I had been surprised when Lyn had accepted my offer of a tentative friendship, but I wasn’t sure what to expect of it. What with the rumors now spreading not only about Lyn, but me as well, I would have thought Lyn would steer clear of any additional drama… Somehow, though practically everyone in school thought that I was just as dangerous as Lyn, we’d seen each other almost every day outside of class. 

For lunch, on breaks, after classes, Lyn and I spent any sunny day in the forest; rain meant we were at his mother’s shop or had snuck up into my dorm. Though others in town seemed to view the bruise on my face as a mark of a curse, I couldn’t have been more grateful. Slowly over the weeks, I couldn’t help but notice how Lyn opened up to me more and more, a comfortability growing between us.

And on my part, perhaps something more.

Sitting in the lush greenery of the forest, watching the sunlight stream through in rays and catch in Lyn’s raven black hair… he was mesmerizing and completely oblivious of my gaze. The white sleeves of his buttoned-down shirt were rolled up past his slender elbows as he examined specimens he’d put into jars, consulting thick old tomes. There was no denying he was handsome, and after spending the few weeks in his company, I couldn’t help but notice it every time I looked at him… even thought of him.

He didn’t look up at me as he said, “Are you staring? I feel like you’re staring.”

I grinned, taking a moment before I returned to the book I was pretending to read, completely and contently captivated by watching Lyn. “Me? No. I’m reading.You need to work on your observation skills.” I peered up at him, seeing him smirk at my sarcasm, the hint of a blush on his pale face. 

It was funny how I’d come to this school hoping for a quiet start over in life, free from scrutiny or rumors, drama, but somehow I’d inserted myself into the thick of scandal. I couldn’t tell if I was addicted to the thrill or just… I swallowed, letting out a sigh as I stared at Lyn’s sparkling sunlit eyes. ‘Just you,’ I thought to myself. If Lyn was guilty of anything, it was so easily enchanting me.

“You haven’t turned a page in ten minutes,” Lyn said as he glanced up, an easy smile on his face- something which I wouldn’t have imagined possible when I first met him. He was a far cry from the dark, mysterious stranger in a bar as he twisted a jar open, tendrils of hair escaping the loose knot he’d hastily tied his hair up in as he bowed his head. He hummed a satisfied sound and double checked his books before he started to mix ingredients. “Did you want to help? Or is there something on your mind that has your head in the clouds?” 

I closed the book, biting my lower lip as I debated on whether I should tease him or just be honest. I raised a brow, leaning back as I gave him a smug smile. “Well, what do you think I’m so busy with? Can’t you read my mind or something?” I tried to suppress my laugh and keep a straight face. 

“It would save me a lot of trouble,” Lyn scoffed, shaking his head. “If I didn’t know better, I’d suspect I charmed you- but I don’t think I’m that good yet.” 

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” I answered, waiting to see if anything I said would grab Lyn’s attention for more than a few seconds; I loved watching him work so intently. “Charmed would definitely be one way to put it.” 

Lyn fumbled, a darker blush crossing his face as he caught a jar he’d almost knocked over. “You must have been wondering how to make me waste ingredients,” he sniffed, carefully setting the jar back in its place before he sighed and looked my way. “What do you really want? If you’re tired, we can head home.” 

I was unable to help myself as I said, rather flirtatiously, “My place or yours?” 

Lyn pulled in a breath sharply; it came out as a nervous laugh as he refused to look at me. “Are you feeling neglected? There are better ways to catch my attention than teasing about… things like that,” he muttered the words as he focused on his books again; it felt pointed, this time, as he ignored me to begin collecting his things, clearly intent on returning home. 

I felt my pulse jump, realizing I had hit a nerve. I placed the book gently to my side, standing up and brushing off my trousers. I walked over to Lyn, my face now mirroring his embarrassment. Though I had felt this way for weeks, I hadn’t really planned on seriously saying anything. ‘Wouldn’t hurt to be upfront about at least one thing,’ I thought to myself. 

“Lyn,” I said quietly, gently grabbing his rolled up sleeve between my thumb and forefinger; it was as if I was somehow hopeful this small gesture would keep him from leaving. 

His gaze flickered to me for a moment before he shook his head firmly. “I think we should call it a day, Ethan.” Lyn shut his book with a sharp snap, his face still red as he swept jars into his bag.

As he shrugged me off and went to walk past me I caught his hand, my throat tight. “No, wait, hang on a second.” My sudden, desperate plea made him stop, though he still refused to look at me. “I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression,” I muttered, my chest tight as I swallowed hard. Though I knew I should let go of his hand, it was like a magnet holding me in place, my fingers laced together so easily with his. “I was trying to give you the right one.” 

Lyn stared down at our hands, his mouth pressed into a thin line. When he finally dragged his gaze up to my face he looked conflicted. “What impression?” 

I clenched his hand, my whole body pained as I realized what I was saying before I had time to process it. "I… I like you." I sighed, looking at my feet… Lyn's grass-stained shoes. "I know you don't trust anyone. I know that… But I can't stop thinking about you. I really do… like you."

“You…” Lyn stumbled over the words, and seemed speechless for a moment as he gazed up at me. “I’m older than you, Ethan- by five years. And I’m an assistant professor for one of your classes.”

“I know that,” I replied, amusement in my voice as I looked down at his shocked expression. “If I’m being honest, I find it attractive.” 

A deep flush colored Lyn’s face, even the tips of his ears pink as he nervously cleared his throat. He wet his lips, seeming to struggle for a moment before finding his voice again. “You’ve been a good friend, and you’re the only person who accepts me for who I am. If you really do like me… then I can try to trust you.” 

I smirked, shaking my head. "You'll try to trust me?" I gazed at his dark eyes. "Or do you mean you'll try to like me back? Because I don't want to take you out to dinner if you're just going to make me your guinea pig." I couldn't keep myself from grinning at him. 

“That smile is not helping,” Lyn sighed, but his closed expression had given way to a tentative smile. “I guess you’re the one charming me, now, and I don’t think I’ll have to try too hard to fall for that. We can start with dinner, and… figure it out from there.” 

I brushed back my hair, laughing giddily. "So should I pick you up later? 7? 8?" I took his other hand in mine, taking a step closer so we were almost chest to chest. "Somehow I suddenly forget your schedule." 

“7 is perfect,” Lyn replied, a slight tremor to his voice as his hands squeezed mine. “Assuming you’ve bought an extra helmet.” 

I winked, my eyebrows peaking momentarily. "Well, you'll have to wait and see."

~~~

I could feel people staring at me in the school parking lot. I was leaning against my motorbike, helmet tucked under my arm. I was nervous; there would be no denying it and Lyn would see right through me anyway. Instead of keeping eye contact, I avoided people’s gazes as I glanced down to the rear of the seat where I had secured a newly-bought second helmet. 

I placed my hand on it, my heart skipping a beat as I thought of Lyn. 

Swallowing hard, I thought back to when I had first come to the school. A fresh start was what I had wanted–to not get attached to anyone again. But Lyn was magnetic, and interesting, and whether the magic was real or it was just a want to be wrapped up in something otherworldly, Lyn was magical to me. 

Tying my thick hair back into a low bun, I flinched, seeing Lyn suddenly walking towards me. I stood, grinning as I picked up the second helmet. “Hey you,” I said, biting my lower lip as I looked him over. “You’re late.” 

“Sorry, I had to finish some paperwork,” he sounded breathless, his hair windswept; he must have hurried. Lyn gave me a hesitant smile, looking as nervous as I had felt. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” He glanced around me to my bike, then to the helmet in my hands, sighing softly with relief. “Looks like you got another helmet. That’s… good. No excuses now,” he said with a slight laugh. 

Handing it to him I felt my fingers brush his, my stomach turning over. “Hey,” I whispered, shuffling my feet, “are you okay? You’d tell me if you… changed your mind, right?” The sudden fear that maybe I had gotten too far ahead of myself rattled me, my face falling. 

“I’m fine, I promise,” he said quickly, gripping the helmet tightly. “I’m sorry if I worried you, it’s just… getting on that thing will be my first exercise in trust. I have no doubts about you, Ethan,” Lyn gave me a bright smile before fitting the helmet on, grumbling about the chin strap. 

I smirked, reaching out to help him adjust and secure it as I said quietly, “So if it’s not me, it’s my polluting death machine?” I caught his gaze hoping he could hear the joke in my voice. 

“It’s more than a little intimidating– but I have faith you won’t crash us,” Lyn said, his eyes lighter and less worried. “Just forgive me if I crush the air out of you if I get nervous.” 

Swinging my leg over and putting on my own helmet, I held out my hand to him. We had gathered a bit of a distant audience, similar peers to my now infamous fist fight with Oliver; I recognized the girl that had glared at me after the fight had ended. I ignored them, pulling Lyn closer as I raised my visor to say, “Crush away. Just remember, you’re going to be my parcel; when I lean, you lean. No resistance. Think you can do that?” 

Lyn nodded. “I can do anything that will keep us upright,” he said, taking my hand so I could help him settle onto the bike behind me. I guided him to put his arms around me, hands high enough so that I could operate the bike correctly- and could already feel his hold a little too tight. He tipped his head forward so his helmet was against my back, and I felt his breath shudder out of him. “I’ll try not to fall off.” 

A small sigh of contentment left me as I squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” I kicked up the bike-rest and revved the engine. “And just to give you some reassurance, my bike is electric.” I pulled out of my parking spot, feeling Lyn grip my jacket and hold onto me. Questioning if he could feel my pounding heart, I rode off, wondering if tonight would be everything I hoped.