(Michelle Lui's POV)
By Tuesday morning, the campus looked normal.
Sunny.
Crowded.
Alive.
Students rushed around the fountain, arms full of books, iced coffees sweating in their hands, laughter echoing across the quad.
But inside my chest?
A soft bruise lingered from Friday.
Not because of what Lara said.
But because of what she hadn't said.
And because of what Steven almost said.
He had walked away last Friday with something heavy on his shoulders—like he was carrying guilt, hesitation, and the need to protect me all at once.
It made me uneasy.
Not scared.
Not regretful.
Just… uneasy.
Because I knew this wouldn't end neatly.
Feelings never do.
I inhaled as I entered the Physics building, adjusting the strap of my bag. My outfit—a navy cardigan and a white pleated skirt—felt almost too bright for my mood.
Be calm, I reminded myself.
Be steady. For everyone.
When I turned the corner—
Steven was already there.
Leaning against the wall.
Hands in his pockets.
