The principal's office felt smaller than Maya remembered.
The walls seemed to press in as the door closed behind them, the click of the lock echoing louder than it should have. Principal Harrington gestured for them to sit, his expression unreadable as he settled behind his desk.
Maya's fingers tightened around Liam's hand. He did not let go.
I will be direct, Harrington said. The situation involving Vanessa Hawthorne has escalated beyond the school's internal handling.
Maya's chest tightened. Escalated how?
The original footage confirms deliberate manipulation, harassment, and intent to defame. The board is considering permanent expulsion.
A heavy silence followed.
Maya swallowed. Expulsion?
Yes. Harrington nodded. However, there are additional concerns.
Liam's posture shifted almost imperceptibly. What concerns?
The files were distributed anonymously, but the method suggests advanced access. Someone with technical skill. Someone familiar with the school's systems.
Maya's pulse spiked. She glanced at Liam, but his expression remained calm.
We are not accusing anyone, Harrington continued. But the board wants to understand how the breach occurred.
Are you asking if it was us? Maya asked quietly.
Harrington held her gaze. I am asking if either of you knows anything about how the files were leaked.
Liam spoke before she could. We do not.
The lie was smooth. Controlled. Perfect.
Maya's breath hitched, but she said nothing.
Harrington studied them for a long moment. Finally, he leaned back.
Very well. For now, you are free to return to class. But understand this investigation is ongoing. Discretion is advised.
Maya nodded, her throat too tight to speak.
As they stepped back into the hallway, the tension snapped all at once.
She stopped, turning to Liam. You lied.
He met her gaze. I protected us.
Her voice dropped. That was risky.
So was letting them tear you apart while hiding behind procedure.
She searched his face. Do you ever worry about the consequences?
Every day, he admitted. But some things are worth the risk.
Her chest ached at the quiet intensity of his words.
They walked in silence until they reached the staircase near the east wing. Students passed them, unaware of how close everything had come to unraveling.
Liam stopped at the bottom step.
There is something else you should know, he said.
Her heart thudded. What?
He hesitated. A rare thing for him.
Vanessa did not act alone.
Maya felt the world tilt. What do you mean?
There are others. People who helped her spread the lie. People who still think you are the problem.
A chill ran through her. Who?
Liam's jaw tightened. Names will come out soon. And when they do, it will get messy.
Maya stared at him, fear and resolve colliding inside her.
So this is not over.
No, he said softly. It is just changing shape.
She took a steady breath. Then we face it. Together.
His eyes softened, something fierce and tender flickering through them.
Together, he echoed.
And as the bell rang, sharp and final, Maya realized the truth had weight.
And it was about to pull everyone down with it.