Aurora
By the next morning, the rumor had spread.
People whispered in hallways.
Glanced at her.
Glanced at Elias.
She saw girls whisper behind their hands:
"She was with him? Elias?"
"Why would she choose him over Adrian?"
"He's weird… quiet…"
Each word stung—but Aurora didn't care.
She was looking for Elias.
But every time she caught sight of him—at his locker, in the hallway, slipping into music class—he lowered his head and slipped away like a shadow frightened by light.
She understood.
He wasn't avoiding her.
He was avoiding everyone else.
Still, she needed to talk to him.
So she found him at lunch, sitting alone behind the auditorium.
"Elias," she said softly.
He looked up, startled. "Aurora—"
She sat beside him. "We need to talk."
He hesitated. "About yesterday?"
"And today," she said firmly. "About the rumors. About what you're afraid of."
Elias swallowed hard. "I don't want people talking about us."
"Why not?"
"Because they'll say you're only with me because you feel bad. Because you're trying to fix me. Because I don't—"
Aurora pressed a hand to his.
He froze.
"Elias. Listen to me."
Her voice was a whisper, gentle but unshakeable.
"I don't care what anyone says. I care about you."
"But—"
"And if people talk," she said, "then let them. I'm not ashamed of how I feel."
Elias had looked at her then—really looked—and something fragile in her had opened up.
Before she could speak—
Adrian had walked around the corner.
And he wasn't alone.
Two friends were with him, and their faces were hard.
"Of course," Adrian said coldly, "I should have known when you were sneaking up on her again."
Elias stiffened.
Aurora stood up immediately. "Adrian, stop."
"No," Adrian said, coming closer. "You need to hear this."
He pointed at Elias.
"What are you doing, huh? You think you can steal her? Hide behind her? You think you deserve—"
"Adrian, that's enough," Aurora snarled, her eyes blazing.
But Adrian wasn't done yet.
"You're no good, Elias. Nothing. And you're dragging her down with you."
Elias was shocked.
His fists were clenched—but he didn't fight back.
Aurora stepped between them, furious.
"Adrian, get out of my sight."
Adrian stared at her.
"You're going to choose him?" he asked softly.
Aurora didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
Adrian closed his eyes.
And for a moment—
he looked devastated.
He turned without another word and walked away.
But the damage was done.
Elias slowly sat back down, staring at the ground.
Aurora knelt down next to him. "Are you okay?"
Elias whispered, "Why would you choose me?"
Aurora gently touched his face.
"Because I see you. And you have no idea how important you are."