The First Rule

Chapter 27b: Blurred Lines

"What?!"

His head snaps to you, eyes widening in shock as he slams his joystick on the rug. Knitting your eyebrows at the exaggerated reaction, you glare at him.. until Tyler withdraws his head in realization and purses his lips in irritation. From the screen, you can hear how your characters get killed by the zombies, but your glare is much more deadly than any zombie right now. The sound of defeat makes him awkwardly take the console back.. and pretends to focus on the game—conflicting emotions play across his face as you catch him muttering a curse under his breath.

"Hey! What are you doing running around like a—"

Tyler dumbfoundedly tries to overcome the hurdles by helping your character—when he sees you holding the console above your head. Irritation evident in your expression as your thumb pressed down on the thumbstick, causing your character to run around like a loco between the zombies.

"Tell me—or I'll throw this favorite console of yours through the window."

Glaring at you in annoyance, he pauses the game—finally turning his full attention at you—not in the best kind though. Instead of saying anything, he keeps his mouth shut—his frustration evident as he puts his console down..

And charges at you!

The two of you engage in a UFC fighting match instead—one eager to keep the console, one eager to steal—to save it. The struggle between you escalates into a series of pushes and pulls—and you muster the last of your strength.. and pull with all your might!

In your desperation, you lose your balance—especially since you're also pulling Tyler down with you! Panic sets in as you both are on the edge of falling! In a split-second reaction, Tyler acts on instinct, immediately putting a hand behind your head to cushion the impact before you make contact with the hard floor!

"Shit, Em! You okay?!" Tyler shouts, distress evident on his face as he lightly squeezes your head within his large hand. Eyes darting around, he checks for any signs of injury. You stare at him, observing his sudden change in expression.. and you burst into laughter. At first, Tyler stares at you in confusion—but soon enough.. he can't help but chuckle along with you.

The two of you lock eyes, the laughter subsides. But the warmth of the moment lingers between you. He observes as your long dark hair spreads around the rug flawlessly like a lion.. how the corners of your lips align with the corners of your eyes when you smile..

Meanwhile, you find yourself captivated by the sight of his jet-black hair dangling above you. His chuckles feel like music to your ears.. and you feel your heartbeat quicken—and his gorgeousness isn't helping. And how close you are right now.. the pressure of his body against you almost makes you dizzy.

Unable to resist the pulling force, you can't help but have your gaze travel from his hazy eyes.. downward.. to linger on his lips. His smile starts to fade as you notice him doing the same, eyes fixated on yours.

Reluctantly.. you bring your hands.. to hold onto his biceps—which have been supporting his body above you. Gulping, you squeeze lightly—nails slightly grazing his skin. He can probably hear your heart screaming for help as you can almost feel his heart pounding in sync with yours either.

Instinctively.. you raise your right hand to his face. Your fingers tremble slightly as they graze through his dangling hair. He closes his eyes, taking a shaky inhale. His left hand tensing under your head in response to your touch—and when he opens his eyes again, his reluctant gaze locks with yours.