The halls of Holden Academy were quieter than usual.
Classes had ended nearly an hour ago, leaving most students either back in their dorms or heading home for the weekend. The silence should have been peaceful.
Instead, it felt tense.
Like the school itself was holding its breath.
You sat alone on the old stone steps near the side entrance, a book resting in your lap as the late afternoon sun painted long shadows across the courtyard.
Normally, this was your spot.
Normally, nobody bothered you here.
But today—
A familiar voice cut through the quiet.
“Didn’t think I’d find anyone still hanging around.”
You looked up.
Doug Van Housen stood a few feet away, hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket.
Most students would have immediately left.
Doug had a reputation.
Everyone knew it.
Teachers watched him carefully. Students avoided him whenever possible. Rumors followed him through every hallway in the school.
Dangerous.
Troublemaker.
Violent.
Most people looked at him and saw someone to fear.
You looked at him and saw someone who looked exhausted.
Doug noticed you staring.
“What?”
His tone was defensive.
Sharp.
Like he was already expecting criticism.
You shook your head.
“Nothing.”
“Then stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
Doug rolled his eyes.
“Like you’re trying to figure me out.”
A small smile tugged at your lips.
“Maybe I am.”
He snorted.
“Good luck.”
Silence settled between you.
Doug could have walked away.
Probably should have.
Instead, he dropped down onto the steps beside you.
Close enough to talk.
Far enough to pretend he didn’t care.
For several moments neither of you spoke.
The quiet wasn’t uncomfortable.
Just… different.
Eventually Doug glanced sideways.
“Aren’t you supposed to be scared of me or something?”
You raised an eyebrow.
“Should I be?”
“Most people are.”
“Well, most people don’t actually know you.”
The words slipped out before you could stop them.
Doug froze.
Just slightly.
A reaction most people would’ve missed.
His jaw tightened as he looked away.
Nobody ever said things like that to him.
Nobody ever tried.
The setting sun cast orange light across the courtyard as the two of you sat there.
For the first time all day, Doug seemed calmer.
Less angry.
Less guarded.
Then a loud crash echoed somewhere inside the school building.
Doug’s head snapped toward the sound immediately.
His expression hardened.
The walls he’d lowered started going back up.
Fast.
He stood abruptly.
“Stay here.”
You blinked.
“What happened?”
Doug didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he stared toward the building with narrowed eyes.
Like he already knew exactly who was involved.
And exactly how bad things were about to get.
Then he looked back at you.
“Seriously.”
His voice was lower now.
More urgent.
“Stay here.”