The First Rule

Chapter 7b: Life is Just a Dare

Tyler's face turns pale. Clenching his jaw in grimace, the both of you exchange hesitant glances, recognizing the uncharted territory this dare was stepping into. It wasn't that the idea hadn't crossed your minds before but—

"Nah blondie, we can't do that," Tyler rejects, shaking his head, a visible sense of discomfort on his face.

"Come on! There has to be some attraction going on between the two of you!" Wyatt insists. Eve shoots him a serious look, attempting to stop him. But Liam slightly shakes his head in a reply, signaling her to trust him—then he shifts the attention to you, making the whole room await your response.

Scanning the entire room in horror, you rack your brain, trying to figure out which approach you should take to answer him. Hesitating, you offer a slow-motion side shrug as you finally open your mouth, "I mean.. there is a good specimen among the rest of the species, right?" Feeling Cavill's eyes boring to you, you resist the urge to stare back, keeping your gaze to nervous Eve. You pause, and with a furrowed forehead, you continue, "Well, he is one of them, I guess, but—"

"SEE?! ATTRACTION! Bingo! Now kiss!" Liam enthusiastically exclaims. Not needing any cue, the room suddenly chants, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" However, a stern low voice cuts through the cheers like a sharp blade—

"Drop it dude, she's like my sister."

Pursing your lips in agreement, you share a knowing look with Tyler as he nods at you firmly, encouraging you to support him. You tilt your head to the side, assuring, "Yeah guys, don't mess with our dynamic like that.."

Unfortunately, despite your protest, the group continued their chant. You could sense Tyler's growing irritation as he removes his hat in a brisk. But then—he stands up, making the group hush in anticipation. Not for you though, well–

Guys.. try be in my shoes..

Your eyes pan right and left in confusion, but when it stops in the middle.. you notice that his eyes are now focused on you. And you see him subtly tilting his head while blinking slowly, signaling you to just give in. Because when it comes to a bunch of delinquents—

'Just—come here, we've sold our souls to the Devils, pal'

And so you obey.

Your eyes locked, the room around you fading into a blur, an electric current charging the air between you. With hesitant steps, you close the distance. Every heartbeat resonates in the silence, echoing the anticipation that grew with each passing moment.

You grow nearer..

and nearer..

Now as you're face to face.

His gaze intensifies as his eyes flicker between your eyes and your lips. The room seems to shrink, time slowing down, and every movement becoming deliberate. Finally, ending the torture you're having by placing a hand on your cheek.. Tyler gives you a tender smile..

and leans in.

W—what should I do—should I look away—no. Man up, Em. You gotta put on a show, right?

...

fuck but I can't—

Your eyes keep switching between gazing at him in dowry eyes—and to look anywhere but his eyes. And there it is.. the sunburnt smell you're beginning to grow familiar with. Your heart beats faster.. and faster as you see him slightly tilt his head. However, just as your lips were about to meet.. Tyler's thumb gently found its place between them. Until he finally closes his eyes and closes the gap..