**Sophia’s POV**
I barely slept after Luca’s message. His words kept circling in my head. *I’ll explain what I can.* It wasn’t everything I wanted, but it was something. By morning I felt both nervous and hopeful as I got ready for school.
Mum noticed my mood at breakfast. “You seem distracted again.”
“Just thinking about the play,” I said. “And the project.”
She gave me a long look but didn’t push. I left early, taking the busier route like always. The feeling of being watched followed me anyway. I kept glancing behind me, but no one stood out. Maybe I was just getting paranoid.
Riya met me at the gate. She didn’t even ask how I was. She could see it on my face. “Still no real word from him?”
“He messaged last night. We’re meeting after rehearsal. Just us.”
Her eyes widened. “Be ca
