Chapter Eight: Breaking Down Walls

Leo didn't expect to see Adrian waiting for him at his locker the next morning. He'd grown used to their fake relationship being more of a performance—hand-holding in the hallways, sarcastic banter, the occasional smug grin directed at Kai. But Adrian being there before school started? That was new.

"Do you have a GPS tracker on me or something?" Leo asked as he approached, balancing his camera bag on one shoulder.

Adrian leaned against the locker, his usual smirk firmly in place. "Don't flatter yourself, new kid. I was bored."

Leo rolled his eyes, opening his locker. "Right. Because loitering near my locker is the cure for boredom."

Adrian didn't respond right away, and when Leo glanced at him, he found Adrian looking oddly serious.

"What?" Leo asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Nothing," Adrian said quickly, the smirk returning. "Just wondering if you've finally decided to embrace the fact that I'm the best fake boyfriend you'll ever have."

Leo groaned. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, here we are," Adrian shot back, falling into step beside him as Leo headed toward his first class.

It was only when they were halfway down the hall that Leo realized how natural it felt to have Adrian walking beside him.

The day passed in a blur of classes and whispered gossip. Leo had grown used to the stares and murmurs by now—being Adrian Kane's "boyfriend" came with its fair share of attention. But today felt different.

By lunchtime, Leo was ready to find a quiet corner and eat in peace, but Adrian had other plans.

"You're sitting with me," Adrian announced, grabbing Leo's arm and steering him toward the far end of the cafeteria.

"Isn't this where you usually sit alone and brood?" Leo asked, glancing at the table, which was empty save for Adrian's bag.

"Not today," Adrian said, pulling out a chair.

Leo hesitated before sitting down. "Why the sudden interest in my company?"

Adrian shrugged, opening a container of fruit. "Call it a change of pace."

Leo eyed him suspiciously but didn't press further. He unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite, the silence between them oddly comfortable.

"Do you always keep people at arm's length?" Leo asked suddenly, surprising even himself.

Adrian froze mid-bite, his green eyes narrowing slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean… you don't really let anyone in, do you?" Leo said, shifting uncomfortably under Adrian's gaze. "You're always joking or brushing things off, but I don't think anyone really knows you."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "What makes you think you know me any better?"

"I don't," Leo admitted. "But I'd like to."

Adrian's expression faltered for a moment, the walls he'd carefully constructed around himself cracking just enough for Leo to catch a glimpse of something raw underneath.

"You're bold, I'll give you that," Adrian said finally, his voice quieter than usual.

"I'm serious," Leo said, leaning forward. "I feel like there's more to you than what you let people see. Why do you hide it?"

Adrian looked away, his jaw tightening. For a moment, Leo thought he wouldn't answer.

"Because it's easier," Adrian said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "People can't hurt you if you don't let them in."

The honesty in his words caught Leo off guard, and he didn't know how to respond.

Adrian gave a short laugh, shaking his head. "Wow, look at me, getting all emotional. This is your fault, you know."

Leo managed a small smile. "I'll take the blame if it means you're being honest with me."

Adrian rolled his eyes but didn't argue.

After lunch, they parted ways for class, but Adrian's words lingered in Leo's mind. He'd never seen that side of Adrian before—vulnerable, almost fragile—and it made him wonder how much pain Adrian kept hidden behind his confident facade.

Later that evening, Leo found himself pacing his room, replaying their conversation over and over. He didn't know why it bothered him so much, but something about Adrian's guarded nature struck a chord with him.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Leo grabbed his phone and sent Adrian a text:

Leo: Thanks for being honest today. I get it now, I think.

A few minutes later, his phone buzzed with a reply.

Adrian: Don't get used to it. Being vulnerable isn't really my thing.

Leo smiled, shaking his head.

Leo: Maybe it should be. You might feel better if you let people in once in a while.

The typing indicator blinked on and off for several seconds before Adrian's reply came through.

Adrian: Careful, new kid. Keep this up and I might actually start liking you.

Leo stared at the message, his heart skipping a beat. He knew Adrian was joking—or at least half-joking—but a part of him couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth behind the words.

He set his phone down with a sigh, flopping onto his bed.

Adrian Kane was a mystery, and Leo wasn't sure if he was ready to solve it. But one thing was certain: breaking down Adrian's walls would be far more complicated—and far more rewarding—than Leo had ever anticipated.