The First Rule

Chapter 15b: Ocean Blondie

The next day, Dom casually chats with Wyatt while Tyler remains silent—clearly still in a bad mood. Suddenly, the sound of Eve giggling from outside catches their attention, prompting all three of them to instantly look towards the window! In realization, Tyler glances slightly backward. Dom notices his subtle movement from behind and lets out a jaded gaze—before turning his attention back to the door.

Your head pops out of the door, revealing that you're trying the new hairstyle Eve suggested. Hair down.. with a variation of a half-up, half-down with a French braid detail. Your face cringes in embarrassment as you avert your eyes, scanning the reactions of those around—until your gaze lands on the boy who's been smirking in the background.

Eve's head finally pops up behind you like a Teletubbies. She scolds you playfully, urging you to enter the room as you let out a groan. Finally, you step inside—revealing how you've been Eve's captive for the day as she continues to push you around, taking control of your movements—guiding you towards Dom's seat. Wyatt laughs in amusement, understanding the playful antics of his girlfriend.

As this unfolds, you also notice Tyler staring at you hesitantly. However, as you pass by him, Tyler breaks eye contact. Dom notices, narrowing his eyes—but a playful smirk appears when you finally reach his side. In a teasing manner, he asks,

"Are you trying to impress me, Emilia Winters?"

Suppressing a smile, you tilt your head sheepishly, playfully acting as if you're contemplating before teasing him,

"What if I am?"

At your answer, Hunt chuckles, standing up without breaking his gaze from you. Casually flings his bag behind him with his eyes looming over you, he grins and say,

"Then you succeed."

Beaming like the sun, you can't help but escape a happy giggle. Tyler, looking visibly irritated in his seat, almost nauseated right here right now. Meanwhile, Wyatt watches the two contrasting scenes with amusement, giving his girlfriend a wink of approval before declaring his love, "You look absolutely dashing, my love!"

Standing up hastily, he flings his bag behind him—and reunites with the love of his life. Eve playfully flies Wyatt a kiss and gives him her signature smile—when she notices Tyler's bored expression. She suppresses a laugh—before teasingly asks, "What do you think, Ty? Do I look pretty?"

Turning his head to her with cynical eyes, the only word that escapes his mouth is, "No."

Wyatt promptly slaps the back of Tyler's head before circling to hug his pouting girlfriend. "Don't listen to the sad buffoon, baby, you look atrociously beautiful," he declares, bringing a fresh grin on his girl's lips. The couple then heads towards the door hand in hand. Both you and Dom chuckle at the scene. Smiling widely, you exchange another glance—before he finally mutters,

"Ladies first?"

Forming a sheepish side smile, you tilt your head approvingly, moving your gaze away from him—then to him again, and chuckle. You proceed to the door, with Dom following closely behind you.

Tyler, having just stood up and flung his bag behind him, notices the scene before him. Watching Dominic places a hand on your back—stirs something inside him—before he finally looks away, and sighs in resignation.