Standing in a dimly lit classroom, a sense of déjà vu washes over you. The flickering fluorescent lights overhead emit a faint buzzing sound, adding to the petrifying atmosphere. Anxious, you watch as someone voluntarily sits on the chair in the center.

However, not like the latest, the boy sits calmly, his demeanor composed. The blue eyed boy slouched in the chair, arms folded—his head tilted as his golden locks bounced confidently, seemingly challenging instead.

Emerging from the darkest corner, a silhouette brandishes a familiar wood baseball bat over his shoulder. With deliberate steps, he drags the bat along the floor, creating an unsettling screeching sound. This time, only one shadow follows him. His light blonde hair glinting in the sunlight—almost as if they're also suppressing a chuckle.

"Some serious balls you got there, Hunt."

You rush over to Dom, but he dismisses you with a calm hand gesture. Seeing how you're so eager to help his bro aggravate Tyler's mood even more. Because now, his lips curl into a sinister grin as he rhythmically taps his baseball bat on the ground—before slamming the maple wood bat down—causing it to bounce back into his hand in a smooth spin!

Not stopping, he slams it again onto the floors—allowing it to bounce back—catching it before spinning it in the air. He spins.. and spins.. each rotation bringing him closer to the blondie. It almost looked like he's about to bash it through the boy's head—

When Dom catches the bat effortlessly, stealing it from its owner. Oozing so much coolness you almost faint on the spot. Exchanging excited looks to Evie beside you, you intertwine your hands in front of you, unable to contain a little jump of excitement. Someone finally man enough to fight the Tyler Cavill? Oh you're so here to see it. Holding the bat confidently, Hunt rises from his seat, face to face with the now fuming Tyler just to taunt,

"Come on bro. You gave your blessings.. you removed the rule.. but now you do this?"

Furrowing his brow in irritation, Cavill shoots him a piercing glare as he joins in—gripping the bat with full force! With each passing moment, their grips tighten, the tension in the room escalating! Smirking devilishly, Cavill finally breaks the silence with a sneer.

"Are you scared, Hunt? It's not like you've known her since forever, right?"

Hunt's jaw clenches, his own eyebrows furrowing as he grips the bat tighter, refusing to back down. Giving the devil a little smirk, he tilts his head to finally say,

"You told me basically everything about her, remember?"

Cavill's eyes narrow in response as a flicker of realization crosses his mind—he's been too vocal about you to everyone. However, regaining his composure—he pushes the bat down! Forcing Dominic to reluctantly retreat to his seat while letting out a scoff. Tyler hovers over Dominic. It almost looks like he's an angel, but not until the camera pans to his wicked lopsided grin—a fallen angel is definitely more fitting.

Cracking his knuckles, Tyler finally asks, "Ok. Orange juice, or sugarcane?"

"Of course sugarcane," Dominic answers smugly, his right eyebrow raised a little in pride.

"Rihanna or Ariana Grande?"

"Rihanna."

"Bobby Brown or NARS?"

At the question, Dom flinches. Worried. Because this one.. It's a topic he's unfamiliar with.. and—just the beginning of the interrogation? He notices Tyler's lips quirked up and he darts his eyes to you—who's eagerly waiting for his response, putting so much—too much hope in him. Squinting his eyes with seriousness, he inhales deeply, relying on his intuition for an answer.

"N.. NARS..?"

Tyler scoffs as he swings his bat fast—making it spin thrice faster than before—to have it land on his grip in a second, while saying, "Well, well, well," to swing it again, the tip of it almost hitting Dominic's nose tip—before it lands on his shoulder! With a smug tilt of his head, Tyler says,

"I guess not everything, huh?"

Amused with himself, Tyler chuckles. His message clearly crushed Dominic—now his confidence wavers. A flicker of uncertainty crosses his features before he regains his composure. Scoffing at Cavill's antics, you can't help but watch the whole ordeal with undisguised worry. 'Not again,' you thought to yourself.

Reed giggles beside you, finding amusement in the unfolding drama. Watching both of his bro in a quarrel probably became Wyatt's favorite time of the year—since his shoulders now shaking with suppressed amusement. Turning to his side, he mouths, 'This is gonna be fun' to Eve—who returns his mischievous grin with equal delight.

Dominic maintains his composure with folded hands, though the perspective doesn't reveal the clenching unclenching hands behind it. As Tyler steps back a little with swagger, a sense of anticipation hangs in the air, signaling how the real entertainment.. is only just beginning.

"Yale or Harvard" Cavill asks, his voice low and menacing.

Dominic minces his eyes as he shifts uncomfortably in his seat, definitely not expecting this deep kind of question. Sheesh, it's only been.. what? 2 month-ish? You guys haven't even go there. Beads of sweat start forming on his brow as he shifts his eyes to your cringing face—and when he finally takes his pick—

"Harvard—"

"What—come on, man! Everybody knows she wants to go to Yale!" Liam interjects, clearly irritated with the bachelor's lack of preparation.

"That's because you have her bestfriend as your girlfriend, Wyatt." Hunt grumbles, his frustration evident.

Throwing his head back, Wyatt rolls his eyes in annoyance and looks over at Tyler, allowing him to continue. Tyler chuckles, smirking at the other blonde's response and mocks, "Hah, you sure you have the—"

"He's right! I changed my mind~ I'm gonna try Harvard~"

But you interject, claiming that Hunt's answer is really what you've been dreaming all your life. Eve gives you a side glance in puzzlement and mouths, 'What are you doing?!'

"Girl, are you sure you could? We all know brilliance is not really your forte—"

"You brat—!"

You're about to give Wyatt a nasty comeback—but not until you see Tyler move his head slowly to you. His piercing glare full of menace as they bore into you, sending shivers down your spine. Gulping, you try to show him a promising act by giving him a nervous grin and a repeated nod in conviction.

Tyler protrudes a tongue on his left cheek and snaps back his head in a brisk movement to Dominic's now significantly hesitant self. Leaning in closer, his gaze piercing through his bro as he growls, "You know you're wrong. Don't you, Hunt?"

Panic flashes in those dark blue eyes. Dominic struggles to maintain his cool composure as he—once again—shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

"I'll make it easier for you. Dislikes between these. Poetry, singing, pink, girls perfume, piano," Tyler asks again.

Seemingly deep in thought, Dominic scrunches his nose as he thinks hard and shoots his shot, "Poetry.. and pink.."

Letting out a slight smirk, Cavill is about to retort, but before he can—

"Word~"

Before you interject, again—nodding with a big grin and exaggerated laugh, prompting a big roll of eyes from Eve and Wyatt. Cavill's irritation becomes more evident as he swiftly snaps his head to you, brows knitting. Tyler's head tilts in puzzlement, but without even snapping his head back to Dominic—he slams his bat to the ground and directs his attention solely to you! With a serious expression, he raises an eyebrow. And with his low.. intimidating voice, he asks. for one. last. time.

"Bleu de Chanel or Libre."

For a moment, Dominic wonders, unsure whether the question is meant for him—or you. Raising his head.. he's only met with Tyler's back—but realizing it's still directed at him, panic sets in the same time he brutally nods to Wyatt—silently pleading for assistance as he tries to make the most of the 'situation'. Liam merely shrugs in amusement—he's on his own. Rolling his eyes in desperation, he finally gathers his resolve and answers—

"L—Libre.."

The whole room went silent, everyone anticipating your confirmation—particularly Tyler, whose grip tightening on the bat's handle. Holding onto the fact that he was 'supposed' to already know the answer, his eyes sharpened to you—oh especially after all those fuss on hating any kind of girl's perfume—

"Oh I love it so much—"

"Date on a lake or the beach?"

He snaps, cutting you off mid your fake confession—making you flinch. Not because he interrupted you but—you know what he's doing. Tyler sees your expression change. But this is necessary. He has to prove to you how incompatible you two are. How wrong it would be if you and his bro are actually getting together.

Dominic stares at the two of you back and forth, his expression shifts from confusion—to panic as he closes his eyes like he's solving Bio's entrance exam. Watching Hunt's head move right and left in spasms, Wyatt retracts his head, blurting out, "Is he possessed? Should we call a psychic or something—?"

Suddenly his eyes snap open—causing both Liam and Eve to jump in surprise, their arms instinctively wrapping around each other! Ignoring the whole clownery unfolding around you—still—you and Tyler exchange intense glares.

Plastering a big smile, Dom shoots you a definitive gaze—when you finally turn your attention back to him, he nods to you in affirmation. You inhale and give him an appreciative smile—until he finally opens his mouth—

"The beach," he says, his voice tinged with admiration, "because Ms. Winters, despite her name, has such sunny personality."

He directs the compliment towards you, but he sees your ever so slightly smile falter. In that particular moment, he realizes.. that all his hard thinking efforts are in vain. And it's like the feeling of failing a multiple-choice question. As you lock eyes with Tyler, a wave of disappointment washes over you—and his smirk falters.. replaced by a look of guilt.

'Was I too much?'

Thoughts start to race in his mind. But before he could fathom them—without uttering any word, you pivot on your heel.. and briskly stride out of the room.

Suddenly, the main door blasts open, and you dash past with a pouting expression—barely acknowledging your parents who've been sitting in the living room. Startled, they watch as you huff and run towards the stairs. When not long after, Tyler appears in the doorway—gripping the frame tightly as he pants, clearly tired from chasing you.

"Hi Mr. and—Mrs. Winters—have you seen—"

But they both immediately point to the ceiling simultaneously—indicating where you've gone as if it's a common occurrence. Tyler nods and sprints off again. Your parents' heads turn from the main door to the stairs in unison—and Tyler halts briefly to say his 'thanks' before continuing his pursuit.

John and Janet glance at each other, exchanging a knowing look. "Well, that's normal—" before a cough interrupts him, just a little at first—but strangely, becoming more persistent.

"Honey, are you okay?!"

When John quickly gestures with his hand, holding up a finger in front of his lips—signaling for Janet to keep quiet so as not to alarm you. Before with all his strength, he motions for her to follow him to the bedroom.

"Seriously! What the hell were you thinking?!"

Tyler stands in the doorway, his hands splayed against the door as he pants in frustration. Sweat causes his jet-black hair to cling to his forehead, adding to his disheveled appearance. Noticing how effortlessly he still manages to look good, you almost falter—but nevermind, you're mad at him.

You're mad, mad.

"Do you really have to, Tyler? Do you really have to?"

"It's our. ritual."

"You're such. an egocentric asshole! We removed that rule!"

Brows furrowing, he tilts his head challengingly, muttering, "What did you just call me?"

"A fucking. egocentric. asshole! Because that's what you are!" you shout from the bottom of your heart, punctuating each word with a pointed hand gesture directed at him. Turning away, you stride towards the side of your bed, intending to grab a pillow—or whatever you can find—to throw at him.

Closing his eyes in exasperation, Tyler releases his grip on your door frame. With determined strides—he starts to enter your room before a pillow abruptly kisses his pointed nose, causing him to halt in his tracks!

As the pillow falls away from his handsome face—revealing his closed eyes.. they suddenly snap open with fury! Without hesitation, he dashes towards you!

"I. like. him!"

Tyler ducks and dodges—left and right, and as he comes back, he retracts his head in disbelief. Disgust flickers across his face as he retorts, "No you don't—"

"Excuse me?!" you exclaim, tilting your head in irritation.

"You started this—whole shitshow for only a month, Jen! Seriously?! And faking your preferences isn't helping," he counters as he catches the bolster you've thrown.

"Said someone who dates in a span of a week," you remark, raising an eyebrow challengingly as Tyler throws his head back in frustration as you add, "and I didn't say I hated them—"

"Oh really?"

"What? Yeah I didn't—"

"You said, Libre makes you wanna throw up. You said, you hate every girl's perfume. You said, you only wanna wear boys perfume—"

"Your perfume."

Caught off guard, Tyler's body instinctively retreats in puzzlement as he tries to grasp your confession.

"I said, I like Bleu de Chanel because you smell good wearing it."

A sheepish grin spreads across his face as he hears your confession. With a flustered expression, his face turns slightly redder as he stammers, trying to find the right words to respond, "T—that's—"

"Well if I like him and he wears Libre, I will like Libre."

Humbled too quickly, his once flustered demeanor goes blank. His now hazy eyes shoot to you tiredly as if conveying a, 'really now?'

"And you know?! Turned out—he said he had liked me since junior—!"

"Well he lied cause he liked Sarah from 7th."

With an impassive expression, he leaves you speechless. Annoyance swirling within you as you glare at him. Unable to contain your emotions any longer, you blurt out—

"Why is it so hard to believe that someone could like me?!"

Taken aback by your sudden hate declaration, Tyler's eyebrows shoot up in surprise as he stammers, "What—that's not what I'm saying—" but his voice trails off, confusion evident in his expression as he tries to understand your reaction.

"You're rarely there, we don't do our habits anymore—!" you huff, trying to hold back tears, "and every. time. we have a conversation, it has to be a fucking fight?!"

Tyler's eyes widened slightly, his lips parted—perhaps in an attempt to speak but—finding no words that could fix the hurt in your voice.

"Evie's busy with Liam—you're busy with Taylor," and he looks away, can't help but feeling guilty. Taking a shaky breath, you whisper, "I'm lonely Ty.. and for once in my life, I get noticed by someone that isn't you—is that so wrong?"

Squeezing his knuckles out of discomfort, Tyler keeps staring at them—not wanting to meet your eyes, forehead creased. Starting to choke, tears start to well up in your eyes as frustration builds up—until it finally finds its surface, encouraging you to let it all out. Right here, right now—

"You've been so popular all your life so maybe it's not so different for you! But as for me, who's been your shadow all your life—!"

"What?"

That's when he immediately meets your gaze—hardly not agreeing with your argument. His confusion evident in the furrow of his brow—his head tilts slightly as he tries to make sense of your outburst. Growing impatience, he takes a step closer.

"Yeah! We can't play blind. Everybody thinks I'm just Ty's bestfriend, nothing else! Even my dad said you gotta be like Tyler this, Tyler that! Everybody just looks at me with a side glance! But you never know how that feels because you're always the Popular Guy!"

"You're the one who's blind!"

Waiting for you to finish your rant, he shouts—and once he sees you falter, he continues, "Every guy wants to get to know you! You don't know the guy talks I've heard at school asking me about you every time!"

Startled at his sudden outburst, in between your hiccups, you stammer, "I—I don't—believe you—"

"What? You didn't know, right?"

Seeing your stupid look seems to irritate him even more because now he's seething between his teeth. You remained silent, feeling defeated in the argument. However, between your sniffles, he can still make you mumble as you look away, "Well why didn't you tell me.."

Tyler rolled his eyes, too accustomed to your unwillingness to concede. Giving up, he throws his hands in the air while exclaiming,

"Okay. Fine. Do what you want. But don't come crying to me when he starts being an asshole."

Pouting while sniffling, you subtly glare at him in defeat as he raises his eyebrows before finally adding,

"Because God knows what I'll do when it happens."

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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/Nj8r3qmOoZ8

https://youtu.be/VQH8ZTgna3Q