Ayla

I slammed the girls' bathroom door so hard it echoed across the tiled walls. Two girls at the mirror scattered instantly, as if even my anger could burn. I marched into the last stall, dropped onto the seat, and buried my face in my hands.

Why did Rhett always have to ruin everything?

Today was supposed to be simple. First day of the new semester, new faces, new energy. But no-Rhett had barged into my space, hovering like a shadow I could never escape. Always protective. damn controlling. He 's always too much.

I groaned, pressing my palms into my eyes. But no matter how hard I tried to push it away, River's gaze lingered. That steady, unreadable gray stare. It had warmed me and unsettled me all at once, like he could see deeper than I wanted anyone to.

I didn't even know him. But it didn't feel like meeting a stranger. It felt like remembering someone I'd lost.

"This is insane," I whispered. "Why do I even care?"

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Five missed calls from Rhett. My chest tightened, but I hit the lock screen and shoved it back. If I kept answering him, I'd lose myself completely.

I reached for toilet paper. Empty roll. Of course. Damn it.

"Unbelievable." I tilted my head back and laughed bitterly. The universe really was mocking me.

I texted Yuna: West bathroom. Out of tissue. Help.

Less than ten seconds later she texted back: On my way.

That's Yuna for me-like she's got 5G wired straight into her brain. My best friend's basically Pietro Maximoff, only calmer.

If Rhett was a chain, Yuna was the bolt cutter. She was never hesitated.

She slipped a packet of tissues under the door a minute later. "If you're gonna cry, at least don't do it somewhere that smells like expired disinfectant."

I opened the stall, snatched it, and muttered, "I wasn't crying. Maybe a little."

"Rhett again?" she asked, eyes narrowing.

I nodded. "He humiliated me. In front of someone new. And the worst part... I can't stop thinking about him."

Yuna arched her brow. "Different? You mean that guy? River?"

I froze, surprised 'Wait... you know him?'

"Please. Everyone knows him. He's that quiet, mysterious type, and half the girls on campus have been whispering about him all morning...and apparently, we're doing it too."

I chewed on my lip. So it wasn't just me. But what I felt for him... it wasn't normal attraction. It was deeper, almost like an invisible string tugging me closer to him."

By the time we reached the cafeteria, I knew exactly where to look. River was by the window, laughing softly with friends. The sunlight hit his face, making his storm-gray eyes shine like polished steel.

And then he looked up.

Our eyes collided, and the air shifted. My chest fluttered, a smile threatening at the edges of my lips-until River dropped his gaze, breaking the connection.

The rejection stung sharper than it should have.

"He's avoiding me," I whispered.

"Or he's avoiding Rhett," Yuna said. "And honestly? That's smart."

I barely had time to reply before Rhett stormed in, flanked by Reese and Reid like they were his personal bodyguards. He dropped into the seat beside me, his expression thunderous.

"You didn't answer my calls," he said coldly.

"I was eating," I replied, forcing my tone flat.

His gaze slid straight to River. My pulse spiked, already knowing what was coming.

"Stay away from him, Ayla. I don't like the way he looks at you."

The clatter of my spoon against the tray echoed through the room. "For God's sake, can you stop controlling me? He's not your problem!"

"He is. I promised your father-"

"There it is again," I snapped, rising to my feet. "Your promise. Do you even realize what it feels like? It's not protection, Rhett. It's a cage."

Silence rippled around the cafeteria as I pushed back from the table. "I'm not your bird in a gilded cage. If you really want to protect me, then let me breathe."

I stormed out, and Yuna hurried to keep up.

"Where are we going?"

"Out. I need a drink."

Her brows shot up. "You mean, like... a bar? Ayla, Rhett will lose it-"

"Let him lose it. I've already lost enough."

**

The club pulsed with neon light and heavy bass that rattled my chest. I downed one shot. Then another. Then another. My head spun deliciously.

"Ayla, stop!" Yuna tried to snatch the glass.

I laughed, my voice slurred. "Relax. I'm fine."

That was when I saw him.

River stood in the shadows, dressed in a simple black hoodie, but his eyes-those stormy gray eyes-were fixed on me.

I smiled stupidly, my steps unsteady as I whispered, "River... it's you, isn't it?"

He didn't answer.

I couldn't tell who moved first, but in the next breath, the distance between us disappeared. Our lips met-what should've been a conscious kiss twisted into something reckless, wild, tangled between the haze of alcohol and a desire I couldn't control. All I knew was that River kissed me back.

Then he broke away, breath shaky, eyes trembling as they searched mine. "Ayla... you're drunk. You need to go home."

I shook my head stubbornly, throwing my arms around him. "I don't want to go home. Home isn't a home-it's just a cage." My laugh came out broken, almost bitter.

I slid lower against him, pressed into his warmth, breathing in that intoxicating scent. God, he smelled so good-clean, warm, addictive. I wanted to stay there forever.

After that, everything turned into a blur-lights, sounds, even the lingering taste on my lips. The world spun, and all I could feel was the steady strength of River carrying me through the crowd.

The rest was a blur. And then darkness.

**

My hand curled around something warm and comforting. At the same time, I heard a voice. Soft-like I'd heard it before.

"Let me help you."

"Where am I?" I pressed my hand to my temple, trying to make sense of my surroundings.

"My apartment," the voice replied.

I hiccupped loudly before I managed to ask again, "Is that you, River?"

"Mhm..."

I tried to stand, but my legs gave out and I collapsed back onto the soft surface beneath me.

"I think I'm gonna..."

The chill in the air made the nausea in my stomach even worse. Something was pushing up my throat, demanding to come out.

I threw up, and after that everything went hazy again. The only person I could think of was him.

His silhouette moved too fast for my half-open eyes to follow. Then I felt fresh clothes against my skin, soft and clean.

"Does this feel better?"

I nodded clumsily. "Yeah... like you. You smell so good. I like it."

"Thanks. Now you need to rest, okay?" River laid me back down on the bed.

But I didn't want to let him go. My hand reached for his, holding on.

"Please don't leave. Stay with me, River."

I felt the warmth of his body close to mine. I'd been craving this tenderness for so long, and River was finally giving it to me.

If this was real, I never wanted to let it go.

River

"Drink this. You just threw up." I held out a glass of water I'd grabbed from the nightstand.

Ayla took it, sipped once, then handed it back with an unsteady hand. She was completely out of control when drunk, and honestly, I was lucky she hadn't ended up with some guy who would've taken advantage of her.

What I didn't expect was her hand tugging me closer-so close our faces were barely an inch apart. Her heavy-lidded eyes dropped from my face down to my neck.

My eyes widened when her lips brushed against my Adam's Apple.

God. This was the last thing I saw coming. My brain went haywire, my throat going dry as saliva slid down automatically.

I couldn't let myself lose it. But the fire in me burned hotter, twisting my thoughts. A low sound escaped my throat as her hand slid across my chest. Then lower, to my waist.

This can't happen, River.

"Ayla, stop... you're still drunk." I pulled her hand away.

"You don't want me, River?" she whispered.

My sanity snapped back. I cupped her face gently, forcing her eyes open just a little wider.

"Not now. Not like this."

"Coward!" she shoved me, frustration lacing her slurred voice.

That was better than me giving in to a desire that had no business surfacing tonight.

"Say that again when you're sober, Hope."

I left her in my room, making it through the storm of temptation by taking a long hot shower and crashing on the couch in the living room.

**

By the time Ayla came out the next morning, I was setting up the space heater. The autumn air bit sharply even with the sun climbing higher.

I'd been up since six, cleaning up the studio rental to make it feel a little more comfortable for her. The things I'd asked Travis for were already on the table-painkillers for the hangover, bagels, and warm buttered toast. The size 4 dress she'd brought with her was neatly folded over a chair.

"Good morning... River," she said quietly.

"Morning. Since you're fully awake now, let's eat." I turned to face her.

Her expression shifted instantly-panic flashing across her face as her eyes darted around, noticing the clothes she wore weren't hers. Her cheeks flushed red, and she ducked her head. I walked over slowly, handing her a glass of water laced with Aerex.

"Take this after you eat. Hangover meds."

She took it carefully. "Who... changed my clothes?"

"I did," I admitted without hesitation. "You were half-conscious and your clothes were ruined from throwing up. Luckily, it didn't get on the bed."

She stayed quiet, eyes downcast, embarrassed. I didn't want to push it, so I left her alone long enough to shower.

By the time I came out in a plain T-shirt and sweats, my phone was full of notifications from Travis. One stood out-the results of his background check on Ayla Monroe.

Or Hope Marsh.

My childhood friend. The girl who once saved me when I was just a scared kid with a heavy Japanese accent. I'd spent the last two years searching for her, and finally, here she was-on this very campus.

At first, I wasn't sure it was her. But the surgical scar on her stomach had confirmed it. I remembered the day clearly: her appendix had burst in elementary school, and she'd written me a letter before going into surgery.

We'd been inseparable back then. She was the one who made me braver after that incident on the bridge, the one who became my first love. All I wanted now was to prove to her that I wasn't the same timid boy anymore.

"River?"

I turned quickly. She stood at the doorway, drowning in my oversized shirt and rolled-up sweatpants. Strange, but kind of cute.

"What is it?"

"Did I... do anything embarrassing last night?"

I knew this question would come. And if she ever found out she'd almost broken my self-control, her guilt would swallow her whole.

So I lied. "No. You were fine."

"Do you have my phone?" She glanced around, clearly anxious.

"It got crushed under a car tire when we caught the Uber."

I showed her the plastic bag with the nearly destroyed phone inside. Her face paled, panic written all over it. I handed her mine. "Use this if you need to."

She grabbed it and immediately called someone-Yuna, her best friend.

"Yeah... I'm safe. I'm at a friend's place. I'll explain later. Can you pick me up? I'll send the location."

When she hung up, her eyes found mine again.

"I... I don't remember much about last night. Can you tell me what happened at the club?"

I kept my tone steady, calm. "I was there too. You came in with your friend, looking tense, like you'd just fought with someone. You sat at the bar and started drinking. A lot. I saw you from across the room, and before long, you passed out. I carried you out before anyone else could try anything."

I didn't mention the kiss. That was something she didn't need to know-not yet. When the right time came, I wanted her to remember it on her own.

She studied me, doubt flickering in her gaze. "So... you just happened to be there?"

"Yeah. My idiot friend had the keys to this apartment. I went to meet him." No way was I telling her I'd followed her there. Not yet.

She fell silent, her eyes drifting to the breakfast spread. "Thank you, River. You didn't have to do all this."

I sat across from her. "Why'd you drink that much?"

Ayla sighed. "My cousin, Rhett. He's... overprotective. Way too much. He told me I wasn't allowed to be near you. Not even as a friend. I got frustrated. So I drank."

The name hit me. Rhett. Travis had already mentioned him during the research. We'd met yesterday and clashed immediately. Dominant, controlling-that was him.

"I feel weird," she admitted. "But when I talk to you... I don't know. I feel comfortable. Like I've known you before."

Her words stopped my heart for a beat. If only she knew how much I remembered-every second we'd shared. Why was it only me who remembered?

I forced a smile. "Maybe we have met before."

She gave a small nod, nibbling at her toast. "I've never been drunk before."

"And don't do it again," I said too quickly. Way too quickly.

Her wide eyes lifted to mine. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I cleared my throat. "I mean... you're not the type who needs alcohol to run from your problems. There are other ways."

Her gaze lingered on me before a small smile curved her lips. "Alright, Mr. Wise Guy."

Before I could reply, the doorbell rang. Ayla jumped to her feet, panic written all over her face. "That's Yuna."

I grabbed the fresh clothes Travis had bought and handed them to her. "Here. So you'll feel more comfortable going home."

She took them, her voice soft. "Thanks. Again."

At the door, she paused, turning back.

"River... I'm glad you were there last night. I don't know what would've happened if it wasn't you."

"I'll always be there if you need me," I answered without hesitation.

She smiled faintly and left.

The door clicked shut, but her scent still lingered. I sat back down, pulling up the digital file Travis had sent. The records of Hope Freissy Marsh. Birth date. Medical history. And one detail that stood out-

2015: Mild head trauma. Possible effect: long-term memory loss.

So that was it. She really had forgotten me.

My phone buzzed-Dad calling. He'd want me at Thanksgiving again. Half-Japanese or not, he never let go of Mom's traditions.

"I'll be there, Dad. Don't worry," I said quickly before he could start.

I hung up, only to hear a knock on the door. Travis.

"Everything's handled, River," he said, walking in. "How long do you want this place rented?"

"One year. We're staying."

His brows rose. "So... she really is Ayla Monroe. Hope Marsh?"

I stared at the door she'd just walked through. Memories of our childhood, her handwritten letters, and old scars twisted in my chest.

"She's the girl you've been searching for, isn't she? The one you... love?"

I didn't answer. I didn't need to. The truth was written all over me.

Ayla

"Did you guys sleep together?"

That was Yuna's tenth question since we left River's apartment. Honestly, I wanted the elevator floor to open up and swallow me whole. I gave short answers, but she kept firing off questions like some snack-carrying detective with a messy bun. It felt more like a police interrogation than a heart-to-heart.

Truth is, I barely remembered last night-except puking in front of River. Even the part where I ended up in his bed? Total blur. All I knew for sure was that I was mortified. Like, peak embarrassment.

"I don't think so," I mumbled, glancing down to make sure I still had all my clothes on.

Yuna narrowed her eyes like a suspicious cop, then let out a dramatic sigh. Weirdly enough, she smiled. Which definitely wasn't a normal best friend reaction. It felt like... satisfaction?

When we got to Yuna's quiet house, I was desperate for clarity. River's version of the story this morning didn't help-if anything, it made things more awkward.

"So? Spill. What happened?" I asked, sliding open her bedroom door.

"Sit first. I'll grab snacks," she replied casually, tossing me a pair of house slippers.

"Where's everyone else?"

"My mom's driving my little sister somewhere. My brother's at an interview at the gallery."

A few minutes later, she came back with a tray of rice cakes and two cold drinks, fresh off a call from her mom. I sat cross-legged on the rug, trying to keep myself from overthinking everything-especially River... or Rhett.

If my phone weren't dead, Rhett would've blown it up with messages by now. But today, I didn't want to be reachable. I needed to prove that I could survive without him hovering like a mother hen.

"You wanna know what I think about River?" Yuna asked as she popped a rice cake in her mouth.

I raised a brow. "Is he the type to be cautious of? Or the kind who loves a challenge?"

She shrugged. "From what you told me... he seems decent. But..." She stared at the ceiling like she needed a second to gather courage.

"But what?"

"You... kissed him, Ayla."

I choked on the rice cake mid-bite, coughing hard as I tried to swallow and process what she had just said.

"W-what?!"

"Yeah. I saw it last night, but from the way you talked and how he looked? You kissed him first. And you know what guys can get when a girl makes the first move... but then nothing else happens."

My heart was pounding. I had never kissed anyone before. Not even in high school-I was too busy just surviving and Rhett was always too possessive to let anyone near me.

Strangely, I didn't feel guilty. Not like I did when I puked on River's bed. If anything... I felt kinda happy. But I quickly hid my dumb smile by pretending to chew.

"Do I look like a slut?" I asked.

"Nope," Yuna giggled. "Honestly, you looked pretty composed for someone who woke up in a hot guy's bed."

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, cutting the moment short.

Yuna stood up and looked toward the stairs. "Wait here."

"No, I'm coming too."

We went down together, and when she opened the door...

"Rhett," I whispered.

He stood there with my two cousins-Reese and Reid. All three of them looked tense, but only Rhett stepped inside right away.

"You okay? Your phone's dead and I knew it-" he paused, eyeing Yuna coldly.

"I'm fine," I said, but he turned to me and grabbed my arm.

"Let's go home."

"Rhett, I'm fine. You don't have to-"

"You were drunk, Ayla. I had no idea where you were last night. I... I was worried." His voice was softer than usual, and weirdly gentle.

I didn't argue. Maybe I had gone too far. But still... something about him felt off. He wasn't yelling. He wasn't dragging me to his car like a maniac. He was just... calm. And somehow, that made me follow without a fight.

Once we got home, he treated me like I was fresh out of the ER.

"Drink more water. Eat something. And seriously, no more passing out drunk, okay?" he said, giving me the same look a parent gives their kid caught playing in the rain.

"Okay..." I mumbled, too drained to start a fight.

*

The next day, campus was a mess.

I'd just stepped out of the car when a crowd of students sprinted toward the south building by the man-made lake. There was shouting, chaos, people whispering about a fight.

Curious, I hurried after them-heading straight to the gym, where the yelling was loudest.

"A business major hit an architecture student!"

"One of them's tall with long black hair! The other one's blond and cold as ice-"

"It's Rhett and River."

My heart dropped.

Now I knew why Rhett left so early this morning. I pushed through the crowd until I could see clearly-and froze.

River was standing there, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, but he wasn't fighting back. Rhett, on the other hand, looked like a damn furnace-face flushed red with rage, fists clenched, ready to strike again.

"Rhett, STOP!" I yelled, rushing toward them.

He looked over, giving me a chance to step between them. My chest was heaving, both from running and from sheer panic.

"He didn't do anything to me! Stop it!"

River exhaled slowly. "I never meant to hurt Ayla."

I turned to him, and for a moment, his bruised face didn't even register. His eyes... they looked more wounded than anything else. But he still held my gaze-calm. No anger or blame.

Rhett stared at me like I'd stabbed him in the back. "He touched you, Ayla. He took you away-"

"That's enough!"

I met his eyes, firm. "This isn't your business."

The gym went dead silent.

Then, River spoke again. "Actually..." his voice was low, heavy.

I turned toward him. "Don't you think it's weird?" he asked.

I blinked, confused.

"He's your cousin, right?" River gave a dry, almost sad smile. "The way he acts around you... it's more than just being protective."

"Shut your damn mouth!"

Rhett lunged again, but I blocked him. "Please, stop. I'll go with you. Just don't fight. Not because of me."

Suddenly, it felt like someone slammed a brick into my skull. The pain was searing, crawling through my head like wildfire. Flashes-blurry, broken-started pouring in.

A voice. Screaming my name.

And then-everything went black.