Heartstrings | Johnny Lawrence x (y/n) | 1984 |

| 12 | History

The next day in history class, you slipped into your seat beside Ryan, knowing full well that Johnny would be watching every move. It wasn't long before you felt his stare from across the room, intense and unyielding. You glanced over, just for a moment, catching the way his eyes narrowed as he noticed you leaning in close to Ryan.

Ryan flashed you a charming smile, leaning toward you so that the two of you were barely inches apart. "So, about that project," he said, his tone suggestive. "Think we could meet up sometime? You know, just the two of us?"

You laughed softly, letting your fingers graze his arm, and shot him a teasing smile. "Maybe," you replied, your voice light but playful. "But you better not slack off if I'm helping you. I've got high standards."

Ryan chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention, but you couldn't help noticing how empty it felt compared to the electricity you felt around Johnny. Even so, you leaned in just a bit closer, making sure Johnny saw every bit of it.

From across the room, Johnny's jaw clenched, his fingers tapping impatiently on the desk. You could feel the simmering jealousy radiating off him, each small gesture only fueling his frustration. He adjusted in his seat, and out of the corner of your eye, you saw him roll his eyes, his irritation clear. Then, he kicked the back of your chair, not so subtly this time, making it jolt forward.

You turned, shooting him a glare, but he didn't look away. Instead, his gaze held a mixture of jealousy and something darker, his smirk daring you to keep pushing him. Undeterred, you returned to Ryan, resting your hand on his shoulder as you laughed at something he said, leaning in as close as you could without crossing a line.

Johnny's reaction was instant. His hands were balled into fists, his jaw visibly tight as he watched you and Ryan's interaction intensify. When Ryan leaned a little closer to you, asking, "Maybe we could grab a bite after school?" Johnny's patience seemed to snap.

A paper ball landed squarely on your desk, and you glanced over to see Johnny's eyes fixed on you, his expression dark and possessive. The teacher turned to the board, and Johnny took the opportunity, leaning forward and hissing, just loud enough for you to hear, "Are you done yet?"

Pretending not to hear him, you brushed a strand of hair behind your ear and kept talking to Ryan, whose attention hadn't drifted once. Johnny's eyes followed every movement, every gesture you made, his expression growing stormier by the second. Finally, when Ryan joked about studying at his house, you laughed a little too loudly, giving Johnny one last look out of the corner of your eye.

Class finally ended, and as you started gathering your things, Johnny was by your side in an instant. He stepped in front of you, blocking Ryan from view, his eyes blazing with jealousy.

"Flirting with him?" he asked, his voice low and intense, a slight edge to it. "Really? That's what you're doing now?"

You shrugged, giving him a defiant look. "I don't see why it's any of your business, Johnny."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper that sent a thrill through you. "Trust me, it's my business." His eyes darkened as he continued, "And if you think this little act is going to make me jealous, you're wrong. But if you're done playing around, I'm right here, waiting for you to stop pretending."

His hand brushed over yours, lingering just long enough to make your breath hitch, before he pulled back, his gaze unwavering. "Just make sure you don't fall for someone who can't handle you," he added, voice filled with possessive confidence. Then, with one last look, he walked off, leaving you standing there, your heart pounding.

Despite your efforts to get under his skin, Johnny still had you entirely wrapped around his finger — and he knew it.

LUNCH

It was lunchtime, and you found yourself sitting with the Cobras, Johnny on one side, the rest of the group scattered around the table. The cafeteria buzzed with noise and laughter, but you could feel Johnny's attention fixed on you, his gaze burning despite his attempt at a casual façade.

You chatted with the Cobras, trying to keep things light and natural, but you were aware of Johnny's every move. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his eyes flicking between you and anyone who dared approach. Then, as if on cue, Ryan appeared beside you, his casual smile making you tense just slightly.

"Hey, (Y/N)," Ryan greeted, nodding to the Cobras, his tone casual but with a hint of something more. "Mind if I sit here?"

You glanced over at Johnny, whose jaw tightened instantly. He didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes was warning enough. Still, you didn't want to give in too easily. "Sure, go ahead," you replied, shooting a challenging look Johnny's way.

Ryan slid in close, a little too close, the warmth of his arm brushing yours as he settled beside you. He leaned over, his hand on the back of your chair as he grinned. "So, I was thinking we could meet up after school to go over that history project."

Johnny's eyes narrowed as he watched, every inch of him radiating annoyance. He clenched his fist under the table, keeping his cool but clearly fighting the urge to step in. He leaned over, his voice a low murmur just loud enough for the Cobras to hear, "She's already got plans."

You raised an eyebrow, turning to face Johnny. "Really? And what plans would those be?"

Johnny's gaze didn't waver. "Plans with me," he replied smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument. His hand landed possessively on your shoulder, pulling you just slightly closer to him, as if staking his claim.

Ryan looked between you and Johnny, a slight smirk crossing his face as he challenged, "Didn't seem like she agreed to those plans." He glanced back at you, flashing an easy smile. "Anyway, you know where to find me if you wanna come over again sometime."

Before he could get up, Johnny stood, his presence looming as he blocked Ryan's path. "She doesn't need your help," he said, his voice steady but intense. "Why don't you worry about your own grades, yeah?"

Ryan looked at Johnny, not quite intimidated, but there was a slight shift in his demeanor. "Hey, chill, man," he replied, hands raised in mock surrender. "Didn't realize she had a guard dog."

The Cobras exchanged amused glances, whispering and chuckling as Johnny took a step forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Trust me," he said, barely containing the edge in his voice, "I'd be careful what you say next."

Ryan met Johnny's glare, but decided to back off, offering you a quick grin before he walked off. Once he was gone, Johnny turned his attention back to you, his expression still stormy, his grip on your shoulder unyielding.

"So, flirting with him right in front of me?" Johnny muttered, his voice tense, even as his gaze softened slightly.

You shrugged, giving him an innocent look. "I didn't think you'd mind," you replied, feigning nonchalance. "Or are you jealous, Johnny?"

He leaned in, his voice low so only you could hear. "You have no idea how jealous I am." His fingers trailed along your arm, just enough to send a shiver down your spine, the intensity in his eyes holding you captive. "But you won't be thinking about anyone else. Not when I'm right here."

With that, he straightened, the hint of a satisfied smirk on his face, the Cobras smirking behind him, clearly enjoying the show. You felt your heart race as you realized he had no intention of letting anyone else get close to you, and despite the tension, you couldn't deny the thrill that ran through you knowing Johnny wasn't about to let anyone come between you.