Chapter 2

Honestly, I never expected to run into Ryan at the movie theater.

When Tyler suggested the 8 PM showing, I practically agreed immediately. 'Yesterday's like from Ryan definitely wasn't a coincidence,' I thought smugly. 'Looks like men really do need a little push before they make their move.'

"What genre do you want to watch?" Tyler turned around at the ticket machine, those gentle brown eyes filled with anticipation.

I deliberately picked a horror movie. "How about this one? I want to challenge myself."

'If Ryan's really going to start pursuing me, I need to seem more mature,' I calculated silently. 'Can't act like a little girl anymore.'

Tyler hesitated for a moment but still nodded. "Sure, I'd like to... challenge myself too."

I completely missed the uncertainty in his voice. My mind was entirely occupied with imagining Ryan's reaction to today's outfit—I'd specifically chosen a black V-neck dress, perfect for this dark atmosphere.

The movie theater was just dark enough. Tyler and I found our seats and settled in. As soon as the trailers ended, the horror movie's ominous music began.

"Emma..." Tyler's voice sounded nervous.

"What's wrong?" I turned to look at him and noticed his hands were already gripping the armrests tightly.

A bloody ghost face suddenly jumped out on screen, accompanied by a piercing scream. Tyler practically bounced out of his seat, and then... then he actually shrank toward me.

"Shit... sorry, I didn't think it would be this scary." He whispered, almost pressing against my shoulder.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This guy usually seemed pretty tough, but turns out he's terrified of horror movies. 'Whatever, it's actually kind of cute,' I thought, instinctively wanting to take care of him.

"It's okay, just special effects." I softly comforted him, reaching out to pat his arm.

Tyler looked at me gratefully, his face looking particularly gentle in the screen's glow. "You're really brave."

The atmosphere suddenly became intimate. The horror movie seemed to fade into background noise, Tyler's breathing right by my ear, his hand slowly covering mine.

"Emma..." He whispered my name, slowly leaning closer.

My heartbeat suddenly quickened. 'Is this really happening?' I thought, closing my eyes. Tyler's lips were only inches away, I could even feel his body heat...

"Just sit properly and watch the movie."

An ice-cold voice came from behind us, like a bucket of cold water instantly extinguishing all the romantic tension.

I froze completely, reflexively sitting up straight. 'No way... this can't be such a coincidence...'

Slowly turning around, I saw Ryan's face, dark as the bottom of a pot. He was sitting in the row behind us, with Sophie beside him, looking at us with sympathetic eyes.

"Wow!" Tyler suddenly exclaimed excitedly, completely missing the tense atmosphere. "You're Ryan Walsh!"

Ryan's eyebrow lifted slightly. "You know me?"

"Of course! You're a legend in our architecture department!" Tyler's eyes lit up like stars. "I'm environmental engineering, but I've always admired your work! That award-winning green building project of yours was absolutely amazing!"

I wanted to die. Tyler was actually starstruck right now? And of all people, it had to be Ryan?

"Is that so?" Ryan's voice sounded calm, but I could feel the chill in his tone. "I'm honored."

"Could... could I get a photo with you?" Tyler's voice was trembling with excitement.

Other moviegoers around us started making annoyed "shush" sounds, but Tyler was completely lost in his excitement at meeting his idol.

Ryan smiled without warmth and nodded. "Of course. Just have Emma send you my contact information later."

'Have me send it?' My eyes widened. What kind of move was this?

"That's awesome! Emma, you actually know Ryan!" Tyler turned to grab my hand, his eyes full of admiration. "You're so lucky!"

'Lucky my ass,' I raged internally. 'Do you have any idea how complicated this is?'

Sophie coughed lightly from behind. "Ahem, maybe we should chat somewhere else? This is a movie theater after all..."

"Right," Ryan stood up. "And Emma should go home. There's a curfew."

"Curfew?" Tyler looked at me confused. "What time's the curfew?"

I was about to protest when Ryan had already walked to our row. "Emma, let's go."

This wasn't a suggestion—it was an order. I could tell.

'What the hell is this guy up to?' But when Ryan's dark eyes stared at me, I actually felt a bit intimidated. Years of habit made me instinctively want to obey him.

"But the movie isn't over yet..." I protested weakly.

"Movies can be watched anytime," Ryan's tone brooked no argument. "Time to go home now."

Tyler completely missed the tension, instead looking gratefully at Ryan. "You're absolutely right. Girls should definitely get home early. Emma, let's plan another time to watch a movie."

'Tyler, you clueless guy!' I screamed internally. 'Can't you be a little more assertive?'

And just like that, in complete chaos, I was semi-forcibly led out of the movie theater by Ryan. Tyler kept thanking Ryan from behind, saying things like "You're so considerate of us underclassmen."

At the parking lot, Ryan opened the door of his black Mercedes. "Get in."

I hesitated for a moment. Sophie was already in the back seat, gesturing for me to "get in the car quickly."

The moment I sat in the passenger seat, the air became oppressive. Ryan started the car but didn't drive immediately. Instead, he turned to look at me.

"How far have you two gone?"

His voice was calm, but I could feel the undercurrents.

'Here it comes,' I thought. 'This is the classic scene where the second male lead gets jealous.' Thinking about this actually made me a bit excited. Since he wanted to know, I'd give him something to get worked up about.

"Everything that should have happened has happened!" I looked at him provocatively. "Do I need to report on these things?"

Ryan's grip on the steering wheel suddenly tightened. I could see the veins bulging on the back of his hands.

"Think carefully before you speak." His voice was very low, like a warning.

But I was already fired up. If I was going to play the "provoke male jealousy" game, I might as well go all the way.

"Well, it must be really hard on you," I said sweetly. "Coming all this way so late just to meddle in my private affairs."

Ryan went completely rigid. Even Sophie was playing dead in the back seat, staying completely silent.

The air in the car seemed to freeze. I could hear my own heartbeat. Ryan's muscles were tense, looking like he was desperately trying to control himself.

'Did I... go too far?' The thought suddenly occurred to me, making me feel a bit uneasy.

But then I thought, 'No, this is clearly him being jealous! Isn't this exactly how it's written in novels? The more angry the second male lead gets, the more he cares about the female lead.'

Thinking about this actually made me feel a bit smug. Looks like this strategy really works—Ryan was finally making his move.