And then, the most infuriating thing—
He smiled.
That slow, knowing, annoying little smile.
"It was already a mess," he said casually, tilting his head just enough to make it worse.
"You just didn't want to admit it."
I snapped my glare at him.
"Are you seriously—"
"Riyee." His voice lowered, cutting through my panic.
I froze.
That tone again.
Calm. Sharp. Impossible to ignore.
He took a step closer—slow, deliberate—until he was right in front of me.
Too close.
I hated that I didn't step back.
"I'm not here to lecture you," he said, eyes locked on mine.
Then, softer—but heavier somehow—
"But you need to stop pretending you can keep outrunning this."
I swallowed hard.
He wasn't just talking about today. He was talking about everything.
Before I could stop myself, I let the words slip out.
"...They're going to come after me for this."
It wasn't even a question.
I already knew.
Faculty. The student council. The entire school forum.
Everyone who just saw my entire past broadcasted like some twisted season finale.
KD's gaze didn't waver.
"I'll handle it."
I blinked.
"You'll—wait, what?"
His lips tugged upward, just enough to look cocky again.
"Damage control," he said smoothly. "My specialty."
I let out a disbelieving breath, half a scoff, half a laugh.
"You can't just erase a scandal with that stupid president face of yours."
His grin widened—dangerously amused.
"Watch me."
God, I hated him.
But even I couldn't stop the small, shaky laugh that escaped me.
It was pathetic.
Everything was still burning around me.
But somehow—
Somehow, standing here with him felt less terrifying.
He didn't move away. He stayed right there, steady as ever, letting me breathe again without rushing me. And in the quiet, with only the faint sound of leaves rustling, he added—low, almost too soft to catch—
"No one touches you without going through me first."
I froze.
My heart thudded hard against my ribs.
Before I could even process it, KD straightened—mask slipping back on, like the moment never happened.
"I'll handle the directors. Saichel too," he said, back to businesslike calm.
YOU ARE READING
STRINGS BETWEEN US
Teen Fiction"A slow-burn teen romance threaded with secrets, rivalries, and a dangerous past neither of them remembers-until it comes for them." ✧ STRINGS BETWEEN US ✧ She left her crown behind. He ruled with silence. But some strings pull-no matter how far you...
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: OF DAMAGE CONTROL, UNINVITED HISTORY, AND A PRESIDENT WHO
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