Wicked Ties

Campus Gossip

The morning after their time in Willow’s studio, everything felt different. It wasn’t just the afterglow of the intimate night they’d shared or the rush of emotions still lingering between them. No, the change was external—palpable in the way students watched them as they walked across the campus, their gazes lingering too long, whispers following them like shadows.

Willow noticed it first, the way heads turned when she passed by, how the low hum of conversation grew louder after she crossed a room. At first, she brushed it off, convincing herself it was nothing. But by the time she reached the art building, her phone buzzed with messages from classmates she barely knew, asking probing questions.

Did you hear about Hael and Willow?

Lolly too? That’s wild.

She sighed, leaning against her locker. It was only a matter of time before their relationship became fodder for gossip, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so fast—or so intensely. Hael’s bad-boy reputation wasn’t helping either. He’d always been a source of fascination for the campus, Lolly also had quite the reputation and now that fascination was latching onto her.

As if on cue, Lolly appeared beside her, a frown pulling at her lips. “People are talking,” she said quietly, glancing around the hallway.

“I know.” Willow’s voice was strained. “I can feel it.”

Lolly’s hand found Willow’s, squeezing gently. “They’re just jealous. People always are when they don’t understand something.”

“I don’t think it’s that simple.” Willow glanced down the hall where a group of students watched them from a distance, snickering as they whispered to one another. Her chest tightened. “I think they just… like to tear people down.”

Lolly sighed. “Maybe. But we knew this would happen, didn’t we?”

Before Willow could respond, Hael appeared, his dark presence parting the crowd like a storm. He was all leather jacket and swagger, his bad-boy image on full display. As he reached them, he slid an arm around Willow’s waist, pulling her close. The casual possessiveness of the gesture wasn’t lost on anyone, and she could feel the glares, the jealous gazes of the people wishing to be them.

“Looks like the rumor mill’s working overtime,” Hael muttered, his voice low, his eyes scanning the crowd with disdain. “People can’t mind their own business for five minutes.”

“Tell me about it,” Lolly murmured, folding her arms across her chest. “They’re acting like we’re some kind of spectacle.”

Hael’s jaw clenched, his grip on Willow tightening slightly. “Let them talk. They don’t know anything.”

But even as he said it, Willow could sense the tension radiating from him. He might act like he didn’t care what people thought, but she knew better. He’d spent years building his reputation as someone untouchable, a force to be reckoned with. Now, he was more vulnerable than ever—exposed by the relationship they shared. And she and Lolly were caught in the crossfire.

As they made their way across campus, the gossip seemed to follow them. Everywhere they turned, people were whispering, glancing their way. It was like a tidal wave of judgment, crashing over them with every step.

“Hey, Willow!” A sharp voice called out from behind them, and they stopped. Willow turned to see a group of students approaching, their expressions hostile, predatory.

The ringleader, a tall, athletic guy with a cocky smirk, crossed his arms. “So, what’s it like dating the campus bad boy? Or are you sharing him with Lolly? Guess you like playing with fire.”

Willow’s stomach churned, but before she could respond, Hael stepped forward, his body language shifting instantly. He was no longer just her boyfriend—he was her protector.

“What did you just say?” Hael’s voice was low, dangerously calm.

The guy laughed, his friends joining in. “I’m just curious, man. No need to get all worked up. We’re all dying to know what it’s like being with you. Guess it’s more about your reputation than anything else.”

Hael took a step closer, his fists clenching. “Say that again, I dare you.”

The tension in the air crackled, thick and suffocating. Willow could see Hael’s muscles tense, his eyes darken, and she knew what was coming before it even happened.

The guy didn’t back down. “Oh, what? You gonna hit me? Is that how you keep your girls in line? Everyone knows you’re nothing but trouble.”

It happened in a blur. Hael lunged, his fist connecting with the guy’s jaw before anyone could react. The impact echoed across the courtyard, followed by gasps and shocked whispers. The guy stumbled back, holding his jaw, eyes wide with surprise.

“That’s enough!” Willow shouted, grabbing Hael’s arm before he could go any further. “Hael, stop!”

Hael froze, his chest heaving, his eyes wild with anger. For a moment, it looked like he might strike again, but Willow’s touch anchored him. Slowly, he lowered his fist, but his gaze remained locked on the guy, who was now glaring back at him with a mix of fear and rage.

“You’re not worth it,” Hael muttered, stepping back.

The group of students quickly dispersed, muttering insults under their breath as they retreated. The crowd that had gathered began to break apart as well, though the whispers continued.

Willow let out a shaky breath, her hand still on Hael’s arm. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Hael looked at her, his expression softening. “Yes, I did. I’m not gonna let anyone talk to you like that.”

Lolly, standing nearby, shook her head. “They’re not worth the fight, Hael. This is just what they want.”

But Hael wasn’t listening. He was still wound tight, his gaze distant, like he was barely holding it together.

Willow stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his chest, forcing him to meet her eyes. “Let’s get out of here,” she said softly. “Just the two of us.”

He hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Without another word, he took her hand, and they walked away from the lingering stares and whispers.

As they left the campus behind, the quiet of the city streets wrapped around them like a balm. Hael’s grip on her hand was firm but gentle, as if grounding himself through their connection.

“Sorry about that,” Hael muttered after a while, his voice rough with frustration. “I didn’t mean to lose it.”

Willow shook her head, squeezing his hand. “You don’t have to apologize. I get it.”

He looked at her then, his eyes softening as he took in her expression. “You shouldn’t have to deal with this crap because of me.”

“I knew what I was getting into,” Willow said with a small smile. “You’re not as much trouble as you think you are.”

Hael huffed a laugh, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Yeah, well, you’re not supposed to say that. Kinda ruins my whole bad-boy vibe.”

Willow smiled, and they walked in comfortable silence for a while until they reached a small ice cream shop tucked away on a quiet street corner. Hael stopped, glancing down at her with a hint of a grin. “How about we get some ice cream? Might help cool things off.”

She nodded, grateful for the distraction, and they headed inside. The shop was cozy and nearly empty, a welcome contrast to the chaos of campus life. They ordered their cones—Willow choosing her favorite mint chocolate chip, while Hael went for something dark and rich with alcohol.

As they sat at a small table by the window, Hael leaned closer, his eyes lingering on her lips. “You know,” he said softly, “despite everything going on, I’m glad we have this.”

Willow’s heart fluttered under his intense gaze. “Me too.”

He leaned in then, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was soft at first but quickly deepened, growing more intense with every passing second. Willow moaned into the kiss, her hands sliding up to tangle in his hair as his tongue swept against hers, tasting her, claiming her.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless and flushed, Hael rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely more than a whisper. “No matter what people say… I’m not letting you go.”