The hallway between classes was loud like always.
Lockers slamming.
Students laughing.
Someone blasting music from their phone somewhere near the stairs.
Andrea walked through it all with her headphones around her neck, not playing anything this time.
She was listening.
To whispers.
To pieces of conversations that stopped when she passed.
The rumors hadn't disappeared.
They had just changed.
Now it wasn't only about Unico.
Now it was about the party.
About the bathroom.
About Samuel.
Andrea rolled her eyes and kept walking.
Let them talk.
It was easier to pretend she didn't care.
But pretending didn't make the looks disappear.
When she turned the corner near the cafeteria, she heard a familiar voice.
"Yeah, I heard she locked herself in the bathroom with him."
Andrea stopped.
Three guys from another class were standing near the vending machine.
One of them laughed.
"Samuel really has no standards."
Andrea felt her chest tighten.
She should walk away.
Ignore it.
But before she could move—
Another voice spoke behind them.
"Say that again."
Samuel.
The three boys turned.
Samuel stood there with his backpack hanging from one shoulder.
His expression wasn't playful this time.
One of the guys shrugged.
"Relax, we're just joking."
Samuel stepped closer.
"It didn't sound like a joke."
The hallway grew quieter around them.
People slowed down to watch.
The guy lifted his hands.
"Dude, it's just gossip."
Samuel's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then gossip about something else."
The guy looked confused.
"Why do you care?"
Samuel didn't hesitate.
"Because you sound stupid."
A few people nearby laughed.
The boys exchanged awkward looks.
Then one of them muttered something under his breath and they walked away.
Samuel turned around.
That's when he noticed Andrea standing there.
She had seen everything.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Andrea raised an eyebrow.
"You defending my honor now?"
Samuel smirked slightly.
"Don't get dramatic."
Andrea crossed her arms.
"You literally just did."
Samuel shrugged.
"They were annoying."
Andrea tilted her head.
"That's new."
Samuel leaned against the locker beside her.
"What?"
"You caring what people say."
Samuel scoffed.
"I don't care."
Andrea pointed down the hallway.
"You kinda did."
Samuel followed her gaze for a moment.
Then he sighed.
"Fine."
Andrea blinked.
"Fine?"
Samuel scratched the back of his neck.
"I just don't like idiots."
Andrea studied him carefully.
Something about him felt… different.
Not softer.
But less sharp than usual.
"Why?" she asked suddenly.
Samuel looked at her.
"Why what?"
"Why did you defend me?"
Samuel hesitated.
Then he shrugged.
"Because you're not as crazy as people say."
Andrea stared at him.
"That's your compliment?"
Samuel smirked.
"Take it or leave it."
Andrea shook her head, trying not to laugh.
"You're unbelievable."
Samuel pushed himself off the locker.
"I try."
They started walking toward the classroom together.
Halfway down the hallway, Andrea spoke again.
"You know… this is weird."
Samuel glanced at her.
"What is?"
"You not insulting me for five minutes."
Samuel thought about it.
"You want me to?"
Andrea rolled her eyes.
"Never mind."
They walked in silence for a moment.
Then Samuel said quietly,
"Hey."
Andrea looked at him.
"What?"
Samuel nodded toward the classroom door ahead.
"Neyman's staring again."
Andrea instinctively glanced forward.
Matthew was standing inside the classroom talking to a friend.
But his eyes were on her.
And Samuel.
Andrea immediately looked away.
Samuel noticed.
Then he leaned slightly closer to her and whispered,
"See?"
Andrea frowned.
"See what?"
Samuel smirked.
"You're the center of attention now."
Andrea sighed.
"Great."
Samuel opened the classroom door and stepped inside.
"Careful what you wish for, Paisley."
Andrea followed him in.
But she couldn't stop thinking about one thing.
For the first time since she met Samuel…
He hadn't been her enemy.
And that was somehow even more confusing.