Shouts and Sweet Surrender.

Chapter 2: Road Trip Tensions

The sun streamed through the windshield as the car sped down the highway, the sound of music filling the air. Lola shifted uncomfortably in the back seat, trying to focus on the scenery outside. It was supposed to be a fun weekend trip—just a few friends getting away from the city for some relaxation. But, of course, Ian had to be here, too.

She stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye. He was in the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. His black hair was messy, the way it always was, and every now and then, the sun would catch the light in his hazel eyes. He looked relaxed, casual even, but Lola could feel the tension between them. It had been simmering since their encounter at the lecture hall.

"How's everyone feeling?" Ian asked, breaking the silence.

"Good," said Mia from the passenger seat. She was one of their mutual friends who had organized the trip. Her cheerful energy seemed completely unaffected by the undercurrent of awkwardness between Ian and Lola. "This is exactly what I needed—a break from campus, fresh air, and no deadlines."

"Yeah, it's nice," Lola muttered, leaning her head against the window. She wasn't in the mood for small talk. Being in close proximity to Ian for hours on end was starting to wear on her. Every time he said something, she felt herself getting annoyed for no reason at all.

"So, Lola," Ian said, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "How's that 'change of scenery' treating you?"

She shot him a look, her fingers tightening around her phone. "Fine, thanks."

"Just fine?" He smirked, clearly enjoying getting a rise out of her. "That's not much of a ringing endorsement."

"Maybe I don't need to explain myself to you," she replied, her voice sharper than she intended. She could feel Mia's curious glance but ignored it.

Ian's smirk only widened. "Still the same old Lola."

Lola rolled her eyes. "You don't know me as well as you think, Ian."

"I don't?" His voice was teasing, but there was something more in his gaze now, something that made Lola's heart race. "You sure about that?"

The car fell silent for a moment, the tension thick in the air. Mia shifted uncomfortably in her seat and reached over to adjust the radio, as if the change in music could somehow break the atmosphere.

Lola clenched her jaw, determined to keep her cool. She didn't want to fall into this same trap—letting Ian push her buttons, rile her up. But the problem was, he did know her too well. He knew exactly how to get under her skin, and it was infuriating.

They drove for another hour, the silence between them growing heavier. Lola stared out of the window, her mind replaying their conversation at the lecture hall. Why did everything with Ian feel so complicated? They used to be friends once, but now it felt like every word exchanged was a battle.

As they neared the cabin where they'd be staying, the road began to wind through a thick forest. The trees blurred past, their leaves a mix of green and gold, signaling the arrival of autumn. Lola tried to focus on the beauty of the scenery, but her mind kept drifting back to Ian.

Finally, they pulled up to the cabin, a cozy-looking wooden structure nestled between tall trees. Lola exhaled, relieved to get out of the car and away from the charged atmosphere inside. She stepped out, stretching her legs, and breathed in the fresh mountain air.

"This is amazing!" Mia said, already bouncing towards the cabin's porch. "I can't wait to explore the trails tomorrow."

Lola smiled at her friend's enthusiasm but kept her distance as she retrieved her bag from the trunk. As she turned to follow Mia inside, she felt Ian's presence beside her.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice no longer teasing. "You okay?"

Lola glanced up at him, surprised by the shift in his tone. For a moment, the tension between them eased, and she saw the Ian she used to know—the one who wasn't trying to get under her skin.

"I'm fine," she said quietly, meeting his gaze.

But just as quickly as the moment came, it was gone. Ian's smirk returned, and he gave a slight shrug. "If you say so."

Lola huffed, walking past him. "Why do you always have to be like this?"

"Like what?" Ian called after her, his voice light but laced with challenge.

"Forget it," Lola muttered under her breath. But as she stepped inside the cabin, her thoughts were still tangled with the boy she wished she could forget.