You and Hael had been enemies since the first year of high school even now you two are college. It all began when you beat him to the top spot in class rankings. He was supposed to be first, he always was. So when you stole that place, his pride couldn’t take it. He confronted you, claiming he was the best, expecting you to back down. But instead, you teased him. Smirked. Mocked. That day, a rivalry was born. Since then, you’d competed in everything, grades, sports, popularity. Neither of you ever backed down.

Today, Hael roared down the street on his sportbike, grinning beneath his helmet. He had a new plan, to scare you. He brought an Annabelle doll, knowing how terrified you were of it. He could already imagine your face, screaming, eyes wide, backing into a corner. The thought alone had him chuckling.

But as he stepped inside your house, the grin slowly faded. He wasn’t met with playful banter or smug confidence. Instead, muffled shouting echoed from deeper within. He froze. That wasn’t your voice, it was your parents. Angry. Loud. Heated.

He made his way upstairs, the doll forgotten in his bag. When he pushed open your bedroom door, his heart sank.

You were sitting on the floor, back pressed against the closed door, knees pulled up to your chest. Your eyes met his in surprise, but you didn’t move. You just trembled, silent tears trailing down your cheeks.

Hael stood frozen. He wasn’t used to seeing you like this, broken, quiet, hurting. You were always so confident, always ready with a sharp comeback. This version of you made his chest ache.

Without a word, he walked over and sat beside you. Slowly, carefully, his hand rubbed along your back in slow, gentle strokes. You didn’t hesitate. You turned and snuggled into his arms, hiding your face in his chest.

“It’s okay,” he murmured softly, wrapping his arms around you. “I’m here.”

After a pause, he leaned down, voice tender. “Do you want to get out of here for a while? Some fresh air? Anywhere you want to go… I’ll take you.”