William has always kept his distance from his sister Layla's boyfriends-until Colton arrives.
With his charm and easygoing nature, Colton quickly becomes a welcome presence in William's life.
As the two bond over shared interests and late-night co...
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It was a gray, cloudy Wednesday, and school had felt endless, each class blurring into the next. I’d been restless, distracted, my mind circling back to the camping trip, to that strange feeling that had taken root since then. I’d hoped coming back home and slipping into my normal routine would help shake it, the carnival as well, but even my job—a monotonous evening shift at the local grocery store—wasn’t enough to distract me.
My shift was done, and as I left the store, I pulled my hoodie tight around me. The wind picked up, chilling me as I began my walk back home. The streets were empty, streetlights flickering on in the gathering dusk. I kept my hands shoved deep in my pockets, eyes focused on the pavement. I’d made this walk countless times before, so when I sensed footsteps behind me, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled.
At first, I ignored it, figuring it was someone else just heading home. But as I kept walking, the footsteps seemed to quicken, matching my pace. I dared a glance over my shoulder and spotted a figure, hood pulled up, face shadowed. Something about the way they kept close—too close—sent my heart racing.
I picked up my pace, trying to stay calm, but the person behind me sped up too, closing the gap. Panic set in, flooding my veins. Without thinking, I broke into a full sprint. My mind was racing as fast as my feet, my thoughts a tangled mess. I wasn’t sure if I was being followed or if my mind was just playing tricks, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread pressing down on me.
The only place I could think to run was Colton’s. It was closer than my house, and just the thought of being around him brought a sense of safety.
I know what you're thinking, isn't Colton at campus? No because some weird shit happened causing that place to close down for a week, so everyone should be at their houses.
My legs burned as I made my way through familiar streets, rounding corners until I finally saw his building in the distance. I darted up the steps, pounded on his door, and tried to catch my breath.
When the door opened, Colton’s eyes widened. “William? What’s wrong?” he asked, concern flooding his face.
I couldn’t answer right away. I was out of breath, my thoughts a chaotic swirl, and my heart was still pounding from the run and from the feeling of fear that hadn’t quite left me. Colton stepped aside, letting me in, and I immediately sank onto the couch, resting my head in my hands as I tried to calm myself.
“Hey, you’re scaring me here. What happened?” Colton asked, crouching down next to me. His hand rested gently on my shoulder, and that small touch grounded me.
“Sorry,” I muttered, finally able to speak. “I—I thought someone was following me. Probably nothing… just freaked me out.”
His face softened, and he gave my shoulder a squeeze. “You did the right thing coming here. I’m glad you’re safe.” His voice was calm, steady, and just hearing it made my racing heart slow a little. “Do you want some water or anything?”
