Asher!" The voice was like music to his ears, familiar and warm.
A smile automatically spread across Asher's face as he turned to locate the source. His eyes scanned the crowded hallway, locking onto a bright smile and sparkling eyes.
Nancy Marlow, his girlfriend, waved enthusiastically, her long, curly brown hair bouncing with each movement. Her bright blue eyes shone with affection.
Nancy Marlow was a vision of elegance, her presence commanding attention in the bustling hallway. Her straight, long black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, its silky strands framing her heart-shaped face.
Her curvy figure was a masterpiece of curves and contours, honed from hours of dance practice and athletic pursuits. Her voluptuous hips swayed gently as she walked, drawing admiring glances from her peers.
A striking jawline defined her face, its sharp angles softened by full, rosy lips that curled into a perpetual smile. Her bright blue eyes sparkled like sapphires, shining with warmth and intelligence.
Nancy's skin glowed with a radiant, golden undertone, a testament to her mixed heritage. Her features blended together in perfect harmony, creating a beauty that was both striking and approachable.
As she moved, her confident stride and effortless poise captivated those around her. Asher's eyes lingered on her, his heart swelling with affection.
In Nancy's presence, the world seemed brighter, more vibrant. Her laughter was contagious, her smile capable of lighting up even the darkest corners of the school.
Asher's heart swelled with happiness as he wrapped his arms around Nancy, drawing her close. Their lips met in a tender kiss, the gentle pressure sending shivers down their spines.
Time seemed to stand still as they savoured the moment, the world around them fading into the background. The sounds of the hallway – lockers slamming, students chattering – receded, leaving only the soft rush of their own ragged breathing.
Ethan watched, a mix of emotions swirling inside. A pang of envy stabbed at him, followed by irritation. Look at this son of a..., he thought, shaking his head. He's actually doing this in front of me, trying to make me jealous.
Who had Ethan offended to be saddled with a friend like Asher? Someone who seemed to have it all – good looks, charm, and now, Nancy's affection.
"Morning, beautiful," Asher whispered, his voice filled with emotion and affection. Nancy's eyes fluttered open, sparkling with delight.
Nancy's cheeks flushed a deep pink, her eyelashes fluttering downward before she met Asher's gaze. "Hey, handsome." Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Ethan scoffed, his gaze rolling heavenward in exasperation. "Great, here we go again," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
"Have missed you, bae," Asher whispered, wrapping his arm around Nancy's shoulders and pulling her close. His fingers intertwined with hers.
Nancy's eyes sparkled with delight as she nestled deeper into Asher's side. Her long, curly black hair cascaded down her back.
Ethan's side-eye was palpable, his thoughts radiating annoyance. Look at this guy, he thought, shaking his head. You'd think they'd been apart for years, not just a day.
"Have missed you too," Nancy replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Are you headed to the school hall?" Nancy asked, her gaze tilting upward.
"Yes," Asher replied.
"Okay, then, let's go together," Nancy suggested.
Just as they were about to merge into a love-struck haze, Ethan interrupted, "Nancy, have you seen Evelyn?"
Nancy detached herself from Asher's embrace, her expression turning thoughtful. "Yes, she was with me a while ago until she was called up to the principal's office."
Ethan's brow furrowed with concern. "Hope there isn't any problem."
Nancy's reassuring smile eased Ethan's worries. "No, I don't think so. The way she was called didn't seem like a matter of urgency."
The group fell silent for a moment before Asher suggested, "Let's head to the school hall. We don't want to be late."
The three of them continued down the hallway, navigating through the sea of students rushing to their next class. Ethan trailed behind Asher and Nancy, deliberately creating distance between himself and the love-struck couple.
He didn't want to be a third wheel to their public displays of affection. Their constant snuggling and whispered sweet nothings made him uncomfortable.
As he glanced back, Ethan's irritation flared anew. Asher and Nancy were still lost in their own little world, oblivious to the surrounding chaos. Their hands intertwined, their faces inches apart.
Ethan hissed under his breath, shaking his head. So much for brotherhood, he thought. Asher's usually sensible demeanour had been replaced by sappy romanticism.
With a dismissive snort, Ethan quickened his pace, leaving the couple behind. The din of the hallway enveloped him once more – lockers slamming, laughter echoing.
Ethan walked down the hallway, lost in thought, the soft murmur of students and the occasional locker slam fading into the background. Suddenly, a faint whisper pierced the air
"Psst, psst, Ethan." He slowed his pace, scanning the surrounding area to identify the caller. But there was no familiar face in sight – no family member, no close friend, just a sea of unfamiliar students rushing to their next class.
Curiosity piqued, Ethan halted and turned around, his eyes sweeping the hallway once more. That's when he heard it again, a soft, hesitant call. "Ethan, over here." The voice was barely audible, but Ethan's ears perked up, homing in on the sound.
This time, Ethan followed the sound, his gaze drifting toward the corners of the hallway. And then, he spotted him – Julian Harrison, a mid-height teenager with unruly brown hair that fell across his forehead in messy locks, framing his angular face. Julian's eyes, a deep shade of brown, were hidden behind a pair of vintage 80's glasses perched on the end of his nose, giving him a quirky, intellectual look. His frame was slender, almost scrawny, but his shoulders seemed to hold a quiet strength.
Julian's style was eclectic – a faded band t-shirt, worn jeans, and scuffed sneakers. A leather jacket slung over his shoulder added an air of nonchalance to his demeanour. Yet, despite his rugged attire, Julian's eyes betrayed a hint of vulnerability, a deep-seated anxiety that made him glance around nervously, ensuring they weren't being watched.
Specifically, it seemed Julian was avoiding the attention of one particular person. Ethan noticed the caution in Julian's demeanour, the way his eyes darted around before settling on Ethan's face. Julian's voice was barely above a whisper. "Ethan, come here."
Intrigued, Ethan altered his course, veering toward Julian's corner of the hallway. As he approached, Julian's eyes locked onto his, filled with a mixture of urgency and trepidation. Ethan sensed a hidden desperation behind Julian's gaze, a plea for discretion.
"Hey," Julian called out, his voice low and urgent, as he grasped Ethan's arm and pulled him into a quiet corner of the hallway. Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, unsure what was happening.
"What's going on, Julian? What are you doing?" Ethan asked, his brow furrowed in concern. Julian's usual calm demeanor had given way to a frantic energy.
Julian shot him an incredulous look. "Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to hide."
Ethan's confusion deepened. "From who?" he asked, earning a withering side-eye from Julian.
"Seriously, Ethan? You're asking me that?" Julian's tone implied that Ethan should already know the answer.
Ethan's gaze dropped, his mind racing. And then it clicked – Alex Chen. The name sent a shiver down Ethan's spine. Alex was notorious for making life miserable for his classmates.
"Ah, Alex," Ethan said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Julian nodded vigorously, his eyes darting around the hallway as if searching for an escape route.
"But hiding isn't the answer," Ethan reasoned, trying to coax Julian out of the corner. "You can't avoid him forever."
Julian's expression turned desperate. "You don't get it, Ethan. Alex Chen isn't just anyone. He's... a force of nature. And I'm not exactly equipped to handle his... unique brand of chaos, look at me Ethan, do I look like a fighter?"
Before Ethan could give his response, Julian continued talking.
" I don't think so, I'm just trying to save my skin here Ethan, so the best thing for non fighters like me to do is just hide and avoid the storm, I mean that bastard is probably fuming with anger and looking for me so that he can devour me" Julian said in a slightly terrified manner.
Ethan chuckled. "You're being dramatic."
Julian's eyes flashed. "You try facing Alex Chen's wrath, then tell me I'm being dramatic."
Ethan's grin faltered. He had witnessed Alex's tirades before. "Okay, okay. I get it."
Julian's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Good. Now help me hide."
Ethan hesitated, torn between loyalty to his friend and the absurdity of hiding from Alex.
"Come on, Julian. We can't hide forever," Ethan said, tugging Julian's arm.
Julian dug in his heels. "Watch me."
Their standoff was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Julian's eyes went wide.
" Don't look back Julian"
Ethan said as the sound of the steps approaching them became louder.
he whispered. "He's coming."