The First Rule

Chapter 45: Rule #1

In the familiar field, a sense of nostalgia washes over you. The bright sun kisses your face in the most delicate way.. and a smile creeps onto your lips. Closing your eyes, you shake your hair—dislodging the confetti that falls over your head like how the snowflakes did last winter. A sigh escapes your lips, and when you open your eyes—

You immediately stand up, jumping in excitement while holding a sign with your boyfriend's name emblazoned in big, bold letters above your head. Sitting in the very front row, you bounce up and down—wearing a jersey with a 'Cavill' and the number 12 embroidered on the back.

"Woohoo! Go Go Tyler!"

From far down the field, a boy who had been busy directing his team—wearing a white baseball jersey and a black cap with white-bordered 'RH' initials—looks up. Even from far away, his eyes find yours.. and a charming lopsided grin spreads across his face. Turning his attention back to his team, he shakes his head in amusement—

"Tyler Bestie~! Go Go Bestie~"

But your relentless cheering catches his attention for the—might be—tenth time. He tries to continue—can't help but chuckle as his teammates also never-ending teasing. From afar, you giggle as he gives them an apologetic look—tilting his head while seemingly telling his teammates, "Can you guys—excuse me for a sec?"

Bet with me.

He jogs over to where you're standing, still chuckling in disbelief as the shouts of his name fill the air. You walk over to the net—pressing the sign against it, as if it's not already big enough for everyone to see from The Eiffel Tower.

An eyebrow raised.. glinting hazel eyes—bewitching grin..

He arrives in front of you. His charming grin glinting under the sun as he raises an eyebrow in amusement. Giving him a knowing look, you attempt to suppress a smirk.. before the two of you simultaneously turn in the same direction. Wearing matching grins—only separated by the net—you walk in tandem, mirroring each other's steps, eyes never leaving each other.. until the net is no longer in sight.

He climbs the sturdy steel tube on the ground as a little push—to lean against the low wall that separates you. The sun.. the confetti.. the crowd.. all fade into the background as he reaches out to you. You move closer.. slowly crouching by the edges.. looking up at him with your elbows resting on the concrete—chin on your hands. You're beaming, joy radiating off of you as you finally stand before him.

He extends his hands between you—sandwiching you, keeping you close. His gaze drops at you flirtatiously, raising an eyebrow in a seductive way. Tyler's grin widens, his eyes sparkling with affection. Despite the height difference between the field and your area, he still towers over you—making you lift your chin to meet his gaze.

"Can you be quiet for a second?" he teases, letting out an amused chuckle.

"Why should I? You like it every time I do this, don't you?"

"Well.. that was before you were my girlfriend.." he smirks, waiting for you to catch on his mischievousness. Until.. with a round eyes—mouth agape, you pout,

"What?! So you're saying you're ashamed I'm your girlfriend?!"

There. And that charming comeback of his. Voila.

Chuckling at your glum, he looks at you with teasing sweetness.. until he finally speaks, "Wanna know a secret?"

"Hey! Why do you keep stealing my line!"