The First Rule (Book #1)

Chapter 29b: Friends

"You ok bro?" Wyatt asks nonchalantly as Tyler strides into the cafeteria.

Tyler shrugs, a nonchalant grin tugging at his lips. "I'm chill, bro. Don't be dramatic," Tyler replies while sitting down.

Wyatt shoots him a mocking glare, pouting in disgust. Casually chatting with Brad and Luke, Tyler chuckles—acting completely normal—especially every time Wyatt says something stupid. But accidentally.. Tyler's gaze inadvertently drifts across the room..

And see you.

Laughing freely with your friends.. the way you rake a hand through your hair when you find a joke too funny.. the way you scrunches your nose when you laugh..

Your laughter is like music to his ears. And for a moment.. he finds himself captivated. A smile dances across his face as he watches you from afar like you're the most beautiful person in the room.

Unexpectedly.. your eyes meet his. At first, your eyes widen—but you smile back. A smile made only for him. And in that fleeting moment.. the world seems to stand still.. and Tyler's heart skips a beat.

However, sensing how someone's also watching him, Cavill hesitantly turns to his right.. to see Liam, already glaring at him with a weary expression. His smile immediately falters as he dumbfoundedly asks, "What?"

"Pretend like everything's normal, indeed."

Rolling his eyes at Liam's sarcasm, Tyler dismisses him and shifts his gaze to your way again.. only to find Scott.. and Dom—approaching your zone. Before Tyler can fully process the situation, Dom leans in to kiss you. From afar, he could see you smile—but reluctantly shift to check on him from the corner of your eye. His jaw tightens, and a flicker of annoyance flashes in his eyes.

"Aww all of my bestfriends getting along~ Perfect!" Liam interjects sarcastically. Tyler's frustration reaches its peak, and with a swift motion, he tackles Liam in annoyance.

In the aftermath of the baseball tournament, emotions run high as the team grapples with defeat. As they gather in the dugout, Wyatt is busy fixing himself up, Dom sits in the dugout—clearly irritated by the defeat, and Tyler, having just been reprimanded by the coach, walks back with slumped shoulders to join them.

"You guys okay?"

Turns out, you and Eve are already down in the field, concern evident in your voice as you check on them. The two of you walk over to them, bringing several snacks and drinks to lift up their moods. The others looked really somber and dejected. However, Tyler oddly smiles brightly as he takes the energy drink from you.

Wyatt hugged Eve while giving Tyler a peculiar look—whispering to him, "You're fucking smitten." Without even taking his eyes off you, Tyler nudges Wyatt's stomach with his elbow. When a sudden realization dawns on him how he's around a bunch of sad people. He looks around, scratching his head in slight embarrassment.

Dom, noticing the strange exchange, hastily approaches you and hugs you, planting a kiss on your cheek. "Thank you baby," he greets you as you say your words of encouragement. However, sensing your bestfriend radar going off, in concern, you give Dom a you'll-be-back-in-a-sec look—before turning to Tyler. Despite all smiles and grins, you know he's having a hard time—so you hug him.

"You ok Tyty..? It looked pretty bad.."

Sincerely concerned since you know how tough the coach is when it comes to the pitcher, you continue to pat his back gently.. not knowing what your hug does to him. As you finally lean away.. you're only met with his face already looking blank—all red as all memory goes back to when..