

Upon your curse, he stops and turns with a raised eyebrow, causing you to stop in your tracks and collide into him—and you hurriedly take several steps back away from him, creating a good amount of distance. Rhythmically cracking his knuckles, he glares down at you intimidatingly and commands, "Take that back."

Feeling the weight of your backpack behind you, you lean forward to alleviate the exhaustion and mumble, still catching your breath between sentences, "I just had a serious cringe towards you, and your taste this afternoon—" then, just to deliver the final blow, you stand upright, swaying slightly like a tipsy woman—and plunge a finger in his direction, yelling, "and the last thing I want to see is your stupid face!"

His face transforms into a distorted expression of irritation. You're very well aware that he's so down to catch you this time. In alert, you turn to run away from him. But this time, he successfully catches your backpack.

You know, just another déjà vu.

Letting out a big groan, you struggle to get away from him. Pursing his lips and tilting his head, he squints his eyes. He can only see the back of your head, but he can clearly visualize how your face looks right now. Knitting eyebrows, scrunching nose, upside down crescent moon for your lips.. and the corner of his lips lifts slightly, as if something came up on his mischievous mind.

He suddenly releases your bag, causing you to stumble forward. However, he swiftly pulls back and drags your bag to the side, making you turn—to fall onto him instead! As he catches your forearms, your hands grab his biceps alertly—followed by your head that lands straight on his chest!

"Ow!" you shout in annoyance. In brisk movement, you retract from him—only to find him grinning back at you. You see his dark strands of hair looming over you, his hazel eyes so close..

And it feels like the whole world stops. And you feel your heartbeat stop for a second there too. Weirdly, despite all that.. to feel him this close.. has a calming effect on you. The grips between you loosen.. and now your touches feel more like a gentle embrace. Unconsciously, your frown gradually transforms into a pout. You look away, uncertain whether it's from the nervousness.. or from the weariness of these past few weeks.

But that.. grin.

That most dangerous thing. Because now.. seeing his grin annoyingly just fades all of his annoyance away. And seeing his grin gradually fade.. you thought that maybe—maybe, he feels it too. Almost feel familiar, that unknown.. weird.. yet strangely comfortable feeling.

However, that faded grin transforms into a gentle smile. He releases you for a moment, initially leaving you confused. But then he nods and taps the straps of your bag, helping in removing your backpack off you.

"Why run around with this turtle backpack, Winny?" he chuckles, all while maintaining a soft smirk. Your stare turns into puppy eyes as you heave a sigh, then you rest your head on his chest. You're tired. So so tired for these past few weeks.

Maintaining a broad grin, he mocks, "Ew get away you're sweaty," and hearing them swiftly causes you to retract your head with knitting eyebrows. But before you can even make another move, he drops your bag on the ground and pulls you close.

The sudden rush of heat surges through you. Thank God he can't see you right now. But catching the way his rapid heartbeat slowly decreases calms you. Both of you let out a small sigh in this embrace. Closing your eyes, the thought of the two of you resting together leaves you with a smile. "Ew you're sweaty too, Tyty," you sulk, your tone contradicting the way you're truly feeling.

Letting out a low chuckle, he pulls away slightly to check on you, only to find your fake pouting. A hearty laugh escapes his mouth as he playfully shakes your body and chuckles, "Come onnn, stop pouting like that."

You both pause for a second. He gazes at you in amusement—until suddenly, Cavill jolts in excitement. He then reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. With a mischievous grin, he taps a few buttons.. and suddenly, a song starts playing from the speaker. Jogging a few steps back in delight, his fluffy hair bounces as he moves his head like a hen while bouncing his eyebrows humorously. He grins as he sees your pout transform into a loud giggle.

"In that case—!" he shouts, extending a hand towards you with a playful glint in his eye. Grinning, you take his hand. Soon enough, both of you are dancing to the upbeat tempo, laughing as you both sing while shouting at each other faces,

"NOW I'M SHAKING, DRINKING ALL THIS COFFEE! THIS PAST FEW WEEKS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTING! I'M LOST IN MY IMAGINATION! AND THERE'S ONE THING THAT I NEED FROM YOU—"

Heh. This is Tyler. Always has his way to shift the atmosphere. Comethru? Our song? Yeah, I admit. That was smooth. So.. yeah, it's always been like this. Even when I'm mad.. he can always manage to alter the moment. Just by giving me his antics, his.. grin.. his smile.. his..

"CAN YOU COME THrough uuh u uh.. u uh—"

However, at the last line, he finds himself singing alone. Lost in your own thoughts.. you wear a frown again. Much like his grin, the background song fades as he lowers the volume on his phone, all without taking away his eyes from you.

Cavill observes you looking away, his faded grin now transforms into a more.. calculating. His thumbs stroke your wrists gently, as if wanting you to look him in the eye again. Crooking his head slightly to the side, observing your face beneath his eyelids, he lets out a slight smile. Despite watching you from below, his eyes are gentle, conveying the words he's been wanting to say—

"Sorry..."

He gently pinches your right cheek, a small gesture to make you look at him. And it works. Staring at him with a weary expression, you sigh as he bids an explanation, "I've been busy, I know—"

With someone else.

...

Wait what the fuck who cares—Em you shouldn't be like this! Who're you to even think like this you're not his—

"I miss you."

fuck.

There goes my pride.

His eyes widened in genuine surprise upon hearing your impromptu words. However, despite maintaining his composure, a brief warmth flickers in his gaze.. and your frown slightly turns into a sheepish lopsided smile as you witness a subtle blush graces his cheeks. Letting out a nervous cackle, he hesitantly goes to ruffle your hair despite knowing how you hate it. As he senses how you flinch a little, he quickly retracts his hand, murmuring, "Right.. sorry,"

Wow, that's a first. It's usually a gesture to annoy me.. why—

Placing his hands firmly on your arms, he gazes at you tenderly for a while. Suddenly, a spark of inspiration lights up his hazel eyes as a smile slowly graces his face. Then, shaking you in excitement, he whispers,

"I have an idea."

"Hey Baby—"

Taylor joyfully opens the car door to the passenger seat, but as her hand touches the headrest, her excitement abruptly cuts short as she sees...

You.

Lounging in the back passenger seat of Mr. Cavill's car. However, judging by Taylor's reaction, it seems that she definitely hasn't been informed, as there's a hint of surprise—followed by a slightly annoyed expression. You respond by an uncomfortable grin as you make war with yourself internally—

You know, I even asked him how! I mean—he rides his Ducati to school right? It wouldn't fit three people? Yet he insisted, saying—how he always borrows his dad's car to school anyway now—plus, Taylor doesn't want to go to school on a motorcycle.

Yeah you know what I did when I heard that. I rolled my eyes pretty hard.

Ok I. know. In the same room as her was not a great idea—but yeah, I accepted anyway. After all, Tyler's here.

..right?

But her reaction.. Hey, whatever. I know Tyler first, we started this habit first too.

Showing his contagious grin with hands on the wheel, Cavill enthusiastically reveals to his girlfriend, "Sorry I haven't told you, Tay. But, cool if we go to school together?" Turning his head in your direction, he shoots you a smug look while playfully taunts you, "She practically looks like a lost puppy these past few weeks. Can't stand it."

Rolling your eyes, you immediately cut in, "Geez chill out, Ty—I don't need you, ew? I can drive a car if I want to anyway. Sorry Taylor, if it's bothering you I could—"

But unexpectedly, Taylor smiles like an angel, responding to you with 'joy and sincerity' as she says, "Oh no, it's super fine! You're his best friend since forever too anyway!" At his girlfriend's approval, Tyler flashes a grin to the both of you and bounces his eyebrows in relief before turning his attention to locking the door.

However, from your filmgoer perspective, wedged between the two seats and gripping the edge of your seat, you sense that something's coming. As expected, as if a brilliant idea crosses her mind, she scoots closer to Tyler's seat, nudging his shoulder. As he turns to her, Taylor grabs her boyfriend's face..

and kisses him.

You watch him let out a grin and gradually close his eyes.. deepening the kiss.

Kiss? Huh. They're basically making out in front of me. This is so lame! What did I ever do to deserve this scene in front of me—

Internally, you feel something boiling up inside of you. But gradually.. it turns into a.. strange feeling. Resulting with you hesitantly moving your gaze down to the carpet. Brows start furrowing, you slowly shift your eyes back to them.. to find Tyler abruptly opening his eyes like he's eventually realized something—you immediately draw out your phone, scrolling through the apps in panic—

Fuckfuckfuck! Where'sTwitterwhere'sTwitterwhere'sTwitter—

"Love you baby."

Before you, both of them had already pulled away. You don't know who did it first—heck you don't give a damn. All you want to do, is bury yourself in your phone and get this over with—

"Love.. you.."

But then you hear his voice. In the corner of your eye, you notice Tyler shuffling to face the steering wheel, gripping it so tightly, squeezing it back and forth that his knuckles' bones are visibly protruding. Quickly, he snaps out of it, shifts the gear to D, and gets his foot ready to press the gas pedal. However, instead of hitting it, he turns to you, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.

"Ready to hit some logs?!" he asks in a slightly high-pitched tone, attempting to maintain the 'joyful' vibes that have been happening in the car. His gaze remains fixed on you, waiting for a reply. Any answer would be fine at this point. Anything. Just—anything..

"Yeah."

You respond by moving your gaze in a quick motion to him, offering a fake smile. However, within a split second, you switch your focus back to your phone and scoot to the far right, to be directly behind the passenger's seat.

In front of you, Taylor enthusiastically yells, "Let's go babe!" The difference of enthusiasm between your responses catches Cavill's attention for the worse. He gives a little smile to her before shifting his gaze to the rearview mirror, causing his smile to fade. After a slight sigh, he finally presses the gas pedal. The car moves forward, but a subconscious unease lingers as it leaves you in wonder..

It's not like I've never seen this before though.. but why does this time.. it feels..

suffocating.

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Cecylia Costania @rcpcs.writes

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! Full Playlist on bio💖

The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

https://youtu.be/LPxgXhu8tTc