Avoid Her

“Hey.”

Sarah flinched, spinning around to see Bunny grinning widely.

“What’s up? I come late *once*, and I hear you’re the new Nova.”

“You sheep!” Sarah flung her bag at her. Bunny ducked, laughing as it flew past. “I am not Nova. Don't compare me to that person, and I’m not the *new* anything!”

Bunny held up her phone, displaying a crisp video clip of the white-haired guy leaning close to whisper in Sarah's ear. “What did he tell you?”

“That I should plan your execution.”

“Oh, wow.” Bunny pressed a hand over her heart dramatically. “I’m serious, Sarah.”

Exhaling deeply, Sarah grabbed Bunny’s arm and dragged her into the lecture hall. Once they slid into their seats, Sarah turned to face her.

“He called me 'sister-in-law.' I don't fucking know who he is.”

Bunny’s brows pulled together in thought. “Why? The only person you’re currently dating is Blake... orrrrr?”

“Or what?” Sarah nudged her arm.

“Or they’re related to Blake.”

Sarah paused, thinking it over. “I doubt that. He said he doesn't know them.”

“I hope not. Anyways, here’s another video you need to see.” Bunny tapped her screen again, scrolling through her feed.

“What’s that?”

“Here.” She shoved the phone in front of Sarah’s face.

A fresh clip played, showing the moment Blake had scooped Sarah off her feet and carried her down toward the basketball court.

“Jobless fools,” Sarah muttered under her breath. “Can’t they just keep their eyes off us?”

“That’s the whole point. You convince everyone you’re dating, Nova leaves him alone, and then he falls in love with you.”

“You say that like I’m going to force him to love me.” Sarah paused, a sudden flush warming her cheeks before she squealed softly. “By the way... guess what?”

“What, girl?!”

“He notices me. Every home game, every practice—he knew I was there the whole time!” Sarah buried her face in her hands.

“Oh my goodness!” Bunny squealed even louder, drawing a few looks from nearby students. “I knew it! You guys are literally made for each other!”

“Have you written your essay yet?” Sarah asked, changing the subject.

Bunny squinted, her smile instantly faltering. “No...”

“Your faith in me is beautiful. I’ll write it for you.”

“Oh my god!” Bunny eagerly unzipped her bag and pulled out her notebook. “This is why I love you, bruv!”

Sarah rolled her eyes, taking the notebook and unscrewing her pen. She began writing out the draft while Bunny went back to scrolling on her phone.

Her pen barely covered a page before the lecturer stepped into the room, bringing the chatter to an abrupt stop as class officially began.

***

The walk back from the administration block felt endlessly long. A heavy, suffocating fatigue settled over Blake’s shoulders with every step.

“First son.”

The voice made him freeze mid-stride. He didn't turn around.

“Did you miss us... Blake?”

Heavy footsteps closed the distance, and the two boys stepped into his line of sight, blocking the path in front of him. Blake tucked his hands deep into his pockets, staring back at them with cold, vacant eyes.

“What, went dumb all of a sudden, first son?” the one with the golden-tipped hair mocked, stepping closer.

A faint, bitter smile touched Blake’s lips. “Welcome to Pearl High. Avoid me whenever you see me. I don't fucking know who you guys are, and you’d better keep it that way. Let’s try not airing our dirty laundry out here in public.”

He stepped past them, heading down the corridor. But after a few paces, he stopped, glancing back over his shoulder.

His eyes locked onto them with lethal intensity.

“I don't care if you stick your noses into my business,” Blake said, his voice dropping into a dangerous quiet. “But her? Avoid her. Down to the very air she breathes.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.