Aiden x Reader (but you're Ashlyn)

Episode 41

>>>><No Place For Cowards><<<<

I couldn't help but smile a bit, feeling a surge of triumph. "I'm getting all of Aiden's share though since I won DDR." The incredulous look on Aiden's face fed into my delight as he added, "All of it?!"

My laughter died down when I noticed Logan nervously staring towards the door. Tyler had caught on too, his tone flat as he remarked, "Well, that's annoying. What is he doing here?"

"Who? Oh... it's Barron." I grimaced at the sight of him; Taylor's reaction mirrored mine, a clear sign of our mutual discomfort.

"I doubt he'll do anything," Tyler said, "The coward hasn't messed with Logan since he's too scared of me 'tattling' to the coach."

"But still... it's kinda awkward, isn't it? We've been here for a while anyway. Maybe we should just get our prizes and spend the rest of the day at Ashlyn's place?" Taylor suggested

I glanced at Aiden, who was shielding Ben's face with his hands. Ben's clenched fists spoke volumes; I could practically feel his simmering anger radiating off him. I would never want to be on the receiving end of that rage.

Logan finally broke the silence, his voice low and contemplative. "...No." We all turned to him, eyebrows raised, slightly confused.

"I don't think the guy with the blue hat is part of their friend group. I've seen him with Barron at school a few times, and I wasn't certain at first, but... Barron just replaced me with him. Right now, I'm pretty sure that guy is doing Barron's work while he hangs out with his buddies. That's what happened when he invited me somewhere. He manipulates you into being his friend and 'helping' him with his work, and then when that stops working... he starts threatening you physically."

Tyler leaned back, his arms crossed, an unusual hint of understanding in his demeanor. "I'm not sure what your plan is, but you're wanting to help that guy, right?"

"​I want to at least warn him...​" Logan replied
"Well, go do what you gotta do."

For some reason, I wasn't afraid to walk up to those bastards and teach them a lesson—or at least that's what I told myself. 

It was a surprising feeling. I leaned forward, ready to step up, but then I hesitated. This wasn't my fight; it was for Logan to handle. Plus, if anyone was going to go over there and pound those guys into the ground, it would definitely be Ben.

I felt a pang of defeat wash over me, but I knew I was right. I can't just charge in there, hoping that my presence alone would suffice. Honestly, if it came to it, words wouldn't be part of the plan. I'd just sucker-punch him instead.

"We'll be here to help you if you need it." Tyler's grins slightly as the rest of us give a nod

As we all clustered behind the wall, Logan took a deep breath and began walking toward the group of guys. I could hear someone speak, the unmistakable taunting voice of Barron slicing through the air.

"Haha, wow! That caught me off guard—I never would've expected to see you here, four eyes. It's been a while, pal, how've ya been?"

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