Rumors spread faster than wildfire at Riverside High.
By Monday morning, everyone was talking.
"Maya and Ethan were seen together again."
"They were alone this time."
"Do you think they're dating?"
Maya kept her head down as she walked through the hallway.
Every whisper felt louder than the last.
She hated attention.
But this—
This was different.
This was dangerous.
Inside the classroom, things didn't get better.
The moment she sat down, someone slammed a book onto her desk.
Maya flinched.
She looked up.
Lily Morgan.
Her expression was cold.
"We need to talk," Lily said.
The classroom went silent.
Maya hesitated, then stood up slowly.
They walked out into the hallway.
The moment they were alone, Lily crossed her arms.
"I don't know what game you're playing," she said sharply, "but stay away from Ethan."
Maya blinked.
"I'm not playing any game."
Lily let out a short laugh.
"Please. Girls like you don't just suddenly get his attention for no reason."
Maya felt something twist inside her.
Girls like you.
Invisible.
Insignificant.
She clenched her fists slightly.
"You don't know anything," Maya said quietly.
Lily stepped closer.
"Then explain why he keeps looking at you."
Maya didn't answer.
Because she couldn't.
Lily leaned in slightly, her voice dropping.
"Whatever it is… stop. Before it gets ugly."
Maya held her gaze.
For the first time—
She didn't look away.