𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

10

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

As I walked into the school, I couldn't help the tightness coiling in my chest. The halls buzzed like normal-shoes squeaking on linoleum, lockers slamming shut, someone yelling about a test they forgot. But under all that, I felt it. That low, vibrating awareness crawling up my spine.

Someone new had transferred in today.

I already knew who he was.

He had finally made his way here.

I'd been dreading this day for weeks. Imagining it. Replaying every possible version of how it could go wrong. And now, it was real. I would have to pretend like I didn't know him in front of my friends. Like I hadn't kissed him with shaking hands or fallen asleep in his arms. I couldn't risk anyone finding out-not about us, and definitely not about him.

I'd gone to war to keep this secret buried.

And now he was walking through the front doors of my school.

I told myself to look away, to keep walking-to be smart. But I glanced over anyway.

And there he was.

Even more striking than I remembered. Dark hair in a careless sweep over piercing blue eyes, sleeves rolled up just enough to show the tattoo on his forearm-the one only I knew the meaning of. His presence filled the hallway like he owned it. It was unfair, the way he looked at home anywhere, even here. Especially here.

That flutter in my chest? I hated it. That wasn't supposed to happen anymore.

I turned quickly and headed to my locker, trying to shake it off. But the moment my hand touched the cold metal, I felt it again.

Eyes.

I turned.

He was leaning against the lockers across from me, arms folded, expression unreadable. But his mouth curled into that familiar, maddening smirk. The one that said he knew. Knew I was breaking already.

I had to look away. Fast.

But of course, the universe couldn't let me have even that.

"Anthea!" Joss called, practically bouncing on his toes. "Oh my God, did you see him? The new guy? I swear he walked straight out of a magazine."

Great.

"Hey guys," I said, forcing a smile as I turned to Joss, Eros, and Dong-my three musketeers.

Well... almost everything.

"He's hot," Dong added, tossing her curls. "Like, criminal-level hot. What's his name again?"

"Don't know," Eros said, nudging me with his elbow. "But I think he was looking at you, Anthea. Like really looking."

My laugh was a little too quick. "Don't be ridiculous."

But they were all staring now. Dong with wide eyes, Joss with a teasing grin, Eros with suspicious curiosity. I could feel sweat start to bead at the base of my neck.

"I just saw him in the hallway," I said, praying I sounded casual. "Seems fine."

"Fine?" Joss repeated. "That man looks like sin and secrets. He's not fine, he's-"

The bell rang, mercifully slicing through the interrogation.

"Gotta go," I said quickly. "First period waits for no one."

But the relief was short-lived.

He was in my class.

He sat like he belonged there-back straight, one arm slung over the back of his chair. He didn't say a word, but when I walked in, he looked up and locked eyes with me. And the smirk came back, subtle this time. Dangerous.

I tried to ignore him. I really did. I kept my eyes on the board, scribbled notes, pretended every nerve in my body wasn't vibrating just from being near him.

He was too close. Close enough for his cologne to tease at my senses. Close enough that my traitorous hand ached to reach out and touch him. Just once.

But I couldn't. I wouldn't.

After what felt like a lifetime trapped in that desk beside him, the bell rang again. The moment I stepped into the hallway, I felt like I could finally breathe.

Until I saw him waiting by my locker.

There was no smirk this time. Just intensity in his gaze-quiet, almost desperate.

I should've walked away.

But I didn't.

I moved toward him, heart pounding, and the second no one was looking, I fell into his arms.

His mouth met mine like we were making up for lost time. Fast, fierce, almost angry with how much it needed to happen.

"God, I've missed you," I breathed, forehead against his, fingers curled in the front of his jacket.

"I know, love," he said, brushing a hand over my cheek. "But we have to be careful. I can't lose you."

I swallowed hard, my chest aching. "I know."

We both knew the rules. Knew what was at stake. He wasn't just a boy with a pretty face. He wasn't supposed to be here. Not in this school. Not near me.

But now he was.

And everything I'd worked to keep separate was crashing together, fast and messy and dangerous.

We pulled apart before anyone could see. I adjusted my bag, tried to steady my breathing, and we walked out of the building like strangers.

But inside, I was unraveling.