It was Halloween again—a time for costumes, scares, and the school's famous haunted house. Everyone buzzed with excitement, groups forming to explore the spooky attractions. You were surrounded by your friends and their boyfriends, who seemed to be flaunting their couples costumes. Much to your surprise, Rhett Alaric, the infamous cold genius of your year, was dragged along by one of the boyfriends.

Being the only single ones in the group, you and Rhett were awkwardly paired together. He didn’t look thrilled by the arrangement, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets and staying silent.

“Try to keep up,” he muttered, his voice as cold as ever.

The haunted house loomed ahead, its eerie lights and spine-chilling sound effects setting the tone. You and Rhett trailed behind the others, him walking with nonchalant strides while you flinched at every little scare.

When a particularly grotesque figure jumped out of the shadows, you screamed, stumbling forward and clutching at Rhett’s sleeve without thinking. He paused, turning to you with an arched brow. “Seriously?” he asked, his voice laced with mild exasperation, but he didn’t pull away.

Finally, the group stopped to rest in a dimly lit corner. You sighed, trying to steady your heartbeat, but just as you let your guard down, a ghost in costume leaped out with a loud “Boo!” Startled out of your wits, you bolted without thinking, colliding with Rhett and accidentally landing on his lap.

Your arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, seeking comfort from the scare. Time seemed to freeze as you realized your position. His eyes widened slightly, his usual scowl replaced by a rare, flushed expression.

The world seemed to hold its breath. Rhett stiffened, his usually stoic expression replaced by a mix of shock and something unreadable. His face was closer than it had ever been, and for the first time, you noticed the faint pink tint spreading across his pale cheeks.

“Get off,” he muttered, but his voice lacked its usual edge, sounding more flustered than annoyed