After Ellen ran out, the cafeteria erupted in noise. Some students laughed cruelly, others gasped, horrified. A few got up and left, muttering curses at Noah. But Noah? He sat there like a king on a throne, unfazed, chewing his food like nothing had happened. The clip didn’t just humiliate Ellen—it burned itself into the skin of the school’s reputation. And yet, he smiled.
Raven and I shared a long, heavy look. My throat tightened. We picked up our things and walked out without a word. Just as we passed Noah, he glanced at Raven. His smile didn’t reach his eyes. It was hollow—mocking.
The bell rang, dragging us back to class. But nothing felt the same. Not the desk. Not the air. Not even the familiar sound of the fan clacking overhead. Everything felt too loud and too quiet all at once.
