Chapter 8
256 Words
Cracks and Clues
The rivalry grew louder in the days that followed.
Leo always carried Ethan’s books.
Adrian always dragged Ethan to meals.
Kai always stole Ethan’s pen just so Ethan would chase him.
Ethan thought they were all just… unusually friendly.
But the campus wasn’t all laughter. The threatening notes hadn’t stopped. Another appeared in Ethan’s locker:
“He’s dangerous. Stay away from Adrian. You’ve been warned.”
Ethan’s chest tightened as he reread it. Why Adrian? And why did these warnings keep coming?
That night, Ethan finally confronted Adrian. “Do you know who’s leaving these notes?”
Adrian’s expression darkened. He stood silent for a moment, then whispered, “It’s not about you, Ethan. It’s about me.”
Ethan swallowed hard. “Then tell me—”
Adrian shook his head. “Not yet.”
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Meanwhile, Kai and Leo both noticed Ethan’s distracted mood. When they each asked if he was okay, Ethan brushed it off with a smile.
But Kai, observant despite his playful nature, caught sight of the crumpled note half-hidden in Ethan’s notebook. His grin faltered.
“Who’s threatening you, Ethan?” he asked softly.
Ethan froze. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
Kai’s eyes narrowed. For once, his joking demeanor vanished. “Don’t lie to me. If someone’s after you, I’ll find out who.”
From the doorway, Leo overheard. His jaw tightened. If Adrian’s involved in this… I can’t let Ethan get hurt.
The battle for Ethan’s heart was turning into something much more dangerous.
- Writer
