The fluorescent lights of Westbrook High were harsh and unforgiving, a stark contrast to the glamour of the night before. Emily adjusted her glasses nervously as whispers swirled around the hallways.
"You're the fashion designer?"
"Jake was with her at the gala!"
Emily tried to keep her head down, but Jake caught her just before biology class.
"Hey," he said, smiling gently. "You okay?"
She nodded, though inside, emotions swirled — excitement, fear, hope.
"It was overwhelming," she admitted softly.
Jake reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here. For you."
For the first time, Emily felt a small spark of courage to face the world — knowing she wasn't alone.
High school gossip was relentless. By the next day, Emily's secret was no longer a secret.
Whispers followed her down the halls. Some admired her; others were cruel.
Emily felt eyes burning holes into her back. The stares were heavier than any designer's pressure.
But Jake was a shield. He stood by her side, his presence fierce and protective.
"Ignore them," he said firmly. "They don't know you like I do."
Emily swallowed hard, drawing strength from his words.
The halls that once felt suffocating began to feel a little less so — with Jake by her side.