The day began like any other at Crescent High, the autumn air crisp and slightly bitter, carrying with it the faint scent of wet leaves and early morning coffee from nearby cafés. Aria moved through the hallways with practiced composure, clutching her books tightly, aware of the stares and whispers that had become almost a background hum.
She tried to focus on her classes, but the incident in the library and Damian’s quiet support yesterday clung stubbornly to her thoughts. Despite Luca’s warnings, she found herself drawn to him in a way that made her pulse quicken, leaving a dull ache of guilt in its wake.
By mid-morning, however, the careful balance she had tried to maintain began to unravel. She had just left the History classroom when she noticed a small crowd near the lockers, their
