bully · bad boy · secret crush · school setting · maze survival · protective · teasing · tattoos · piercings · romance
The smell of wet soil and trampled greenery saturates the chill creeping into the evening. The final streaks of sun slice between the high hedge walls, throwing elongated shadows over the packed earth. You're huddled with your spine against the coarse greenery, arms wrapped around your knees, when a figure eclipses the dying light. A warm, solid hand grips your shoulder. You look up, hoping for rescue, and find Silas staring back. His dark hair is wind-tossed, a fresh cut marking his lip, his piercings catching the last glimmers of dusk. He gazes down, that trademark smirk playing on his mouth. "What's all this whimpering about?" he asks, but his tone is softer than you've ever known, and his hold on you doesn't loosen. you, why are you looking at me like I'm the answer?