Chapter Seven

Ashley POV

The next morning...

Stepping onto campus, I made my way to my locker, ignoring the few lingering whispers still floating around from yesterday's prank.

I wasn't worried. If Tyson had figured out it was me, he would’ve already tracked me down. But since I hadn’t heard a word from him yet, I knew he was still fuming, still searching.

And that made it all the more satisfying.

As my fingers keyed in the code to my locker, my eyes flickered down the hall.

That’s when I spotted him—Tyson, pressed up against some girl, his hands tangled with hers at his locker like they were in their own little world.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes and looking away before he could catch me staring.

I focused on retrieving my books for my first class, shutting my locker with more force than necessary.

A tap on my shoulder made me turn and I found Chase standing there.

"Hey." I greeted, shifting the books in my arms as I leaned casually against my locker.

"How have you been?" He asked, his voice easygoing.

I exhaled, giving a small nod. "Good."

His gaze drifted up to my hair—two cornrow braids running down my back which I had combed yesterday.

"Your hair looks amazing." Chase complimented, his tone genuine.

I smiled a little. "Thanks. Did it myself."

Before he could respond, I noticed movement in the corner of my eye—Tyson, making his way over with his arm slung around the same girl.

"Hey, blonde." His voice was laced with amusement as he reached out, tugging on one of my braids like we were friends.

I scowled and smacked his hand away. "Do that again and I'll braid your hair with glue."

Tyson only chuckled, turning his attention to Chase. "Chase, remember the assignment."

"Mason already finished it." Chase replied, his tone neutral.

Who's Mason?

I watched the exchange, my curiosity piqued. Meanwhile, the girl Tyson had his arm around was now glaring at me like I was a problem.

"Good." Tyson said, his gaze flickering back to me.

That was my cue to leave.

"I’m going to leave now." I announced, awkwardly, adjusting my books in my arms.

"And where do you think you're going?" Tyson teased, narrowing his gaze.

"To class—a place where students actually learn something useful." I glanced back at him while still walking. "You should try it sometime instead of perfecting your technique in the hallways."

Chase let out a chuckle before walking off in the opposite direction.

Tyson and his boys were third-years, but word had it that some of them were repeating a few second-year courses. That’s how we ended up in some of the same classes.

"If you want me to carry you over my shoulders, all you have to do is say it." Tyson shot back smugly.

I smirked, walking backward. "I wonder how your girlfriend feels about that."

"She’s not my girlfriend." He scoffed.

The girl’s face twisted in shock as she yanked herself away from him. "What?"

"We talked about this already." He said, barely sparing her a glance.

I laughed under my breath and turned away, letting her deal with the mess. But before I could get too far, Tyson’s voice called after me again.

"By the way, blonde, was that little stunt yesterday supposed to be funny?"

I stopped mid-step, biting back a grin before turning to face him. "Stunt? I have no idea what you’re talking about."

His eyes narrowed. "You know exactly what I’m talking about. My bike, Ashley."

I gasped dramatically. "Oh, that? I thought it looked better all wrapped up. Keep it nice and secure, don’t you think?"

Tyson clenched his jaw, but his lips twitched as he shook his head. "You’re lucky I find you amusing."

I winked. "I know."

And with that, I turned on my heel and strutted off, leaving Tyson to deal with his not-so-girlfriend.