The next morning, Taylor walked through the college courtyard, hand in hand with Chris. She felt a flutter of happiness from their date yesterday, the memory of the movie still lingering.
But that feeling disappeared the moment a group of girls stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Their expressions were smug, and they exchanged sly glances before one of them spoke.
"You really don't know who you're dealing with, do you?" the tallest girl said, voice dripping with condescension. "Do you even know who his father is?"
Taylor blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"
Another girl stepped forward, smirking. "Come to the ground, newbie. You think you can just waltz in here and act like… like you belong? You don't even realize how serious this is."
Taylor tightened her grip on Chris's hand, feeling her chest tighten with a mix of fear and anger. "I—look, I don't know what you're talking about, and I really don't want trouble. I just… I'm his partner in class, that's it."
Chris stepped slightly in front of her, his gaze sharp and protective. "Back off," he said, his voice low and firm. "You're done here."
The girls exchanged amused glances. "Oh, we're not done. She really thinks she can handle him?" one whispered to the others.
Taylor could feel her face heat up, but she straightened her shoulders. "I don't need to handle him. He's capable of taking care of himself… and me."
Chris's grip on her hand tightened. "And that's exactly how it's going to stay. Now move."
The girls hesitated, then muttered insults under their breath, stepping aside. Taylor exhaled, her heart still racing.
"You okay?" Chris asked quietly, keeping his gaze on the group until they left.
Taylor nodded, trying to calm herself. "Yeah… I think so. But… what did they mean? Who is his father?"
Chris's jaw tightened slightly, but he softened his expression as he looked at her. "It's nothing you need to worry about right now. Just… ignore them. They'll learn soon enough that you're not someone to mess with."
Taylor nodded, still uneasy but feeling reassured by his presence. As they walked to class, hand in hand, she realized that being with Chris wasn't going to be completely easy — but she was willing to face whatever came, as long as he was by her side.
And Chris? He was already thinking of ways to make sure no one ever threatened Taylor again.