Chapter 1: The First Glance
When Elena Walker first saw him, he was leaning against the lockers like he owned the school.
Black leather jacket. Messy dark hair. Cold eyes.
Everyone whispered his name.
Ryder King.
The bad boy of Westbrook High.
Elena had heard stories — fights, detention, broken hearts. He didn't smile. He didn't care. He didn't apologize.
And yet, when his eyes met hers for just a second…
Her heart skipped.
She quickly looked away.
"Stay away from him," her best friend Mia warned. "He's trouble."
Elena nodded.
But trouble had already noticed her.
Chapter 2: Collision
It happened by accident.
Or maybe fate.
Elena dropped her books in the hallway. Papers scattered everywhere. Before she could kneel down, someone crouched beside her.
Black boots.
Ryder.
"You should watch where you're walking," he said calmly.
"I was," she replied, annoyed.
He handed her notebook. Their fingers brushed.
Electric.
Ryder's expression changed for a split second. Softer. Curious.
"You're new," he said.
"Yes."
"Stay away from me."
And then he walked away.
That warning only made her more curious.
Chapter 3 : The Hidden Side
Elena discovered something unexpected.
Ryder wasn't just the school's bad boy.
He was the mechanic at a small garage after school.
She saw him one evening while walking home. His hands were covered in grease, his face serious but peaceful.
He noticed her.
"You stalking me?" he asked.
"No. I didn't know bad boys fixed cars."
He smirked.
"I don't like being called that."
"Then stop acting like one."
For the first time, he laughed.
And Elena realized something —
There was more to Ryder King than rumors.
Chapter 4: The Party
Westbrook High threw a Friday night party.
Loud music. Flashing lights. Chaos.
Elena didn't belong there, but Mia dragged her.
And of course, Ryder was there.
Surrounded by girls.
Drinking.
But his eyes kept searching.
Until they found her.
He walked over.
"You shouldn't be here," he said.
"Why? Afraid I'll ruin your reputation?"
He leaned closer.
"My reputation is already ruined."
Before she could reply, a drunk senior grabbed Elena's arm.
Ryder reacted instantly.
He pulled the guy away.
"Don't touch her."
The room went silent.
For the first time, everyone saw something different in Ryder's eyes.
Protectiveness.
Chapter 5: Walls
The next day, Ryder ignored her.
No glances.
No smirks.
Nothing.
Elena was hurt.
After school, she found him at the garage.
"Why are you pushing me away?"
He stayed silent.
Then finally—
"Because I break things."
"You're not that powerful," she said softly.
He looked at her, pain hidden in his eyes.
"You don't know me."
"Then let me."
That was the first crack in his walls.
Chapter 6: The Truth
Ryder finally told her.
His father was in prison.
His mother worked two jobs.
He fought because people insulted his family.
He stayed distant because people always left.
"I don't trust good things," he admitted.
Elena stepped closer.
"I'm not leaving."
He studied her face carefully.
"You will."
"No," she whispered.
And for the first time in years—
Ryder let someone hug him.
Chapter 7: Jealousy
Trouble returned.
A new student, Adrian Cole — charming, rich, perfect — started liking Elena.
Ryder noticed.
He grew distant again.
Cold.
Angry.
"You deserve someone better," he said one afternoon.
"Stop deciding what I deserve," she snapped.
Adrian asked Elena out publicly.
The entire cafeteria watched.
Before she could answer—
Ryder walked out.
That hurt more than anything.
Chapter 8: The Fight
That night, Ryder got into another fight.
This time, it was serious.
Elena rushed to the hospital when she heard.
He was bruised, bleeding slightly, but conscious.
"Why do you keep doing this?" she cried.
"I was angry."
"At who?"
"Myself."
Silence filled the room.
He grabbed her hand gently.
"I'm scared, Elena."
"Of what?"
"Of loving you."
Her tears fell.
"Too late."
Chapter 9: Breaking Point
Rumors spread again.
Someone posted an old video of Ryder fighting online.
Parents complained.
The school threatened suspension.
Elena stood in front of the principal.
"He's not what you think."
Ryder overheard her defending him.
For the first time, someone chose him publicly.
Not feared him.
Not used him.
Chose him.
That night he went to her house.
"I don't want to be the bad guy anymore."
"Then don't be."
He kissed her gently.
Not wild.
Not reckless.
Soft.
Real.
Chapter 10: The Devil Who Loved
Graduation day arrived months later.
Ryder had changed.
Still strong.
Still fearless.
But calmer.
Focused.
He got accepted into an automotive engineering program.
Elena got into her dream university.
They stood under the sunset outside school.
"You changed me," he said.
"No," she smiled. "You changed yourself."
He pulled her closer.
"I used to think I was the villain in everyone's story."
"And now?"
He kissed her forehead.
"Now I'm just a boy who fell in love."
And sometimes—
The devil in the hallway just needs someone brave enough to see his heart.