One Temptation

He's Annoying (Chapter 24)

I'm feeling a bit generous this chapter so here you guys go 🤪 -J *Chapter not proof read*

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The cool evening breeze brushed against my skin as West and I strolled down the quiet street, our footsteps falling into a rhythm. 

It felt strange, walking like this with him—so natural, as if we had been doing it forever.

It was nearly 6 p.m. now, and the two of us had successfully skipped detention, sneaking out like we had no cares in the world. 

Thinking about it, I never imagined I'd be doing something this ridiculous with West, of all people. And yet, there we were—together.

"I still can't believe you talked me into this," I muttered, glancing at him.

He flashed me that smirk, "Come on, Mads. Don't act like you weren't dying to break a few rules."

I rolled my eyes but smiled, "Sure, because breaking out of school and jumping over fences is totally something I always do with you."

The first gate was locked with a key, but somehow West picked it in under three minutes.

Once we were through, he locked it again like it had never been touched.

The second gate was locked with a key card, West took one look and decided we were going over.

He just jumped it, making it look effortless, like he'd done it a hundred times. And so I followed.

It was my first time jumping a fence, and let's just say I didn't stick the landing. I slipped and landed on my butt, it wasn't completely awful, but not perfect.

"First time?" he'd asked, smiling.

"I'm sure that gave it away." I'd said, getting up as he grinned like an idiot.

"Don't worry it get's easier every time," he had winked.

"That'll be the last."

We'd walked all the way to the local plaza after that, no cars, no real plan—just us wandering around town.

It wasn't like before.

"So," West said, "what do you think your parents will say when they see me?"

I laughed, "My dad will probably act like you're his long-lost son. My mom will be thrilled. She hasn't seen you in a few weeks."

"And Aiden?"

"He's just... Aiden." I shrug not knowing entirely what to say about my brother knowing the conversation we had about West's family.

This wasn't the same West I grew up with, yet in some ways, he was. And now my family would get to see this version of him—the one that had somehow become a part of my life again.

We walked inside, greeted by the sounds of the TV blaring from the living room. Aiden was sprawled on the couch. My dad sat beside him, but the moment West entered, his attention shifted.

"Kaleb?" my dad said, surprise and warmth colouring his tone.

I cringed slightly. Of course, they'd act like old mates.

"Hey, Adam," West smiled, he was close enough to my family to have the privilege to call them by their first names.

My dad stood up, putting out his arms, "What brings you around son?" dad stood and gave Kaleb a friendly hug.

Then they got caught in their own talk.

Yet I could sense something was different, I looked over to Aiden and he gave me the same look.