The day felt heavier than any before.
Even the sunlight streaming through the windows seemed cautious, filtering through the blinds like it didn't want to be noticed.
Her phone buzzed once, twice—notifications from classmates she didn't normally talk to.
By second period, someone finally approached.
"Hey… you're new here, right?" a girl from the neighboring class asked, her voice casual, but with an edge of curiosity.
She looked up, calm. "Yes."
The girl hesitated. "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before… maybe in a show, or online?"
She kept her expression neutral. "People tend to look familiar sometimes."
Lucien, sitting a desk away, noticed the way the girl's eyes lingered. He leaned slightly forward. "Some people just resemble others," he said smoothly.
The girl blinked, laughed awkwardly, and walked away.
During lunch, whispers floated through the air like invisible chains.
She could hear pieces:
"Isn't she…?"
"Wait, that means…"
Her chest tightened slightly, but she stayed composed.
Lucien leaned closer. "You can't hide forever," he said quietly.
She nodded. "I know. But some truths… don't need to be fully revealed yet."
He glanced at her, eyes steady. "I don't need the full truth. I just need you."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Then you already have it."
Later, when the last class ended, she stayed behind for a moment, straightening books on her desk.
Lucien waited, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"You're calm," he said.
"I have to be," she replied. "Some questions can't be avoided, and some people will pry no matter what I do. The only thing I can control is how I respond."
He nodded slowly. "Then we face them together."
Her gaze softened. "We do."
Outside, the hall was emptying, but the air still buzzed with unspoken words.
For the first time, she realized: once even a little truth escapes, there's no turning back.
And she didn't want to.