Chasing Hearts

Chapter 3: The Stand-Off

Eva gracefully descended the stage, her face still glowing with the passion she'd poured into her poem. Applause echoed around her, and she felt a warm sense of fulfillment knowing that her words had resonated. As she made her way through the crowd, however, the buzz of admiration shifted to a less welcome murmur as Bradley King, a notorious figure on campus, zeroed in on her.

Bradley had a reputation—a dangerous one. Known for intimidating students, he had ties that most people whispered about, connections that made even the most rebellious students steer clear of him. He was the kind of person who thrived on control, on seeing others tremble, and today his attention was locked on Eva.

As Eva tried to walk past him, Bradley stepped in front of her, blocking her way. A smirk spread across his face as he leaned in too close, muttering something crude under his breath.

"Didn't know we were going to get this kind of show," he sneered, his eyes roaming over her in a way that made her stomach turn. Then, just as she tried to move away, he flicked something onto her clothes, and a few students around them gasped.

Eva tensed, her face flushing with a mix of anger and disgust. Normally, she wouldn't give people like him the time of day, but Bradley was making it difficult to ignore him. She knew she had to stay calm, but his presence was suffocating, his words more revolting with each passing second.

"Move," she said firmly, looking him directly in the eye.

But Bradley only laughed, blocking her way even further. He was enjoying this far too much, playing his usual game of intimidation. "Come on, don't be so serious," he taunted, reaching as if to touch her arm.

Suddenly, a powerful shove sent Bradley stumbling back. The crowd gasped as Ethan Harrison stepped forward, his gaze sharp and intense, the air around him practically crackling with anger.

"That's enough, Bradley," Ethan's voice was cold, filled with a calm that was more dangerous than any outburst.

Bradley recovered, straightening his jacket with a cocky grin, though his eyes flickered with a hint of unease. "Oh, look who's here. Campus hero coming to the rescue, huh?"

Ethan crossed his arms, standing tall. "You need to get lost, Bradley. Now."

Bradley's jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked like he might fight back. But Ethan held his gaze, unwavering, and the crowd around them began to stir, murmuring in hushed tones. Bradley knew he was outnumbered and outmatched. He scoffed, turning back to Eva with a smirk before giving her one last, sleazy wink.

"Guess you're off the hook—for now," he muttered before slinking away, blending into the crowd.

The tension in the air eased as Bradley disappeared, and Eva let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She looked up at Ethan, who was still watching Bradley's retreating figure with a clenched jaw, his shoulders taut with lingering anger.

"Thank you," Eva said softly, her voice carrying both relief and gratitude.

Ethan turned to her, his expression softening as their eyes met. "You okay?" he asked, his tone gentler now.

"Yes, I am." Eva gave him a small smile, regaining her composure. "I'm used to handling people like him, but... it's nice to have someone stand up for you."

Ethan gave her a slight nod, a hint of a smile breaking through his stern expression. "Well, that guy has been causing trouble for too long. Someone needs to put him in his place."

"Seems like you're not afraid to try," Eva observed, amusement dancing in her eyes. She took in his appearance—tall, strongly built, with a presence that made her feel safe. The confidence he exuded was captivating, and she couldn't deny the thrill she'd felt when he'd come to her defense.

"Ethan," he said, offering his hand.

"Eva," she replied, shaking it with a warm smile.

"Eva," he repeated, as if testing her name on his tongue. "You're new here?"

She nodded. "Just started. Guess I wasn't expecting my first day to be this... eventful."

Ethan chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Well, Stratford Hills does have its fair share of drama. Especially when Bradley King is involved."

Eva laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I think I'm learning that quickly." She looked away for a moment, then glanced back at him with curiosity. "Have you always been the campus hero?"

Ethan shrugged, a little embarrassed. "Not exactly. I just don't like people getting away with stuff like that."

Eva smiled, finding his modesty refreshing. "Well, I'm glad you stepped in. I would have been fine, but... I appreciate it."

As they continued to chat, the campus festival swirled around them with students milling about, laughter and music filling the air. But for a few minutes, it felt like it was just the two of them in their own little bubble. They spoke about classes, campus events, and Ethan even shared some funny stories about Jake's latest pranks, which had Eva laughing despite herself.

"Stratford Hills has a bit of everything, you know?" Ethan said, glancing around the festival. "Drama, fun, crazy nights—and apparently, some poetry."

Eva chuckled. "Glad my poetry added something good to the mix."

"Oh, it did," Ethan replied earnestly. "It was... refreshing. I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak about nature like that."

Eva's expression softened, a little surprised by his sincerity. "Nature's always been a big part of my life. There's something about it that just... grounds me, I guess."

"I can see that," he said, watching her with genuine interest. "It suits you. You seem like someone who finds beauty in small things."

A comfortable silence fell between them, and Eva felt a warmth in her chest. Here was someone who seemed genuinely interested in who she was, not just in how she looked. She glanced at him, her heart fluttering unexpectedly. There was a gentleness in his gaze that made her feel seen in a way she hadn't before.

Ethan cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So... have you had a tour of the campus yet?"

Eva shook her head. "Not really. I've mostly just been figuring things out on my own."

"Well, if you're up for it, I'd be happy to show you around," he offered, a slight nervousness in his voice.

Eva's smile widened. "I'd like that."

As they walked around the festival together, Ethan showed her his favorite spots on campus—the hidden library corner where he could study undisturbed, the campus café with the best coffee, and even a quiet garden area with benches where students could sit and relax. She listened, laughed at his stories, and shared a few of her own as well.

By the end of their makeshift tour, it felt as if they'd known each other for ages. There was an easy camaraderie between them, and Eva felt something she hadn't felt in a long time: a genuine connection.

Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting warm orange and pink hues across the campus, they found themselves back where they started.

"Thanks for showing me around," Eva said, glancing up at him. "It was nice... having someone to talk to."

Ethan gave her a warm smile. "Anytime. It was nice to get to know you, too."

They exchanged numbers before parting ways, and as Eva walked back to her dorm, she felt a warmth in her heart, a happiness that lingered long after their conversation ended.

Ethan watched her walk away, his mind racing. In one afternoon, Eva had gone from a beautiful stranger on stage to someone he couldn't stop thinking about. And for the first time, he felt that maybe, just maybe, something wonderful was beginning.