Walker

Chapter 12

Lena felt the press of bodies all around her as the festival music pounded in the background. Strings of lights hung from the trees, casting a warm glow over the crowd, but her eyes darted nervously through the masses. Walker had been right next to her moments ago, but now he'd vanished. She tugged at her phone, trying to call him, but it just rang out—no answer.

Panic flickered inside her chest, not full-blown fear, but something unsettling. She didn't like how it made her feel—this odd emptiness, this worry gnawing at her. For a moment, she wondered if she'd even care this much if it weren't for Liam's text earlier that he'd be coming to the festival. A small, frustrated sigh slipped past her lips as she moved through the crowd, searching. Just when she thought he might've left entirely, Walker emerged from the shadows by a line of food stalls, leaning casually against a wooden post.

*"There you are!"* Lena snapped, irritation mixed with genuine relief. *"You scared me. I thought you left."*

Walker's expression was unreadable, his eyes dark under the festival lights. *"You realized i was gone?"* he said coolly. *"Didnt think you would since Liam was keeping you busy." He smiled

Lena blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected sharpness in his tone. *"That's not true,"* she said firmly, crossing her arms over her chest. *"I wouldnt just let you wander off."*

" Like im a child or something? A pet" he says

"No like i cared about where you were stupid"
Lena blurted out harshly
Walker's gaze softened, just barely, but before he could respond, Liam appeared at the edge of the scene. He hesitated when he saw Lena standing so close to Walker, their voices low and intense, and his usual easy smile faltered. *"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt—"* he began, taking a step back.

Walker's laugh cut through the air, dripping with mockery. *"No, no, don't worry, pretty boy,"* he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. *"She's all yours. I'm just the " mysteriousss lonerrr", right?"* His smile was sharp, taunting, and there was something dangerous behind his eyes. He was throwing it in Liams face that he heard his comments earlier.

Liam's face tightened, though he tried to keep his cool. *"Chill, man,"* he said, holding up his hands as if to calm the situation.

Walker's expression darkened instantly, and Lena could almost feel the anger rolling off him in waves. *"Don't tell me what to do,"* he snapped, his jaw clenched tightly.

Liam's lips pressed into a thin line, frustration evident despite his attempt to stay composed. *"I'm not trying to start anything. I just—"*

*"Walker can you stop?,"* Lena cut in, her voice sharper than she intended. She crossed her arms and gave Walker an irritated look, and he pulled away like her look burned. For a brief moment, his eyes flashed, and Lena saw a mix of hurt and fury there that twisted something deep in her chest.

Walker's expression went blank, and he turned abruptly. *"Whatever,"* he said flatly. *"I'm going home."* He didn't look back as he stalked off into the darkness, his tall frame swallowed by the crowd.

Lena stared after him, her stomach churning with guilt and confusion. Liam stepped closer, his voice gentle, *"Hey, I'm sorry if I made things weird. He seemed mad."*

*"No, don't apologize,"* Lena said quickly, shaking her head. *"Walker's just—he can be mean sometimes. I don't know what's gotten into him."* Her voice wavered slightly, and she tried to push back the sting of betrayal she felt. It was stupid—she'd known Walker was unpredictable, difficult, but seeing him lash out like that still hurt.

Liam offered a small, understanding smile. *"Yeah, well, it's not your fault. He's the one who chose to act that way."

*"I guess,"* Lena murmured, feeling an odd, hollow ache settle in her chest. *"I just... I wish I knew what was going on with him."* She forced a smile, not wanting to dwell on it any longer. *"But enough about him. Let's get back to the festival."*