The Edge Of Innocence

Dark Corners

Sophie's POV

Ryan had walked away that day, but the look in his eyes haunted me. I didn't know why, but I was drawn to him like gravity, and the more I tried to ignore it, the stronger it became.

I couldn't stop thinking about him, about the sadness and anger in his eyes. What had he gone through? What was he still going through? Part of me wanted to pry, to find out everything. The other part of me wanted to listen to his warning and back off before I got in too deep.

But when I saw him that afternoon, leaning against the rusted chain-link fence behind the school, I knew I couldn't stay away.

"Ryan."

He turned his head slightly but didn't respond. I stepped closer, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement. I could tell something was wrong—there was a tension in the air, like a storm was coming.

"Why are you here?" he asked, his voice rough and tired.

"I was looking for you," I said honestly. "I just... wanted to make sure you're okay."

Ryan let out a dry laugh, but there was no humor in it. "I'm never okay, Sophie."

I bit my lip, unsure what to say. Then, before I could stop myself, I reached out and touched his arm. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. Whatever it is."

He stiffened at my touch, but he didn't pull away. For a long moment, we stood there in silence, the world around us fading into the background. Then, finally, he turned to face me.

"I'm in deep, Sophie. There's no way out of this." His voice was low, and I could hear the fear behind it. "You need to stay away from me before you get hurt."

"I'm not going anywhere," I said, my heart pounding in my chest.

He stared at me, his eyes dark and intense. "I don't want you involved in my mess."

"But I already am."

Ryan's expression softened for a brief moment, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. Then, suddenly, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. His face hardened, and he shoved the phone back into his jacket.

"I have to go," he said quickly, turning to leave.

"Wait!" I called after him, but he didn't stop. I watched him disappear into the shadows, my heart sinking.

Something was wrong. I could feel it.