Connection

Weeks passed, and Tyler was finally back at school.

Things had gotten better between him and Logan-closer, easier. They spent nearly every free moment together, and it wasn't long before the rest of the group noticed.

Tyler was noticeably happier. He walked with a lighter step, his usual cocky grin now something more genuine. And Logan? He was calmer, more comfortable. He didn't flinch when people approached him anymore, and when he smiled, it wasn't just a rare occurrence-it was natural.

Of course, not everyone was thrilled about their growing closeness. Barron still glared at them in the halls, whispering rumors that neither of them cared enough to acknowledge. Let him talk. It didn't matter.

During lunch, the group sat at their usual table, the conversation lively as Aiden suddenly leaned in, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

"You know, Logan and Tyler been hanging out a lot lately," he giggled, nudging Taylor.

Taylor snorted, nodding. "Oh, trust me, I know. Logan's always at our house. Or when he's not, Tyler's at his."

Aiden gasped dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "Scandalous."

Taylor smirked. "And when Logan is at our house, you wanna guess where he always is?"

Aiden grinned. "Hmm, let me guess. Tyler's room?"

"With the door locked and closed." Taylor nodded knowingly, then added, "And sometimes? There are muffled sounds coming out."

Aiden and Taylor both snickered, exchanging looks, while Ashlyn, who had been sipping her drink, suddenly stiffened.

"Wait." She lowered her bottle, blinking. "Locked?"

Taylor hummed in confirmation. "Yup."

Ashlyn narrowed her eyes. "And the muffled sounds?"

Aiden wiggled his eyebrows. "Oh, you know .. sounds."

Ashlyn's expression darkened instantly. "I don't like what you're implying."

Aiden, never one to miss an opportunity, grinned wider. "Oh, come on, Ash. You know Tyler. He's all over Logan when they're alone."

Ashlyn slammed her hands on the table. "EXCUSE ME?!"

Ben, who had been quietly writing in his notebook, silently giggled, his shoulders shaking.

Taylor smirked, deciding to make things worse. "And sometimes, when Logan finally comes out Tyler's room, his hair's all messy."

Ashlyn's nostrils flared. "Messy?"

Ben, still giggling, tapped his pen against his notebook, nodding.

Aiden grinned, looking far too pleased with himself. "Very messy."

Ashlyn gritted her teeth. "I swear to God, if Tyler is-"

Before she could finish, the conversation was cut short as Tyler and Logan finally returned to the cafeteria, walking toward their table.

Immediately, the group took one good look at Logan.

His blonde hair was an absolute mess-strands sticking up like fingers had definitely been running through it. His face was lightly flushed, his shirt collar slightly rumpled. He looked like he had just been through something.

Tyler, on the other hand, looked completely relaxed, smug even, like he had absolutely nothing to hide.

Aiden, Taylor, and Ben exchanged glances.

Ashlyn, still seething, immediately turned to them. "Where were you two?"

Logan tensed. "uh .. nowhere?"