**(Leah's Perspective)**
Kayden's Jeep made its usual attention-grabbing entrance into the school lot. True to form, it drew plenty of looks. He parked, effortlessly scooped up my backpack, and offered a solid arm for support. "Take it easy, Limpy," he said, his tone teasing but his grip steady.
As we made our way towards the building, I thought I spotted a familiar figure in the distance—Elliott. He stood under an oak tree, his figure tall and lean in his crisp button-down. But almost the instant my gaze found him, he turned and melted into the morning crowd like smoke.
**Just great.** The rebellious thrill I'd felt from defying Tyler evaporated, replaced by a hollow pang of disappointment. He was still avoiding me.
Kayden, oblivious to my distraction, dutifully "delivered" me to math
