Although the new school year brought fresh hope, Mia and Liam soon realized that blending their worlds wasn't without its challenges. Old rumors lingered, and not everyone was ready to accept the change between them.
In group projects and social circles, they faced sideways glances and whispered doubts. At times, the weight of expectations threatened to pull them apart.
But each time, they reminded themselves why they had taken this step—not for others, but for the chance to be authentic, together.
As autumn leaves fell outside the window, they made a silent promise: no matter what, they would face whatever came next side by side.