Chapter 5: A Hot Mess

Hailey Queen

Later that day, After school.

I was walking home, hugging my books to my chest, trying to shake off the nervous energy from school. Something felt… off. A shadow behind me that didn’t match the usual passersby. I quickened my pace, heart thumping.

“If it isn't the slut, Hailey…” Brighton's voice echoed behind me.

I spun around and froze. His smirk made my stomach twist, but now there was a dangerous edge.

At first, his presence used to give me butterflies, but now? It makes my adrenaline rush, like a grave danger has come across my path.

“So, you’re now fucking the new guy?” he spat. “I knew you were never faithful from the start.”

“Fuck off, Brighton,” I said sharply, trying to sound braver than I felt.

He didn’t just scoff. His hand shot out, slapping me across the cheek. Pain flared, but I refused to cry out.

“Back off!” a voice suddenly shouted.

Roy stepped into view, his jaw tight, eyes blazing.

Brighton laughed, rubbing his jaw where Roy had just punched him.

“Or else what? Hailey, you don’t have to make me jealous. It’s fine, I forgive you. I’ll consider taking you back.”

I scoffed, "You selfish brat!" I snapped, rolling my eyes.

"What did you just say? You now have the audacity to talk back because hero boy is here?" Brighton scoffed, his hands clenched into fists.

Fear had been my constant companion before, but not tonight. Not with Roy here.

“She doesn’t need you,” Roy growled, his fist swinging again, connecting with Brighton’s face. “Because she has me.”

Heat surged in my chest as I rushed forward and grabbed Roy’s arm. “Let him go,” I said firmly. “He doesn’t deserve me. None of this is about him.”

Roy groaned but released Brighton and turned toward me. We climbed into the car, the tension still crackling in the air.

.......

A few minutes later

When I stepped out at home, my stomach sank. My father was standing by the door, eyes cold. I swallowed hard, memories of past beatings flashing in my mind. I barely remember a night I spent without receiving a slap for something I didn't do. I felt like a slave in my own father's house and Madison was enjoying every second of my misery.

Roy opened my door, his hand steadying me. My father’s gaze froze the moment it fell on him. I noticed Roy didn’t flinch; he was calm, controlled.

“No one will harm you as long as I’m here,” Roy said softly.

I nodded, trying to look calm.

Roy's car drove away and I slowly entered the house, preparing myself for the fifth beating this week.

My father’s eyes narrowed, and he asked, “Whose boy is that?”

“A friend from school,” I stammered.

Madison barged in, her voice sharp and accusing. “She’s lying, Daddy! That’s her boyfriend. She’s bringing boys home now. Teach her a lesson.”

My heart pounded. My father just scoffed, shaking his head. “Next time, don’t let boys drop you off,” he muttered, and left the living room.

I blinked, confused. No yelling. No threats. Was he… scared of Roy? Clearly. My mind raced, trying to figure out what kind of person this boy really was. My father acted like Roy was some mafia boss.

.....

Later that night

In my room at night, I was settling in when a soft knock sounded at the window. I assumed it was Lilly, coming for one of her late-night gossip visits.

I drew back the curtain—and nearly screamed. It wasn’t Lilly.

“Roy!” I whispered harshly, my pulse spiking.

He grinned, leaning casually against the window frame. “What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice barely audible.

“I missed you,” he teased, a playful glint in his eye. “Thought I’d come see my girlfriend.”

“ROY!” I hissed, though I couldn’t hide the flutter of excitement in my chest.

“I’m here because I forgot I have an assignment due tomorrow morning,” he said, running a hand through his hair. Gosh he was so handsome. How could I be mad at that kind of hottness?

I felt my breath hitch, I couldn't believe I had the school's hottest boy in my room.

He was looking genuinely panicked. “I’m totally screwed, and my grades are riding on this.”

I rolled my eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Of course you forgot,” I whispered. “Classic Roy.”

We sat side by side on my bed, textbooks and notebooks spread around us. I guided him through the assignment, explaining formulas and steps patiently, though I couldn’t help sneaking glances at him. Every time his gaze met mine, my stomach fluttered.

Finally, he closed his notebook and looked at me with intensity that made my knees weak. “You’re so beautiful,” he said softly, his eyes dark and sincere. “I wish you were mine.”

I laughed nervously, looking down at my hands. “That’s ridiculous,” I muttered, cheeks burning.

“No, it’s not,” he said firmly, leaning closer. “I want you to be my girlfriend. Hailey… will you be my girlfriend?”

My jaw dropped. I froze, unsure whether he was teasing me or if this was part of the deal—maybe him dating me would help me fit in at school, maybe it was all strategy.

A slow smile spread across my face as I tried to convince myself of the latter. Roy is so smart. Fake dating me to help me out… good move, I thought, feeling a rush of relief that maybe this was all just part of the plan.

But I didn’t realize, in that moment, that Roy’s eyes were completely serious.

The room fell silent except for our breathing. I looked at him, smiling back, thinking it was all a game—but deep down, I felt the pulse of something far more real.

And in that quiet, I didn’t know it yet, but my world was about to get a lot more complicated.

He looked into my eyes, leaning slightly closer than I expected.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked, almost like I'm fragile and may break any second.