School the next day felt different. Not in a bad way — just… exposed.
Claire walked through the hallways with Xander’s hand firmly holding hers, his thumb brushing soothing circles against her skin. Students still stared, but the energy had shifted. Some whispered excitedly, others watched with open envy, and a few — mostly Ashley’s old group — kept their heads down after Alissa’s warning.
Xander was even more attentive than usual. Between every class, he walked her personally, carrying her books in one hand while keeping the other linked with hers. When they reached her classroom door, he’d pull her close for a quick, gentle kiss on the forehead, careful of her still-healing nose.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked for the third time that morning, emerald eyes scanning her face.
Claire
