56

1.3K 64 4
                                        

CHAPTER 56 - In a new light

----

The walk away from Christina, Leon, and Jeremy was heavier than you'd expected. Each step felt like it echoed louder than it should, and though you couldn't see her, you knew Christina's eyes were boring into your back. The weight of her unspoken words pressed down on you.

Silence hung between you and Alex as he led the way, his words that he uttered a few seconds ago settling in you like comforting waves. It wasn't awkward, though. It was... odd. Peaceful in a way you hadn't felt in a while.

Which is odd because if it were a few months or weeks ago, you would've run away like you're being chased by the doctor who wants you in for his human centipede experiment.

But now? That synchronized steps you both take felt as if you're walking beside a trusty adult. Alex might be the farthest from it with his usual clingy and loud behavior but the banter he did with Christina proved otherwise.

Perhaps it's really the time you let go of personal prejudice. He did defend and pull you away from the draining situation.

"You did the right thing, you know," Alex said suddenly, his voice calm but firm, like he had already made peace with the fallout that was sure to come.

"Did I?" you muttered, your eyes on the ground. "Feels like I just set off a bomb."

Alex glanced at you, his signature grin replaced by something softer. His eyes were akin to crimson, but not like Ian's that reminded you of blood, his reminds you of the fire, warm and comforting.

It's taking time for you to get used to this side of him, it's just new. It feels like he's been possessed by some mature guy.

"Maybe. But sometimes things need to blow up so they can be rebuilt better." He shrugged as if that logic was obvious.

You let out a breathy chuckle. "Since when were you so wise?"

"Since always," he replied without hesitation, tilting his head back like he was the wisest sage in the world, even stroking his imaginary long beard. There, you saw remnants of the playful Alex.

"You just didn't notice 'cause you were too busy running from me." He said, walking ahead then turning around so he's facing you. You want to warn him that walking backwards is reckless but he seemed to be fully aware of his surroundings.

His teasing tone pulled a genuine laugh out of you, and for once, it didn't feel forced. "I was not running."

"Please," he said, slowing down before bumping his shoulder into yours playfully. "I've never seen someone book it so fast when I walk into a room."

"That's 'cause you have an army of girls trailing behind you, I'm afraid I'll get killed by being stamped on by the crowd." you shot back, smile still intact.

"Pshhh yeah? Then take a look around. I don't have an army following me. Since like, weeks ago." He quipped, gesturing around the silent surroundings. It was true, if it were normal days, you'd be running away from him with girls trailing behind.

"Woah I didn't notice."

"That's because you, like I said, are too busy." His voice lacked sharpness, his tone plain playful. You just laughed before walking slower, his pace immediately adjusted to yours.

It's crazy how these few minutes of being with him felt like freedom.

-

The next day, you were back to that method you did before. What methods do you ask? Well that's about you waking up early then going to school just to avoid certain siblings. You did promise that you won't do this again before, the last time you tried to avoid them wasn't a distant memory, it was actually just a few months ago.

It was draining and it caused you more than enough trouble, you even vowed not to do it again but now? You couldn't give a damn.

Entering your school, you immediately saw Alex talking animatedly with his cousin Henry, who looks like he could be everywhere but here.

Henry glanced around as Alex continued his enthusiastic rant, his expression screaming boredom. His eyes glancing to his watch and occasional nods made it clear he was only half-listening. You hesitated, unsure whether to approach. After all you were more used to running away when Alex is at sight.

But you reminded yourself that you no longer need to run.

Alex spotted you before you could fully decided. His face lit up, and he waved, the action drawing attention from a few onlookers. "Y/N! Over here!"

You winced at the volume of his voice, but there was no turning back now. You made your way over, trying to ignore the amount of eyes following you. Henry had this confused look on his face because well, you didn't run away.

"Morning," you greeted, trying to keep your tone neutral. You nodded at Henry and he nodded back, his face back to its usual expression. Whatever is on his mind, he decided not to speak it out loud.

"Morning?" Alex echoed, his grin widening. "That's all you've got? You're not gonna say, 'Wow, Alex, thank you so much for saving me from the jaws of doom yesterday'? Or at least, 'You're amazing, Alex. I owe you my life.'"

Henry let out a sound of disbelief, eyebrows raising. "The 'jaws of doom'? Dramatic much?"

Alex looked at him before grinning, it screamed 'It's in the bloodline'. Though his gaze went back to being fixated on you with mock expectation tight after the short exchange.

You rolled your eyes, but the corner of your lips twitched up. "Fine. Thank you, oh great Alex, for pulling me away from - what was it? The jaws of doom. You truly are a hero among men."

Alex's chest puffed up in exaggerated pride. "See, Henry? Someone appreciates my brilliance."

Henry rolled his eyes, clearly used to his cousin's antics. "Yeah, yeah. Save it for someone who cares. I'm heading to class." He gave you a quick nod before walking off, leaving you alone with Alex.

As the hallway began to fill with students, you found yourself relaxing a little more around Alex.

"So," he started, leaning against the wall with an air of mock nonchalance. "What's the plan today? Gonna stick with me, or are you sneaking off to avoid you-know-who by yourself?"

Your mind of course failed you again and thought of Voldemort. Mentally shaking your head, you corrected yourself.

You sighed. "I wasn't gonna sneak off... I just wanted a quiet morning."

"Uh-huh," Alex said, clearly unconvinced. "Well, lucky for you, I happen to specialize in quiet mornings."

You raised an eyebrow. Your brain went through a quick series of flashbacks where he's either getting chased by girls, yapping loudly with his quiet cousin through the hallways or just being pure chaos. "You? Quiet?"

"Hey, I can be quiet," he protested, feigning offense. "I'm like a shadow. Silent. Invisible. Practically a ninja."

"Right," you replied, your tone dripping with sarcasm. "Because nothing says 'invisible' like you yelling my name across the hallway."

Alex laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Fair point. But hey, at least I made your morning more interesting."

You couldn't argue with that. As much as you hated to admit it, his energy was oddly refreshing.

"Fine," you said, starting to walk toward your classroom. "But no yelling my name again. Deal?"

"Deal," Alex agreed, falling into step beside you. Then, after a beat, he added with a mischievous grin, "Unless it's an emergency."

You groaned, but deep down, you found yo urself smiling. Maybe this newfound friendship with Alex wasn't such a bad thing after all.

-

​​​​​​​Yeah, Alex won't need others to aid him on an emergency. Trust me lmao

Just a Side Character || Yandere Reverse Harem x ReaderWhere stories live. Discover now