Aura did not stop walking until she reached the quiet corridor behind the administrative wing. The noise from the cafeteria faded, replaced by the faint hum of air conditioners and distant footsteps. Her chest rose and fell unevenly as she tried to breathe normally, but the words kept echoing in her mind. We're dating. The way Stephanie had said it so calmly made it feel real, solid, unquestionable. She pressed her lips together, refusing to let her tears fall where anyone could see them.
Francis slowed behind her, careful not to startle her. He knew she needed space, but he also knew leaving her alone now would only make things worse. He leaned lightly against the wall, keeping his voice gentle.
"Aura…"
"I'm fine," she said quickly, even though her voice betrayed her.
"You walked out."
"I just needed air."
"You didn't even touch your food."
"I'm not hungry."
He studied her face. "You don't have to pretend with me."
She looked away. "I'm not pretending."
Before he could respond, footsteps approached quickly. Tina turned the corner, slightly out of breath from running.
"I knew you'd come this way," she said softly.
Aura gave a faint smile. "You ran?"
"Of course I ran. You disappeared like a ghost."
Francis glanced at Tina. She understood immediately, stepping closer to Aura.
"You heard it, didn't you?" Tina asked gently.
Aura nodded once.
Tina exhaled slowly. "I hate her."
Francis rubbed the back of his neck. "We don't even know if it's real."
Aura shook her head. "He agreed."
"He nodded," Francis corrected.
"That's the same thing."
Silence settled.
Tina crossed her arms. "No. It's not. Ethan isn't someone who gets pushed easily."
Aura didn't respond.
Francis glanced between them, then spoke quietly. "Aura… look at me."
She hesitated, then did.
"You told me you had a crush," he said carefully. "You didn't say who. But… I think I know."
She froze.
Tina didn't interrupt. She just watched.
Francis continued gently, "And if I'm right… this must hurt."
Aura lowered her gaze. "It doesn't matter anymore."
Tina stepped closer. "It does matter. You're allowed to feel hurt."
"I'm not," Aura replied quietly. "They're together now."
Francis sighed. "You don't know that."
"He agreed."
The words came out softer this time.
Tina placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then… maybe it's time to move forward."
Aura gave a hollow laugh. "Forward?"
"Yes," Tina said firmly. "You can't stay stuck like this."
Francis nodded slowly. "She's right."
Aura looked between them. "You're both telling me to move on?"
Tina softened her tone. "We're telling you to try."
Francis added, "We'll help you."
Aura shook her head slightly. "You don't have to—"
"We want to," Tina interrupted.
Francis smiled faintly. "We really do."
Silence lingered again.
Then Tina suddenly brightened.
"Sleepover."
Aura blinked. "What?"
"Tonight," Tina continued. "At your place. Movies, snacks, gossip. We'll distract you."
Aura hesitated.
"My dad is busy…" she murmured.
"Perfect," Tina said immediately.
Francis chuckled softly. "You're not even subtle."
Tina shrugged. "Desperate times."
Aura thought for a moment, then slowly pulled out her phone.
"I'll ask him."
She typed: 'Dad, can I have a friend over tonight? Sleepover.'
The reply came quickly.
Of course. Be safe.
Aura showed them.
Tina clapped lightly. "It's happening."
Francis smiled. "Good."
Aura nodded faintly. "Okay."
They walked back toward class together, talking softly about snacks and movies. Aura responded, but only halfway. Her smile appeared occasionally, but her eyes still carried the weight.
As they entered the classroom, Avery had already returned. She noticed them immediately. Francis walking beside Aura. Tina chatting. Aura listening quietly.
Avery's fingers tightened around her pen.
"So they're… this close now?" she murmured.
She overheard Tina speaking.
"We should get ice cream too."
Francis laughed. "You're planning everything."
Aura added softly, "Whatever you want is fine."
Avery lowered her gaze.
"Maybe… I should join them. At least..." she whispered to herself taking a deep breath. He'd be there, probably.
She stood and approached them.
"Can I come too?"
Aura looked surprised.
"You… want to?"
Avery nodded. "If you don't mind."
Tina smiled. "The more the better."
Francis agreed. "Yeah."
Aura hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."
They all sat together, continuing to plan. The conversation flowed slowly. Tina leading, Francis adding jokes, Aura responding quietly. Avery listening.
Meanwhile, Ethan entered the classroom. He stopped. Aura was laughing, with Francis.
Something tightened in his chest.
'She's smiling…'
He watched silently.
Stephanie entered behind him and followed his gaze.
She smiled slowly.
"So that's how it is," she whispered.
Then she stepped closer to Ethan.
"Looks like she's moving on. What? You going to blow our cover?"
" Shut up..." Ethan said with a growl. Looking coldly at Stephanie. " I haven't even began to punish you for what happened today. Better prepare yourself." He said walking away from her to his seat.
Stephanie frowned her hands curling into fists. ' is that still not enough? Wait you'll soon see I'm the only one meant for you.' she thought walking back to her seat.
As Ethan sat down Francis approached him.
" We need to talk....