Overprotective Life

Official

Ryan slides into the driver's seat, starting the car with a low hum. The parking lot is quiet except for the occasional sounds of people leaving the theater, their laughter fading into the night.

He glances at me. "So, where do you wanna go?"

I rest my head against the seat, exhaling. "Surprise me."

Ryan raises a brow. "That could be dangerous, you know."

I smirk. "I trust you."

Something in his expression shifts, softens. He doesn't say anything for a moment, just looks at me like he's trying to read my mind. Then, without another word, he puts the car in drive and pulls out of the parking lot.

I turn to look at him. "You're not even gonna give me a hint?"

"Nope," he says, keeping his eyes on the road.

I sigh dramatically. "What if I don't like it?"

"You will."

I roll my eyes but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. The car ride is quiet for a while, the city lights passing by in a blur. The soft hum of the music playing through the speakers fills the silence between us, but it's not uncomfortable. It's peaceful.

Eventually, curiosity gets the best of me. "Okay, seriously, where are we going?"

Ryan smirks. "You'll see."

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. "You know I hate surprises."

Ryan glances at me with a teasing smirk. "And yet, you trust me to surprise you. Interesting."

I groan. "You're enjoying this way too much."

He chuckles but keeps his eyes on the road, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the steering wheel. The city lights start to fade as we drive further away from the busy streets, replaced by quieter roads lined with trees. The air feels different—calmer, like we've escaped the chaos of downtown.

I glance out the window, trying to figure out where we are. "Are we even still in the city?"

Ryan smirks but doesn't answer. Instead, he reaches over, his fingers brushing against my hand before he takes it in his. My breath hitches slightly, but I don't pull away. His thumb absentmindedly strokes my skin, and my heart beats a little faster.

"Relax," he murmurs, squeezing my hand gently. "You'll like it."

I hate that he's probably right.

A few minutes later, he slows down and turns into a small parking lot. I look around, confused. The area is quiet, the only sound coming from the distant hum of crickets. There's a small hill, and beyond it, I can see the faint glow of city lights in the distance.

Ryan parks the car and turns to me. "Come on."

I hesitate.

He smirks. "Just trust me."

I sigh but follow him anyway. He gets out first, walking around the car to open my door before offering me his hand. I take it, letting him help me out. The night air is cool, a soft breeze brushing against my skin.

I shiver slightly as the evening breeze brushes over my skin. Ryan notices, and without saying a word, he opens the back door, pulling his blazer from the seat. He walks over to me and gently drapes it around my shoulders, the fabric warm against my skin.

"Thank you," I mutter, appreciating the gesture more than I let on. The weight of the blazer gives me a small sense of comfort.

We begin walking toward the hill, but as we climb, I start to feel the tightness in my chest. My lungs begin to close in on me, and I find myself slowing down. The last thing I want is to ruin this moment by struggling, but I can't help it.