HARVEY

After recovering from my injury, I feel much better, and today is the first day I'm going back to school. I choose to wear my favorite beige pants and a comfy dark brown hoodie, leaving my hair down. I take a quick glance in the mirror, pleased with my appearance, and grab my backpack before heading downstairs.

As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I'm met with the sight of Damien standing there like a guard dog, blocking my path. I let out an exasperated sigh, intending to walk past him, but he swiftly takes my bag out of my grasp. "You shouldn't hold heavy things," he insists, and I can't help but roll my eyes at his overprotectiveness.

However, I decide not to engage in an argument with him, knowing it would be futile. I chuckle at Damien's overprotective nature, but I don't protest when he takes my backpack from me. "You're such a worrier," I say, playfully poking his chest. "I'm fine, really."

He raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but eventually hands me back my bag. "Just trying to be helpful," he mutters, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Well, I appreciate it," I reply, genuinely grateful for his concern. As much as Damien can be infuriating at times, I know he means well.

We walk to school together, falling into an easy rhythm of conversation. It's strange how comfortable I feel around him despite our complicated history. It's like no time has passed at all.

Once we reach the school gates, Damien stops and faces me, his eyes searching mine. "You sure you're okay?" he asks again, his voice softer this time.

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I'm sure. Thanks for walking me."

He smirks, giving me a mock bow. "Anytime, Princess."

I laugh and shake my head, playfully shoving him. "Don't call me that."

"Okay, okay, I'll behave," he says, raising his hands in surrender.

I thought we were going to part ways, but I couldn't believe Damien was following me around like a shadow. It was infuriating. As I headed to my AP Bio class, I turned to him, raising an eyebrow, and said, "I'm going for AP Bio." The subject was known for being challenging, and Damien had always hated biology.

To my surprise, he just shrugged and casually replied, "I have all the same classes as you."

"What? Why?" I demanded, getting increasingly frustrated with his enigmatic behavior. But he didn't offer any explanation, simply brushing off my question.

Throughout the next three periods, Damien stuck to his bodyguard act, and it only annoyed me more. He scared away three kids who were about to take a seat next to me, glared at anyone who dared to stare, and didn't allow anyone to get close to me. I was capable of handling myself, and his overprotective antics were getting on my nerves.

"What's your problem, Damien?" I finally snapped during the lunch break. "Why are you acting like this?"

He looked at me, his expression unreadable, and said, "I just want to make sure you're safe."

"Safe from what? I don't need a babysitter," I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest.

"If you're going to act like a baby, then you need a babysitter," Damien shot back, his tone teasing but firm. I snarled at him, not appreciating his condescending comment.

"Damien, just leave me alone," I demanded, trying to assert some authority. But to my surprise, he flat out refused.

"Nope, not happening," he replied, crossing his arms in defiance.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, my frustration growing.

He sighed, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "I just don't think you're capable of taking care of yourself, Harv. You're always putting others first, and sometimes you forget to take care of yourself. I just want to make sure you're okay."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. He didn't think I was capable? That was offensive, and I felt a surge of anger rise inside me. "I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much," I retorted, my voice sharp.

Damien seemed to wince at my words, as if he hadn't meant to offend me. "It's not that I don't think you're capable," he said, trying to explain himself. "It's just... I want to be there for you, to protect you. It makes me feel like you still need me, like I still have a place in your life."

I frowned at his words, feeling conflicted. Part of me wanted to push him away, to assert my independence and show him that I didn't need anyone to take care of me. But another part of me understood where he was coming from. Damien had always been protective of me, even when we were dating, and it was hard for him to let go of that role.

"I appreciate your concern," I said finally, trying to find a middle ground. "But I need my space, Damien. I need to figure things out on my own."

He nodded, seemingly understanding my need for independence. "I get that," he said quietly. "I just... I don't want to lose you again, Harv. I can't bear the thought of you pushing me away."

I softened at his words, feeling a pang of guilt for the pain I had caused him in the past. "You won't lose me, Damien," I assured him. "But I need you to respect my boundaries and give me some space."

He nodded again, his expression serious. "I promise I'll try," he said sincerely. "Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

I gave him a small smile, appreciating his willingness to compromise. "Thank you," I said softly. "That means a lot to me."

As we stood there, facing each other, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Damien had hurt me in the past, but he had also been there for me when I needed him. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for us to find our way back to each other, but it would take time and effort from both of us.

For now, I needed to focus on myself, on healing and growing stronger. And if Damien was truly willing to respect my boundaries and support me from a distance, then maybe there was hope for us yet. Only time would tell.

The school day was almost over, and I was feeling moody and irritable. Cramps were gnawing at my insides, making everything more challenging. Damien, true to his word, had kept his distance for most of the day, but I had noticed him lurking nearby every now and then, like an overprotective shadow. It annoyed me to no end.

As I furiously typed away on my phone, I decided to vent my frustration at Ethan for not showing up to school. He was probably home, lounging around without a care in the world. I sent him a message, telling him how mad I was at him for skipping school.

Within seconds, my phone buzzed with a notification, and I eagerly opened the message, expecting a sincere apology. Instead, I was met with a shirtless picture of Ethan sprawled on a couch, a thermometer sticking out of his mouth. He looked ridiculous and adorable at the same time. A small smile tugged at my lips as I gazed at the photo.

Before I could respond, Damien snatched my phone out of my hand, his face contorted with annoyance. "First Killan, now him. Are you kidding me?" he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to me. It was clear he was frustrated, but I couldn't understand why.

"Hey, give me my phone back!" I demanded, reaching out for it, but Damien held it out of my reach.

"Why do you need to talk to all these guys?" he asked, sounding exasperated.

I rolled my eyes at his possessiveness. "It's none of your business," I shot back. "And besides, Ethan is just a friend."

Damien scoffed, but I wasn't about to back down. I was tired of him trying to control my life. "You can't just delete my messages, Damien," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. "You're not my bodyguard, and I can handle my own friendships."

He looked taken aback for a moment, as if my words had caught him off guard. "I just don't want you to get hurt," he finally said, his tone softer.

I sighed, feeling a mixture of irritation and sympathy. Damien had always been protective of me, and I knew he had good intentions, but he needed to understand that I could take care of myself. "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle my friendships," I said gently. "Ethan is just a friend, and Killan is someone I care about. It's not your place to interfere."

Damien seemed torn for a moment, his gaze locked on mine. "Fine," he said reluctantly, handing me back my phone. "But be careful, okay? Not everyone has your best interests at heart."

I nodded, grateful that he had finally backed off. "I will," I assured him. "But that goes for you too, Damien. Just because you're my ex doesn't mean you get to control my life."

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but I turned away, not wanting to argue anymore. I recovered the picture of Ethan and set it as my screen lock, just to spite Damien. It was a small act of rebellion, but it made me feel a little better.

As the school day came to an end, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I still cared about Damien, but I needed my space and independence. And as for Ethan, well, he was just a friend, nothing more.

I was tired of everyone trying to dictate my life, and it was time for me to take control. I knew there would be challenges ahead, but I was determined to stand my ground and assert my independence. It was my life, and I was going to live it on my terms.

Just Damien things. Btw do you guys want more siblings stuff or this stuff?