The First Rule (Book #1)

Chapter 22b: Trouble in Hell

"For someone who's just been dumped, you don't look like a sadboy, Cavill."

Wyatt continues to observe Tyler intently in his seat. Arms resting on the table as his head rests on his right hand, he squints his eyes intently at Cavill—who's been slouching on his rolling seat, scrolling through 9GAG nonstop since the hallway spectacle.

"As much as you stare at him, his face won't change, babe," Eve remarks with her signature grin.

Turning his back in his rolling chair so he's face to face with her, he shouts, "Yeah, but—!" which immediately brought Eve's finger in front of her, attempting to silent him. However, his abrupt shout already echoes through the quiet space, drawing annoyed shushes from other students trying to focus on their exam studying session. Beside you, Eve blows air from her lips, carefully surveying the surroundings due to her boyfriend's antics.

"Stop nagging the King, Wyatt. Stop giving celebrities spotlight—geez. They're just normal people, you know," Luke cackles beside him while playing through his phone—who's met with Wyatt's side glance of nonchalance.

"Yeah why don't you focus on the upcoming exam, bro? This is why we're here in the first place, right?" you rant while working on your poem. Still scribbling in the midst of doodling to keep yourself sane—especially when you're surrounded by these.. dumbos. And especially.. after watching the fight..

Challenged, Wyatt slides his chair over, squeezing in between you and Eve. As he settles in, he leans back against the table, placing his arm on the surface and squints his eyes at you in a sassy manner. "Let's just say we forget about Luke," he quips, making Luke roll his eyes—before redirecting his attention to you.

"Alright nerdy Emily, I've been curious. Who exactly is your favorite celeb?"

Pausing your scribbling, you dart your eyes to the corners.. taking your time.. until you finally find an answer. "Uh.. Rihanna."

Pursing his lips in acknowledged disappointment, he backs away until Eve's legs create space, allowing his chair to land right in front of her. She playfully hugs him through his seat, giggling. Catching Eve's hand on his stomach, that's when he rolls his eyes and mocks, "Ok, that speaks volume. So—"

Majorly offended, you slowly glance to your left with a mix of pure disgust and cynical wonders. Staring at you with weary eyes—knowing exactly what's coming, he attempts to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Wanna know a secret, Wyatt?"

"So. About what she said—"

"You're just sad you have bad taste in music. Who still listens to Skrillex these days?"

"Oooohhh burnnnn," Luke laughs, glancing over. Even Eve joins in with a laugh as she slaps Wyatt's stomach, amused by the banter.

"ABOUT. WHAT SHE SAID."

Liam hushed, finally shifting the topic away from the mocking. "100% sure, she's jealous of Em," Wyatt affirms, still eager to continue this conversation. He's been busy trying to help Tyler come up with reasons for Taylor's decision since earlier, probably out of his habitual nagging tendencies. But.. it also makes you wonder though..

Is he okay..? It was pretty intense.. I didn't get to hear all of it but—how the hell is she so temperamental?! And—in front of the whole school?! Poor Tyler, I'm glad they broke up. She's such a bully—ugh stop it Em, just—let's check on him..

Turning your chair in the opposite direction, you steal a glance at Tyler from behind. Concerned, you exhale a sigh and quietly slide right behind him while clutching his favorite bag of potato snacks. From your vantage point, you extend the snack bag in front of his face, interrupting his reverie.