Lyka
"Morning came too fast. I went through the
usual routine—breakfast, brushing my hair, tying my shoes—but none of it helped settle the tight, restless feeling in my stomach."
the same way it had been since Parker came into my life.
By the time I got to school, my chest was heavy with nerves. The halls were crowded, lockers banging, voices everywhere—but I didn't notice much of it until I saw him.
Parker was leaning against a locker at the far end, calm and sure of himself like always. The sight of him made my pulse jump, and for a second I forgot how to move.
"Good morning," he said, his voice casual but carrying that tone that always threw me off.
"Morning," I muttered, my cheeks already warm. I gripped my bag strap to steady myself, trying not to stare, though it was impossible not to.
He pushed off the locker and walked toward me with his usual steady pace. "Looks like you could use a guide," he said, glancing at the crowded hallway.
I gave a nervous laugh. "I'll be fine." But I didn't even try to hide how aware I was of him—how different the air felt when he was close.
We walked side by side toward class. The noise around us faded, my attention stuck on him. Every time our arms brushed, every glance he gave me, it was like my heartbeat skipped.
"So…" I said, just to fill the silence, "you show up here whenever you feel like it?"
He smirked slightly. "Only when I want to see someone." His eyes met mine for a second too long, and my stomach knotted.
Before I could say anything back, his expression shifted. Someone ahead was standing too still, watching us. My pulse jumped.
Parker's hand brushed near my shoulder—not quite a touch, just enough to steady me. "Don't worry," he murmured, low enough only I could hear. "I've got you."
I tried to play it off, forcing a small smile. "Thanks… I think." My voice shook, but I couldn't hide the smile tugging at me.
"Lyka!" a cheerful voice called, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up and saw Isa waving from across the aisle. Her usual bright, friendly smile made it impossible to be annoyed with her.
"Hey," I said, waving back. Then I remembered Parker was right there, and I wanted to introduce them properly. "Oh, this is my sister, Isa. She's in some of my classes too."
Parker glanced at her, polite and curious, but he didn't linger. "Hi," he said quietly.
Isa's smile stayed wide and natural, just like always, though there was a spark in her expression that made her seem even livelier than usual. I noticed it but didn't overthink it. She's just happy, I told myself. That's all.
"She's my sister," I added, nodding at Parker. "We go to school together, obviously."
He nodded slightly, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Sister," he repeated, like he was testing the word. My chest tightened for a moment, but I pushed it aside.
Isa laughed, tilting her head as she glanced between us. "Well, he seems nice. I can see why you hang out with him."
I smiled, relieved she didn't make it awkward. Parker didn't need to reply—his calm, steady presence said enough. The pull between us was quiet but strong, and it didn't disappear even with Isa sitting right there.
The teacher started going over the lesson, but I could barely focus. Parker leaned slightly toward me to pass a notebook, and our hands brushed. Small, accidental, but it made me catch my breath. He didn't comment; he just held my gaze a second longer than necessary.
Isa hummed to herself, focused on her notes and unaware of the tension beside her. Her energy made it easier to relax, though I still felt the pull toward Parker—stronger than it should have been.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Parker moved toward the door, scanning the hallway as students spilled out. I grabbed my things, Isa chatting beside me, and felt a thrill knowing Parker would walk next to me.
"Next class?" I asked quietly.
He gave a faint smirk. "I'll walk you there."
I nodded, feeling that quiet pull between us. We left the classroom, weaving through the crowded hallway. I kept my eyes on him, careful not to stare, but every step he took beside me made me acutely aware of him—close enough to notice, yet far enough to make me restless.
"So… after this, you don't have any plans?" he asked casually, though the edge in his voice suggested he already knew my answer.
"I… uh… not really," I said, trying to sound casual. My fingers tightened slightly on my bag strap as he tilted his head, smirked, and gave me that teasing look.
He slowed to match my pace, his hand brushing mine as we passed a group of students. I froze for a moment. My fingers itched to linger, to feel the spark again, but I stayed still. Of course, he noticed. He always did.
"There's a place I go with a few friends," he said. "A bar, nothing fancy. You might like it."
I blinked, surprised. "A bar? I… I don't usually go to places like that."
He grinned and leaned closer so I could hear him over the noise. "It's not your typical bar. Just people I trust, my pack. You'll be safe. I'll make sure of it."
I bit my lip, hesitant. "I don't know… it sounds risky. I'm not used to being around… all of your people."
He stopped and turned toward me, calm but intense. "Apart from you," he said quietly, "the rest of my group knows the rules. No one touches you. I promise."
I swallowed, gripping my bag strap tighter. That pull between us—it was sharper now, almost alive. And his words, the way he looked at me… I couldn't say no.
"Okay," I said softly, almost against my will. "I'll… go."
A faint grin appeared on his face, and he let out a small sigh. "Good," he said, brushing his hand against mine again, lingering just a second longer than necessary. "You won't regret it."
He stepped slightly closer, our shoulders almost touching. The warmth radiating from him was subtle but grounding, protective even. I realized I'd been holding my breath without noticing.
"So… this place," I asked, trying to focus on something other than him, "how far is it?"
"Not far," he said, smirking. "Just a short walk. You'll like it. And… don't worry about anyone else. You're with me."
His confidence made me relax a little. It still felt risky, but I felt safe enough for my curiosity and that pull I'd felt since the first time I saw him to take over.
We walked through the streets, Parker close. He brushed against me when the crowd got thick. Every accidental touch his hand against mine, his shoulder grazing me made me more aware of how tense I'd been. I focused on the street, the buildings, anything except his eyes, which kept flicking toward me.
"You're quieter than usual," he said, leaning just enough toward me that I felt it without anyone else noticing. "Nervous?"
I gave a small laugh. "A little. I… I don't usually do this."
He smirked faintly, brushing the tip of his thumb over the back of my hand. "Good. That means it matters. You're not just going along with it. You care. That's all I need to know."
Heat crept into my cheeks. "I… I want to go. I trust you."
His smile softened. He leaned closer, voice lowering. "That's enough."
We walked the last few blocks together. I barely noticed the people or cars around us. All I could focus on was him, right there beside me.
When we reached the bar, it was small and dimly lit, a few people laughing inside. Parker paused at the door, glancing at me. "Ready?"
I nodded, trying to steady myself. "Yeah… I'm ready."
He smiled faintly and opened the door for me. "Good. I'll be right here. Nothing will happen."
I followed him inside, nervous but drawn to him. Parker led me to a table where a few people I'd seen before were waiting. I had no idea what I was walking into, but somehow, I knew I wouldn't regret it.