Max couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling as he sat on the edge of his bed, the note from his car still crumpled in his hand. Chris and Evan had tried to make light of it, suggesting it was just some random prank, but Max couldn't ignore the sense of danger lurking behind those words:
"Stay away from Scarlet. She's mine."
Later that evening, Scarlet showed up at Max's apartment, smiling as always, but her expression faltered when she saw his troubled face.
"What's wrong?" she asked, stepping closer.
Max hesitated before handing her the note. Her brows knitted together as she read it, and her face grew pale.
"Do you know who might have left this?" Max asked gently, watching her reaction.
Scarlet bit her lip, her eyes clouded with something between fear and uncertainty. "It can't be… It's probably just a joke," she mumbled, though her voice wavered.
He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Scarlet, if you know something, you can tell me. I'll handle it."
She looked up at him, eyes glistening with a hint of anxiety. "There was… a guy back in high school. His name was Ryan. We never really dated, but he was obsessed with me. At first, it seemed like a harmless crush. He'd follow me around, always offering help with homework or trying to sit next to me in class. I didn't think much of it, but then…"
Max noticed her hands trembling slightly, so he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Then what?"
"One day, he left a letter in my locker, saying he loved me and that we were meant to be together. When I didn't respond, he started sending more notes—creepy ones. He'd write about how no one else deserved me, how I belonged to him. I reported it, and eventually, his parents sent him to a different school. I thought I'd never see him again."
Max's jaw tightened. "You think it could be him?"
Scarlet shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know. I never heard from him after he left. But this…" She gestured to the note. "It feels familiar."
Max pulled her into a hug, gently rubbing her back. "If it's him, we'll deal with it. I'm not letting anyone scare you. I'll protect you."
She buried her face in his chest, finding comfort in his warmth. "Thank you, Max. I'm just… scared he's back."
They stayed that way for a moment before Scarlet pulled away, trying to smile. "Maybe it's nothing. I could be overthinking."
Max cupped her face, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Even if it's nothing, I'm still not taking any chances. I'll keep an eye out, and we'll make sure you're safe. Promise."
Scarlet nodded, her cheeks flushing as she leaned into his touch. "I'm glad I have you," she whispered.
Max gave a small smile, but inside, his resolve hardened. Whoever was behind the note—whether it was Ryan or someone else—they'd have to go through him first.