HIDDEN HEARTS

Episode 6:THE WATCHFUL EYES

The sun hung low over Maplewood College, casting long shadows across the quad. Students milled about, but Amina moved as though she had invisible armor. She hugged her books close, eyes scanning for Zuri.

She spotted her near the campus café, leaning casually against the railing. That familiar warmth in her presence made Amina’s chest tighten—but she didn’t dare approach too quickly.

A shadow flickered across her peripheral vision.

“Look who’s here.”

Amina froze. The voice belonged to Tariq, a tall, sharp-eyed classmate from her literature seminar. He had that smirk that always made Amina’s stomach twist—not in a good way. He was observant, calculating, and, unfortunately, curious about everyone.

Tariq leaned casually against the railing next to Zuri, arms crossed. “So… you two seem awfully close.”

Amina’s heart thudded painfully. “W-we’re just… friends,” she stammered, though her voice didn’t sound convincing even to her own ears.

Zuri’s eyes narrowed slightly, a protective spark lighting her gaze. “Just friends?” she echoed, tone calm but firm.

Tariq smirked. “Hmm. Friends who spend a lot of time together. Library. Cafés. Hallway chats. People notice, you know.”

Amina felt her cheeks burn. She looked down, wishing she could vanish.

Zuri placed a steadying hand on her arm. “Ignore him,” she said quietly, but her eyes never left Tariq.

“Ignore me?” Tariq chuckled. “I’m just pointing out what everyone else is whispering. Maplewood isn’t that big. Secrets don’t stay hidden for long.”

Amina swallowed hard. Her past fears—being seen, judged, exposed—rose like a tide inside her.

“I—I don’t want trouble,” she whispered.

Tariq’s smirk didn’t waver. “Trouble finds its way, Amina. Might as well decide if you’re running from it, or standing your ground.”

Amina glanced at Zuri, who gave her a small, encouraging nod.

“You’re not alone,” Zuri said softly. “We handle it together.”

Amina’s hands trembled slightly, but she managed to lift her head. “Okay,” she whispered. “Together.”

Tariq’s smirk softened into something unreadable. “We’ll see,” he said, walking away with a casual swing of his bag, leaving Amina’s heart racing.

For a moment, the quad seemed quieter, the chatter of other students fading. Amina realized the danger wasn’t just whispers—it was someone watching, calculating, and waiting.

And now, for the first time, she understood: hiding from Zuri’s world wasn’t enough. She would have to face the whispers—and face her own fear—if she wanted this.