daneo

The first rumor didn’t hurt. The second one annoyed her. By the third, Leah Otieno knew her life on campus was about to change. She stood outside the Dean’s office, arms crossed tightly against her chest, listening to the muffled voices inside. Her name. Alex Mwangi’s name. Together. She exhaled slowly. Alex leaned against the opposite wall, relaxed, phone in hand, like the situation didn’t concern him at all. His calm irritated her. “This isn’t funny,” Leah said sharply. Alex glanced up, amused. “Didn’t laugh.” “You’re enjoying this.” “Not enjoying,” he corrected. “Surviving.” The door opened. The Dean’s assistant motioned them in. Inside, the atmosphere was cold. “You two are aware,” the Dean began, “that inappropriate conduct involving student leaders reflects poorly on the university.” Leah’s heart pounded. “Sir, nothing happened.” Alex nodded. “Absolutely nothing.” The Dean sighed. “Unfortunately, perception matters more than truth.” A pause. “We expect this issue resolved. Publicly.” Leah’s eyes widened. “Resolved how?” The Dean leaned forward. “Convince the campus that you are… together. Respectably. Convincingly.” Silence crashed between them. Leah turned to Alex in disbelief. “You cannot be serious.” Alex met her eyes for the first time—really met them. The playful confidence dimmed slightly. “Looks like we’re about to be,” he said quietly. And just like that, the most disciplined girl on campus and the most complicated boy she’d ever met were forced into a story neither had planned to write.