Broken Hands

21. Standing up Wrong

The gossip spread like wildfire, faster than anyone could have imagined. By the end of the day, everyone was buzzing with news of "Amber Woods x Grayson Smith: The School's Darkest Pairing." Hushed whispers speculated wildly, some even inventing absurd stories about their relationship's intensity. But as the final bell echoed through the noisy hallways, Grayson barely cared about any of it—he'd spent time by Amber's side, quietly offering a tissue to wipe away the blood and a steady comfort.

The last bell broke like a sound of freedom, students rushed out in an emergency. Grayson stepped out of the school, his friends caught up, their expressions alive with curiosity.

"Dude!" Milo started, his voice brimming with urgency.

"Tell us—no, tell me—this is just a rumor." Julian finished, his eyes wide with expectation. Russell stood back, arms folded, wearing an amused smirk, while Savanna gripped her bag strap, staring straight ahead.

Grayson exhaled, his face unreadable. "It's not a rumor."

A collective gasp escaped them.

"Damn!" Milo ran a hand through his hair. "Since when? Are you telling me that every time you bailed on lunch, you were sneaking around with her? I mean, dude—" He trailed off, shaking his head in mocked disbelief.

Russell chuckled. "You, romantic? I'm shocked."

Julian raised an eyebrow, his surprise tempered with something close to admiration. "So that's it. You've got a girlfriend. Amber's mysterious, she's got talent—it makes sense."

Grayson shrugged, his face still impassive, but his gaze flickered toward Savanna. She'd been quiet, which wasn't like her, and she met his gaze with an expression he couldn't quite read.

"Our knight has a princess, and you're speechless, Sav?" Milo teased, nudging her.

Savanna's eyes lingered on Grayson's for just a beat longer before she offered a small smile. "What can I say? I just hope you find what you're looking for." Her voice was soft but steady, though her grin faltered slightly. "Amber's not bad... a little dark, unpredictable—but hey." She let out a small laugh, "No different from Grayson."

Julian laughed along. "Amber's great, for sure! I mean, welcome to the group, right? We should totally do a double date sometime." He nudged Savanna playfully. "And Savanna, it's high time we meet Todd. All we ever hear about is his name, but we've never actually seen him! You'd better get him out here."

Savanna hesitated, glancing down at her watch. "Yeah... that would be nice." She gave them a quick smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Anyway, I have basketball stuff with the girls. See you all tomorrow!" she said, darting off in a hurry.

Grayson watched her go, feeling a strange tug in his chest, but he kept his face blank.

Julian glanced at his bag, tightening his grip. "I'm off to ice skating practice."

Russell straightened up. "I'll come with you."

Milo shrugged. "Gotta grab some stuff for my mom. Grayson, wanna come?"

Grayson shook his head. "Can't. I have... therapy." His tone was flat, like he was reading from a script.

They all nodded, accepting his answer without pressing, and started off in their different directions. Grayson watched them go, then called for a cab. Therapy was not on his agenda, he had somewhere else in mind.

Grayson found Amber waiting by the abandoned house where he kept his bike, crouched down, sketching intricate lines on the dusty ground. Her focus on the drawing was intense, her fingers light and swift, each stroke revealing more of the hidden artist she rarely showed. At the sound of his steps, she rose, "Hey," she greeted, her voice soft, still tinged with unease.