S O P H I E H O N E Y

I FUCKED UP.

I fucked up badly.

"Sorry," I whisper.

I don't know how long I've been saying it, but I know it started the second Theo hit the ground.

The moment my camera smacked against his skull, my whole body locked up, a cold wave of panic crashing over me. And when he just-collapsed-my brain short-circuited. For a horrifying few seconds, I thought I had actually killed someone.

People rushed in. Someone checked his pulse. Someone else lifted him. And I just stood there, useless, my hands shaking as they carried him to the school clinic.

Even after the nurse reassured me he was okay-that he just needed rest and that the blow wasn't as bad as it looked-I haven't stopped saying it.

"Sorry," I murmur again, staring at the tiny bottle of pills in my hand. The nurse gave them to me, saying they were for the week. Something about mild swelling, possible headaches. Nothing serious.

Nothing serious.

Except I knocked a guy unconscious.

I sink into the chair beside the clinic bed, gripping the pill bottle tighter, my stomach twisting with guilt.

I call Logan the second Theo hits the ground.

The moment my fingers fumble to press call, my heart is slamming against my ribs, and I can barely hear the ringing over the rush of panic in my head.

"Calm down," he tells me. "Just-breathe, Sophie."

But I can't.

This isn't some dumb prank. This isn't like when I was a kid, pulling small, harmless tricks on the people who mocked me. Back then, I'd laugh it off, pretend it didn't sting, and later cry into my pillow when the words circled back. But this-this is different.

This is the first time I've actually hurt someone.

And now, sitting here, watching Theo sleep like nothing happened, my fingers curl into my palms. His chest rises and falls in steady breaths, his head tilted slightly to the side, the bandage standing out starkly against his skin.

He sleeps too damn peacefully.

Even with a literal head wound.

Even this morning, in my bed, he slept so soundly, clinging to me so tightly that for a second, I almost-almost-let myself melt into him. Until I remembered it wasn't some fictional man from my late-night romance reads holding me. It was Theo.

And that alone was enough to snap me back to reality.

Theo shifts.

I straighten instantly, watching his eyelids flutter. His brows twitch like he's about to wake up, and I lean in slightly, my pulse picking up.

"Theo?" I move closer, standing over him. His lips part, and he mumbles something, voice too low to make out.

"I can't hear you. Speak louder," I say, softer than I expected. Maybe it's the guilt. Maybe it's something else. Usually, yelling at him is our default, but right now, I just need to know he's okay.

But nothing. Just soft, unintelligible murmurs.

I bite my lip, hesitating. Then, without thinking, I lean closer-too close-until my ear is right near his lips, straining to hear whatever the hell he's trying to say.

And then-

Sharp teeth clamp down on my ear.

"Ow-!" I jerk back, so fast I lose my balance. My feet tangle, and before I know it, I'm crashing onto the floor with an undignified yelp.

A low chuckle rumbles from the bed.

Oh, he's awake now.

"What the hell, Theo?!" I snap, rubbing my ear as I scramble to sit up.

He cracks one eye open, and that stupid ocean-blue gaze twinkles with mischief. Then he tries to laugh-only to wince, hissing at the pain.

"You hit pretty hard," he mutters, shifting against the pillows. "Maybe you should try for the hockey team when I graduate."

I stare at him.

This grown-ass man.

This adult, who just did something a ten-year-old would do.

Before I can stop myself, my mouth blurts out, "I should have hit harder."

His brows lift. "What?"

"Nothing." I flash a too-bright smile, one that I know is fake, and he knows is fake, because he just huffs in response.

I decide to change the subject.

"How's your head?" I ask, getting up and perching carefully on the edge of the bed, making sure to keep my hands far away from his.

"Not that bad."

"Oh... um. Okay." The silence stretches, and I fumble for something to do, finally grabbing the bottle of pills the nurse gave me. I hold them up. "She said these will help with the pain."

Theo glances at them for a second, then flicks his gaze back to me. "Okay."

"Right..." I drop them onto my lap, hesitating for a second before asking the one question clawing at my brain. "One more thing. Why on earth would you startle me like that? You could have just greeted me like a normal human being,"

Given what he did a few seconds ago, I would say he still had the brains of a child.

His lips twitch into a smirk, one shoulder lifting in a lazy shrug. "I wanted to see you freak out. You know, like old times."

I scoff. "Yeah, try again. Why would you put me in this much trouble? Do you realize people are going to talk? Say I tried to kill you?"

God.

I can already hear it-the whispers in the hallways, the rumors spreading like wildfire. The girl who tried to murder Theo. People are going to twist it into some insane story, like he rejected me and I snapped or something.

I'm so screwed-

"Hey."

His voice softens, and before I realize it, his hand settles on top of mine, fingers curling just enough to give a firm squeeze.

My whole body tenses.

"Sorry for the trouble," he murmurs, thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles.

Oh.

He knows what he did.

He knows he made things worse.

And yet, his voice is almost... gentle.

"I thought I'd cheer you up," he continues after a pause, his gaze flickering over my face. "You know, given today. Since I left you alone at home to walk here."

I open my mouth. Then close it.

I don't even know what to say to that.

"It wasn't that bad." I shrug, acting like it didn't bother me that I had to take the bus again. Even though I know someone who owns a car. Someone who lives with me. Also, I didn't want to bother Alex, so I just sucked it up and got on the damn bus.

Theo doesn't buy it.

"Don't lie," he says, his tone more serious now.

I glance at him, a little surprised.

"I owe you big time for leaving you to get here alone since you arrived," he continues.

"It's nothing," I say quickly, waving it off.

"It's something," he insists. Then, leaning back against the pillows, he exhales like he's actually putting thought into this. "What can I do to make it up to you? And, you know, apologize for scaring you earlier?"

"I... I wasn't scared," I argue, a little too fast.

Theo scoffs. "I do have ears, you know." He gives me a pointed look. "Even if I was unconscious, I could hear you freaking out when you called Logan."

My mouth snaps shut.

Damn it.

"Go on." He releases his hand from me and somehow it feels weird but I ignored the feeling and put my mind back on him.

"I should ask what I want..." I need to be sure when he meant what he said.

"Yes. Sophie, anything."

"I should ask for anything," he nods. "Like even if its beyond crazy anything," he sighs, clearly tired of my delay.

"Go crazy. Soph. I'll do it if I can."

Oh, you definitely can.

I should just say it. Get it over with.

But before I can, a thought crosses my mind, and I hesitate. "What about you?"

Theo blinks. "Huh?"

"I mean... I hit you," I say, tilting my head. "So there must be something you want too."

He goes silent.

Oh, he definitely wants something. I can see it. The way his jaw tightens, his fingers fidget slightly against the blanket. He's hesitating.

Then, finally, he exhales. "Yeah," he admits. "I do want something."

I knew it.

"But," he continues, "I'll do my part of the deal first."

I narrow my eyes. "Deal?"

Theo smirks. "Isn't this already a deal?" He leans in slightly, looking way too smug for someone still recovering from a concussion. "Since I'm giving you what you want... you'll give me what I want too, right?"

My throat goes dry.

I'm about to stutter-because what the hell-but he beats me to it. "You did ask what I wanted," he reminds me.

And now I'm internally screaming.

Who the hell told me to open my big mouth?

I sigh, rubbing my temples. "Sure."

Theo smiles, looking relieved like I just lifted a weight off his shoulders. He leans back, relaxing completely, waiting for me to say what I need from him.

And I... almost panic.

This is it. This is my moment.

I should just tell him. Tell him I need pictures of him. Shirtless.

And somehow, I need to say it without sounding like a total creep.

Theo watches me expectantly, clearly picking up on how I'm struggling to get the words out. "Go on," he urges.

"Tell me what you want, Soph."

I inhale, squeezing my eyes shut to just say it-

But the door swings open.

I jump back like we just got caught doing something we definitely shouldn't be doing. My head snaps toward the door, and I see Logan, Lydia, and an entire group of guys dressed in hockey jerseys strolling in.

Shit.

They head straight for Theo, completely ignoring me, and I let out a breath of relief. Thank God I didn't say anything before they walked in. I would have died on the spot.

Logan reaches Theo first, arms crossed as he gives him a once-over. "How's your head?"

"Still attached," Theo replies dryly.

"Good," Logan nods before smirking. "Would've been embarrassing if you died from getting knocked out by a girl."

Jaxon, standing beside him, grins as he leans in. "Nah, it's already embarrassing. Dude got wrecked."

The other guys burst into laughter, a few nudging each other like this is the best joke they've heard all day.

Theo just sighs, shaking his head. "I'm never gonna live this down, am I?"

"Nope," Jaxon says, grinning wider. "This is history."

Lydia turns to me, her expression softer than the guys'. "You good?"

I nod quickly. "Yeah, I'm fine."

She raises an eyebrow. "So... what exactly happened?"

The room falls silent, and I suddenly feel the weight of everyone's stares, waiting for my answer. I swallow, shifting slightly. "Uh... well, I was about to take a picture, and he-" I shoot Theo a glare, "-startled me by popping out of nowhere, and I... hit him with my camera."

More silence. Then-

Logan tilts his head. "Wait. Does the camera still work?"

I blink. "What?"

"Your camera," he repeats, like it's the only important detail here.

"Uh... yeah?"

He shakes his head, unimpressed. "Damn. Should've hit harder."

Lydia nods in agreement. "Honestly."

"Hey!" Theo exclaims, sitting up straighter. "Aren't you guys supposed to check if I'm okay?"

Logan shrugs. "We partially did."

Jaxon grins. "We mostly came to make fun of you after we found out it was your fault."

"And we were right," another guy adds, laughing.

A small smile tugs at my lips. They weren't mad. No one was looking at me like I was some violent, unhinged girl who went around knocking people out with cameras. They were just... teasing him. And it felt kind of nice.

Theo narrows his eyes at me. "You should stop smiling."

I raise a brow. "It's my face. I can do what I want."

He exhales dramatically. "Not my business, but seriously. Stop."

I tilt my head, letting my smile grow. "You know, I really wish I hit harder."

I say it louder, just for him.

"Burn," Logan mutters, grinning as the guys laugh.

Lydia shakes her head, amused. "I don't even know how you two managed to deal with each other when you were younger."

Theo and I don't even think before we answer at the same time. "Ryan."

Jaxon frowns. "Who's Ryan?"

I sigh. "My elder brother. He's friends with Theo. Not me."

Theo turns to me, tilting his head. "But now we are friends. Right?"

He's looking at me-hopefully, like he actually cares about my answer.

I open my mouth, then hesitate. "Uhhh..."

His hopeful look falters slightly.

I sigh.

"Sure," I say, because what else am I supposed to say? Friends. That's what he wants, and that's fine. Friends can ask each other things, even if it's crazy. Even if it's weird. And if there's one thing Theo and I have, it's a weird bond. But it's still a bond, and maybe-just maybe-that makes this the best way to ask the question that's been sitting on my tongue.

Before I can, the nurse walks in. She barely spares us a glance before addressing the room. "Everyone needs to leave. He's awake, and his injury isn't serious enough to keep him here." Her gaze lands on Theo and me. "That includes you two."

Theo doesn't argue. He just nods, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, already prepared to leave. The nurse tells him he needs to go home and rest for at least a few days. Since he shouldn't be driving, Logan decides to take us both back to the apartment. I don't have any classes after the break anyway, so there's no reason to stay behind.

On the ride back, my phone buzzes with messages. Alex and Blair.

Alex: You good?

Blair: Is Theo still alive?

I sigh and quickly type out a response. Yeah, he's fine. Needs at least three days of rest before coming back.

Logan doesn't talk much as he drives. Theo is just as quiet, staring out the window like he's watching something that isn't there. The silence doesn't feel awkward, though. It just exists.

When we reach the building, we step inside, head straight for the elevator. The ride up is just as silent. Theo stays calm, his expression unreadable, eyes fixed on nothing. Meanwhile, my thoughts are a mess, running in every direction, colliding, looping back around. The question is still there, waiting for the right moment.

The elevator dings. We step out, walk down the hall. He unlocks the door and steps inside, and I follow.

Now's my chance.

I walk inside first, wiping my hands on my jeans, feeling the sweat building up on my palms. My nerves are getting the best of me, and I can feel it in the way my breath stutters, in the way my thoughts won't settle.

Then I hear Theo behind me. "What are you thinking so hard about?"

I shake my head quickly, like I can physically shove the thoughts away.

He sighs. "Is it about what you wanted?"

I shake my head again, but this time, he doesn't drop it. Instead, he claps his hands together, the sound sharp in the quiet apartment. "You know what? Let's just say it. On three."

I blink at him. "Say what?"

"What we want." He straightens, looking confident-too confident-but there's a nervous energy behind it, like he's trying to psych himself up as much as he is me. And somehow, that helps. Knowing I'm not the only one freaking out a little.

I hesitate, but then I nod. "Okay."

He exhales slowly, looking more anxious now that the moment is real. For a second, I think about backing out, about just forgetting this entire thing. But then I remember why I'm doing this. I need the money.

"Count," I say.

He nods. "Alright. Three... two... one."

"I want to take pictures of you shirtless for money!"

"I want to sleep with you!"

I blink. My brain stutters, like it's buffering, trying to process what just came out of his mouth.

Theo, on the other hand, looks equally frozen, like he's only just realized what he said.

"What-" I swallow. "You want to what?"

He doesn't answer right away. Instead, his brows furrow, and he tilts his head. "You wanted something with my body?"

Oh. Oh no.

We both spoke at the same time. He must've only caught bits and pieces of my words, just like I caught his.

I take a step back, my entire body heating up. "No, no, not wanted. I-I said I want to take pictures of you shirtless."

"For money," he adds, and I cringe at how easily he repeats it.

"Yes," I admit through gritted teeth.

Theo just stares at me for a second. Then-"Pfft-"

I know it's coming before it even happens. His lips press together, his body tensing as he fights it, but then he bursts into laughter-only to immediately hiss and clutch his head.

"Shit," he groans.

"You deserve that," I say flatly, arms crossed.

He mutters something under his breath before lifting his gaze to mine, amusement still flickering in his ocean-blue eyes. "So, let me get this straight. You want to take pictures of me... without a shirt... for money?"

My ears burn. "You don't have to say it like that."

"How else should I say it?" His lips quirk up. "Because I'm really curious about this arrangement, Sophie."