HIDDEN HEARTS

Episode 11:JEALOUS HEARTS

The campus garden was quiet, sunlight streaming through the leaves, giving the space a golden glow. Amina and Zuri were sitting on their favorite bench, sharing a sandwich and laughing quietly. Peace at last… or so Amina thought.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Lena, a tall, stylish student from their literature seminar, striding toward them with a tight smile. Lena’s eyes flicked to Zuri, lingering a little too long. Amina felt a twinge in her chest—something about Lena’s gaze screamed territorial.

“Hey, Zuri,” Lena said, voice casual but sharp, like a cat circling its prey. “Fancy seeing you here… with someone new.”

Zuri smiled, polite but unamused. “Hi, Lena. This is Amina.”

Amina waved nervously, trying to look confident. Lena’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Hmm,” Lena said, tilting her head, “you seem… close.” Her tone carried a challenge. “I just hope you’re not… getting in the way.”

Amina blinked. “Getting in the way?”

“Of me,” Lena replied smoothly. Her eyes locked on Zuri. “We’ve been… friends, for a long time.”

Zuri raised a brow, expression calm but icy. “Friends, yes. And? I think we can all be friends. But Amina and I… we’re dating. That’s not negotiable.”

Amina felt her chest swell with relief. Zuri always knew exactly how to handle people like Lena.

“Oh?” Lena’s smile tightened. “Dating, huh? Well… we’ll see how long that lasts.”

Zuri didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned slightly toward Amina, brushing her hand reassuringly over hers. “Listen carefully, Lena,” she said, voice soft but dangerous, “Amina is mine. You do not push her away. You do not make her feel small. And if you try…” She smiled faintly, deadly calm, “…I promise you’ll regret it.”

Lena’s jaw tightened. “We’ll see.” She turned and walked away, the tension lingering like a storm cloud.

Amina exhaled shakily. “Wow… that was intense.”

Zuri laughed softly, pulling Amina closer. “Don’t worry. Some people just don’t know how to handle happiness that isn’t theirs.”

Amina rested her head on Zuri’s shoulder. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

“And I’m not letting you,” Zuri whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the garden golden, and for the first time in weeks, Amina felt… safe. Even with jealousy lurking in the shadows, with Zuri by her side, she knew she could face anything.