Elena started noticing small things.
Raven texting less during the day.
More late-night messages.
Short replies.
Not cold. Just distracted.
She told herself not to overthink it. He had his own life. His own problems. She didn't need to be the center of everything.
But something felt off.
That Friday afternoon, she stayed in school longer than usual to finish a project. The campus was nearly empty when she finally packed her bag.
The sky was turning orange. Quiet. Peaceful.
Too peaceful.
As she walked past the side gate, she heard footsteps behind her.
Not fast. Not rushing.
Just… following.
She tightened her grip on her bag but didn't turn around immediately. Maybe she was imagining it.
The footsteps got closer.
"Going somewhere?"
Her heart dropped.
It wasn't Raven.
It was the rival leader from the parking lot.
He stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, smiling like this was casual.
"I don't want trouble," Elena said, keeping her voice steady.
"Relax," he replied. "I just wanted to see what's so special."
She didn't answer.
He stepped closer.
"You don't look like his type."
"And you don't know him," she shot back before she could stop herself.
He laughed. "Oh, I know him. And I know his weakness now."
The word made her stomach twist.
"I'm not his weakness."
"Sure," he said lightly. "That's why he nearly broke someone's jaw for you."
Her pulse started racing.
"Tell him to stay out of our territory," the guy continued. "Or next time, I won't just 'talk.'"
Fear crawled up her spine, but she refused to show it.
"You're threatening me?" she asked.
"I'm warning you."
Before she could respond—
A motorcycle engine roared nearby.
Both of them turned.
Raven.
He pulled off his helmet slowly, eyes dark and unreadable.
The rival smirked. "Speak of the devil."
Raven didn't look at Elena first.
He looked at him.
"What are you doing?" Raven's voice was calm — too calm.
"Just having a conversation."
"With her?"
"She's involved whether you like it or not."
In one swift movement, Raven stepped between them, placing himself slightly in front of Elena.
Protective. Instinctive.
"I told you," Raven said quietly. "Stay away from her."
The rival shrugged. "Then stay out of our business."
There was tension in the air — thick, dangerous.
Elena could feel Raven's anger, but he wasn't exploding. He was holding it in.
For her.
After a few seconds, the rival stepped back.
"Think about what I said," he muttered before walking away.
Silence followed.
Raven turned to Elena.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded. "I'm fine."
"What did he say?"
"That I'm your weakness."
Raven's jaw tightened.
"You're not," he said immediately.
"But they think I am."
He looked frustrated — not at her, but at the situation.
"I should've kept you out of this," he muttered.
"You can't control everything."
"I can try."
"That's the problem," she said softly.
He looked at her then. Really looked at her.
"I don't regret choosing you," she continued. "But don't shut me out to protect me."
"You think I can't handle this?" he asked.
"I think you're used to fighting alone."
That hit him.
He looked away for a second.
"You shouldn't have to deal with this," he said.
"Maybe," she replied. "But I'd rather face it knowing the truth than be pushed away without one."
The wind moved softly between them.
For the first time, Raven looked unsure.
Not scared.
Just unsure.
"I don't want them using you against me," he admitted quietly.
"Then don't let them," she said.
"It's not that simple."
"I know."
She stepped closer.
"But neither are we."
He stared at her like he was trying to memorize her face.
"You trust me?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Even knowing all this?"
"Yes."
That answer did something to him.
Slowly, he reached for her hand.
Not dramatic.
Not possessive.
Just… careful.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he said.
She squeezed his hand slightly.
"I know."
But deep down, both of them understood something neither wanted to say out loud—
The more they stood together,
the bigger the target on her back became.
And somewhere nearby—
Someone inside Raven's own circle was starting to question his loyalty.
To be continued…