When Monday came, something had changed.
Not just the way people looked at Eli and Riven… but the way the school had started looking at them.
A letter went out through the student group chat at 7:14 a.m.
> "Reminder from Admin: Public displays and online posting of conduct that may 'disturb campus harmony' will now be monitored and addressed accordingly."
– Sunvale Academy Office
No names. No direct accusations.
But everyone knew exactly who it was about.
Eli stared at the message on his phone. His hands were steady—but his heart wasn't. "So now loving someone counts as disturbing the peace?" he muttered.
Riven's expression was darker. "They can't punish us openly… so they'll shame us quietly."
There it was again—the fight neither of them had signed up for, coming back like a tide.
---
Later – Guidance Office
They were called in "for a talk."
The guidance counselor smiled in that too-kind way adults use when they're about to do something cruel.
"We're simply… concerned," she said, fingers folded delicately. "With all the online attention, it might be best if you two remain more... discreet. You know how impressionable students can be."
Eli didn't speak.
Riven did.
"Is this a warning?"
"Of course not," she replied sweetly. "Just advice. Careful boys don't draw fire."
Riven's jaw flexed, but Eli touched his hand under the table. Not here, his eyes said.
But something inside Riven had already snapped.
---
Music Room – After Classes
Riven didn't speak for a long time. He just sat at the piano, staring at the keys like they were holding answers.
Eli leaned beside him. "You're angry."
"I'm not angry." Riven's voice was quiet, too controlled. "I'm tired."
"Tired… of me?" Eli asked, even though he already knew the answer.
Riven's head whipped toward him. "Never you. I am tired of having to explain why you matter. Why we matter. I shouldn't have to earn the right to hold your hand in a hallway."
Eli searched his face. "Then maybe we stop explaining and start fighting."
Riven blinked. "What?"
"My whole life, I stayed silent because I thought that was the safest way to live," Eli said softly. "But then you came. And I realized loving you loudly is worth every scar."
Riven's breath trembled. "What if I'm not strong enough?"
Eli took his hand and placed it over his own racing heart. "Then I'll be strong for both of us… until you catch up."
For a moment, Riven just stared. Then something in him softened—like the burn finally unstiffened in his chest.
"You're dangerous," he whispered.
Eli's lips curved. "So stay with me anyway."
Outside the window, another rumor might already be forming. Another post. Another whisper.
Inside the quiet music room, two boys held each other just a little tighter.
Because brave isn't always loud.
Sometimes… brave is staying, even when the world tells you to disappear.
---