CHAPTER 5 Breaking rules
1268 Words
“Focus, Lala. It was just almost-something. Not something.” I muttered under my breath.
I snagged a cup from the table, pretending I was thirsty, but really I just needed something to do with my hands.
That's when I noticed him.
He wasn't part of Asher's usual circle, I would've remembered. He was taller, broad-shouldered, dark hair that curled slightly at the end, sharp jawline , eyes a deep shade of hazel that seemed to scan the room like he owned it, without the arrogance.
His outfit screamed elegance without effort: a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled neatly to his elbow, tailored charcoal trousers, and polished black oxfords that caught the light with each step. Even in the chaos of the party, he looked…deliberate, controlled, magnetic.
He came to a halt just a step away, close enough that I had to tilt my head to meet his eyes.
“You do not want to be here,” he said. His voice was low, and calm.
I froze.
He noticed?
“I–” my words stuck in my throat. “Do I know you?”
“Not yet.” He extended a hand. “Jaden.”
I shook his hand, “Lala.” His grip was firm, and confident, like he had no doubt I'd take it.
He repeated it under his breath, then looked at me straight.
“Fits you,” he replied.“Someone like you could never blend in. Even in this loud room.” His words hit deeper than I expected.
My chest tightened. I didn't know what to say.
Why does it feel like he knows me already ?
He leaned closer, his eyes playful.
“Do you drink?”
“No.” I shook my head without thinking twice
He glanced at the cup I held , and raised a brow. “But you're holding one.”
The laugh tumbled out before she could stop it, sharp and uneasy. “It's not what you think.”
Jaden smirked. “I understand. But how about I get you something real? might help you forget that heavy mood.”
Before I could answer, he was back with shots.
I hesitated, then gave in. One drink led to another.
The music grew louder, the lights brighter, her laughter bubbled up easily, and when Jaden tugged her onto the dance floor, she couldn't resist.
They danced — his hands on her waist, her movements clumsy, and carefree. For a whole moment, the party swallowed her whole.
Unknowingly to them, a phone camera flashed in the crowd. Minutes later, the freshmen 2025 group chat lit up:
COUPLE OF THE YEAR [photo attached].
A familiar hand wrapped around my wrist. His voice was low but firm. “We're leaving. Now.”
Could that be Asher?
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
He didn't look at me, just reached for the drink in my hand, and placed it on the nearest table. “Come on, Lala.” His tone was low. “Don't make me ask twice.”
“I can decide for myself when to leave,” I shot back, even though my voice came out softer than it meant.
“You can,” he replied, finally pulling his eyes away from Jaden, “but you won't.”
The room spun a little, my stomach flipping. I tried to ask for help, but words tangled on my tongue, heat rushing to my head, my legs were shaky, and before I could fall, Asher's arm was already around me.
“You're done,” steadying me with one arm.
Without giving me a chance to argue, he lifted me up, and carried me through the back door, away from the noise, the people, and Jaden's stare.
He guided me towards his car parked out front, and handed me a paper cup, filled with water. I tried to take a sip, but my stomach lurched. I gagged before I could stop it, and the next second I threw up all over myself.
“Oh–no…” I muttered, staring down at the mess.
“Hey” Asher said evenly, already opening the passenger door. “Sit, I'll handle it.”
I sank into the car seat, the cool leather against my skin making me shiver. He disappeared for a second, then came back with a box of baby wipes,and a black baggy shirt in hand.
“Asher–” I whispered, embarrassed, but he didn't let me finish.
“Relax, just hold still.”
His touch was careful as he wiped me clean, each stroke brisk, efficient, like he'd done this before.
He didn't look at me once, just focused on the mess until it was gone. Then, without a word, he held out the shirt.
“Here, I'll help you change.”
My cheeks burned even through the haze of alcohol. “You're going to see me naked, Asher.”
He met my eyes, his tone low but soft. “I'm not looking. Just trust me.”
He slipped the soiled top off me with surprising care, his movement respectful, almost protective, before pulling his shirt over my head. The fabric smelled like him — Clean, sharp, and familiar.
“Better?” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my damp cheek.
I swallowed hard, whispering, “Thank you.”
He didn't answer, he just tucked the dirty clothes away, and he eased the car door closed, careful not to startle me.
I turned on my phone, desperate for a distraction. A notification appeared on the screen.
Freshman 2025 Groupchat :
Couple of the year. [Pictures attached]
A tremor ran through me, quick and sharp as I opened it. The image hit me like a slap, and tears welled up before I could hold them back.
“Why… Why are we trending?” I hiccupped, scrolling through my phone.
The freshman group chat was already exploding with names, memes, and hashtags.
Asher’s voice was low, frustrated. “Because you let him drag you into this mess. Do you have any idea how it looks?”
“I didn't mean to… I'm sorry.” I sniffled
Seeing her cry broke through his anger. He sat back on the driver’s seat, dragging a hand through his hair.
“Why do I care so much?” he muttered under his breath, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She looked up at him, tear-eyed, and vulnerable. In the quiet, their eyes locked and before either could stop it, their lips touched in their very first kiss.
The kiss ended too fast, but the air between them crackled.
My stomach twisted, my mind spinning with questions I couldn't voice.
His hand lingered near my cheek, then dropped like he'd burned himself.
“This…” His voice was low, rough. “This can't happen again.”
But the way his eyes locked on hers looked like he wasn't going to get over her anytime soon . And before I could ask what he meant, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen:
UNKNOWN SENDER: You’re breaking the rules.
“Shit.” He shoved the phone into his pocket, his jaw tightened, and eyes narrowed.
I blinked, my mind spinning with questions. “What could shake Asher of all people?”
He didn't answer. He murmured, almost to himself. “They weren't supposed to know about you.”
He fired up the engine, and raced through darkness. It suddenly dawned on me that the kiss was only the beginning of questions without answers, and truths he would do anything to keep buried.
- Writer
