Chapter Text
The path through the forest was damp with last night’s rain, the earth soft under their boots. Rhydian walked a few steps ahead, his pace restless, as if he couldn’t stay still for too long. Maddy followed, her eyes fixed on his back, the rise and fall of his shoulders, the way he never quite looked over his shoulder but always knew she was there.
When he drifted too far, she reached out and tugged at his sleeve. It wasn’t hard, just a small pull to bring him closer. He stopped and turned, eyebrows raised in silent question.
“Your collar was crooked,” she said quickly, fingers brushing the fabric of his jacket. She smoothed it down, though it hadn’t been crooked at all. Her excuse was flimsy, transparent.
Rhydian tilted his head, studying her. “Really?”
“Yes.” Her tone was clipped, defensive, but the corners of her lips twitched.
He almost smiled. Almost. But instead, he let her fuss with his jacket a moment longer before stepping back. “Thanks,” he muttered, his voice low, not mocking.
They started walking again. The forest pressed close around them, heavy with pine and soil, and Maddy found herself staring at the sleeve she’d just tugged. It was such a small thing, a ridiculous thing—but her chest buzzed with a strange warmth.
And Rhydian? He didn’t call her out on the lie. He let it stand, as if he preferred it that way.