𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲||𝗬𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝘅 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

Chapter 6~ the domino effect

She carefully outlined her plan of avoidance in history class, but when it came time for P.E., she was met with yet another unexpected occurrence that led to the derailment of her scheme. This one involved a certain bluenette stumbling into class as Mrs. Cornell was lecturing on crunch form, (not that anyone gave a shit).

"Oh my God, is that Brayden Larson!?!?" 

Whispers broke out upon his arrival. (Y/n) looked around in confusion, wondering why everyone was freaking out. She leaned toward a girl in front of her who was carefully patting her platinum locks, presumably for Brayden. 

"Yo, ummm... what's with everyone all of a sudden?"

"You don't know???" The girl turned towards (Y/n), eyes shining with excitement at the opportunity to gossip. "That's Brayden Larson."

A pause.

"Uh, yeah, I know his name... and?"

"'And'? What do you mean by 'and'? And he's super cute. And he's really rich. And I've heard he's one of the school's top-tier students. He's perfect", she sighed and resumed petting her hair. 

Rich? Huh... Interesting...

"What about me?"

Agh-!

Brayden had snuck up to her side while she had been thinking. He smiled apologetically.

"Oh, sorry, didn't mean to scare you like that, (Y/n)."

"It's fine, but... what're you doing here?"

"Um, I believe I am..." He looked around the room theatrically. "Attending P.E. class." He grinned. 

"Yeah, I can see that." (Y/n) inwardly smacked her forehead. "I mean, you're not in my class so why are you here now?"

"Oh, I just had the sudden thought to switch classes and took it to the principal. He agreed. So here I am. With you!"

"Uh, okay."

At that moment, the platinum, bubble-headed girl happened to turn around and catch sight of the bluenette. 

"OHMYGODHIBRAYDEN!!"

Brayden cringed at the sudden outburst directed at him. He gave a weak chuckle and muttered, "Hey".

"Are you in this class now, Brayden", the girl began, excitedly. "That's so fun, I love having you in my class, I mean, I will love having you in my class, I mean... uh, I love you, wait- shit- uh, hehe, forget I said anything... a-anyways, my name's Makenzie!" The flustered 'Makenzie' broke off after her introduction, silently cursing herself. (W rizz)

Smooth, (Y/n) chuckled to herself. Brayden side-eyed her before returning Makenzie's greeting almost robotically. He's probably had to go through this many times. I'll just leave him to it.

She walked off to a more open space to better hear their teacher. 

"Okay, everyone, calm down. Listen up! We're going to pair off and do some basic exercises. Thirty crunches, fifteen pushups, thirty jumping jacks, and fifteen burpees" - the whole class groaned at the excessive list - "Yeah, yeah, quit whining or I'll double it! Let's move it, people!"

Makenzie galloped up to (Y/n) and giggled, "I think I'll ask Brayden to be my partner!"

Who the fuck asked, Makenzie?

Fortunately, she was saved from answering as the girl quickly left to track down the unfortunate bluenette. However, the boy had caught wind of Makenzie's intentions and popped up next to (Y/n) again.

"Please save me."

"AGH- BRAYDEN. How do you teleport like that???"

"Sorry. But c'mon help me. Preferably now. Please." He glanced warily around for the blonde.  

"Alright", (Y/n) sighed. "You can be my partner."

"Thank you", he smiled gratefully. She returned a small, tired smile and sat down. Brayden followed her example.

"Are you okay, (Y/n)? You seem off today." Brayden stared at her with concern in his eyes. 

"Well, not really... I guess I'm just a little shaken up since the first period." She played with her hands nervously, staring dismally at the floor.

"... What happened in first", Brayden cautiously prompted. 

"Tobias. He... well, did some things that made me uncomfortable."

Brayden's mind nearly exploded at (Y/n)'s words. His thoughts raced. 

Things? What did Tobias do? Things? THINGS!? What did he do to (Y/n)!? Did she let him? No, she wouldn't have. She's not that kind of girl. She rejected him... right??? She must have. I believe in my angel. It's Tobias' fault. He better sleep with one fucking eye open, I swear to God...

"-den...? Brayden? Brayden!"

(Y/n)'s voice pulled the bluenette back to reality. He stared at her blankly for a moment, then began talking as if nothing had happened.

"Would you mind telling me what things", he questioned.

"Um... no, I'd prefer to keep that to myself..."

"Let me rephrase. Tell me what things, (Y/n)", Brayden coldly repeated. (Y/n) was stunned.

Him, too???

This time, (Y/n) decided to act indifferent to his behavior. She lay down on the ground, getting into her crunch position. 

"Nah, it wasn't super important anyway. Just shook me up a little I guess", she said to put him at ease. That strategy did not amount to her intent, however, as Brayden grew desperate for a real answer. 

He crawled toward the girl until he was hovering over her. Placing his hands on either side of her head, his face loomed close to (Y/n)'s. Her (e/c) eyes widened at his sudden, proximity, and stifled a gasp as he leaned his nose adjacent to hers.  

"Tell me, angel", he demanded once more in a low voice. His eyes searched hers for an answer, black orbs previously so warm, now cold and calculating. He desired to find the truth in her features, but the excitement he felt from his position on top of her distracted him momentarily. (Y/n) took the opportunity to roll away and quickly stand, not in a hurry to get back into that circumstance.  

Mrs. Cornell's attention was caught by the strange actions of the pair. She walked over to investigate.

"Is there a problem (L/n) and Mr. Larson?" She looked between the two of them.

"Y-" (Y/n) was cut off before she could answer.

"No, problem here, Mrs. Cornell", Brayden interrupted in a bored fashion. His eyes burned, wanting nothing more than for the teacher to walk away. 

When the teacher felt the intensity radiating from him, she shrank back and awkwardly replied, "O-oh, okay, w-well that's good then. Good to hear."

"Actually", (Y/n) hurriedly began before the teacher could retreat. Brayden shot her a warning look. This just encouraged (Y/n) to continue. "I finished the exercises, could I be excused to the locker room?"

Mrs. Cornell considered, then consented. "Just no horseplay in there, (L/n)."

(Y/n) shook her head in agreement and strode off to the girls' locker room at a relatively fast pace. The whole way there, she felt eyes piercing like knives into her back. 

Perhaps if (Y/n) could have read minds, she would have been even more frightened. The thoughts circling the bluenette contained anything but pure intention.  

Don't worry, (Y/n). I'll just get it out of Tobias... See you at lunch~

The genius smirked.

I will protect my angel. 

At all costs.