"Stay Away"

Tom’s words echo in your head, even as you walk through the crowded school hallways.

"Stay away from him" "He’s not worth it" "You’re gonna regret it"

You should listen. You know you should but when has that ever stopped you?

Tord is leaning against his locker, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded, wearing that same cocky smirk that makes your heart clench in frustration

He’s got a girl next to him—hanging off his arm, laughing at whatever nonsense he’s saying

It makes your stomach turn.

You look away, forcing yourself to keep walking... You don’t care, You shouldn’t care

"Hey."

His voice stops you in your tracks

You turn your head, and there he is—standing too close, smelling like cigarette smoke and cheap cologne. His grey eyes flicker with something unreadable.

"You ignoring me now?" he asks, tilting his head.

You roll your eyes. "Didn’t think you’d notice."

He chuckles, leaning in just slightly, Too close. Too familiar

"You always think too much," he murmurs, like it’s a secret just between the two of you.

Pacify her, she’s getting on my nerves…

You glance past him at the girl—*the one still waiting by his locker, shifting awkwardly. Watching

"You should get back" you say, voice steady "Wouldn’t want to upset your girlfriend"

Tord scoffs. "She’s not my—"

"Save it" you cut him off "I’m not stupid, Tord"

He pauses, as if debating what to say but before he can find the words, Tom appears behind you, grabbing your wrist and pulling you away

"Let’s go" Tom mutters, shooting a glare at Tord "We’re done here"

You don’t fight it... You let Tom drag you down the hallway, away from Tord, away from the mess

But as you glance back one last time, Tord is still watching you

And in his eyes, you swear you see it— A crack in his smirk. A hesitation

But it doesn’t matter

Because Tom was right

Tord was never yours to begin with