The morning after dinner at Eli's house, Riven walked into Sunvale Academy with something he hadn't felt in months: lightness.
He had slept better, smiled easier. For once, the thought of being seen didn't weigh as much.
Because Eli's hand had held his all the way home, and his mother's words still echoed in his chest: You're safe here.
But the world outside Eli's door was not as kind.
---
The First Whisper
It started small.
Two students near the lockers, their voices low but sharp enough to cut.
"Did you hear? Eli Navarro and Riven Castillo… they're, like, together."
"No way. Seriously?"
"Yeah. Someone saw them holding hands near the park."
Riven's shoulders stiffened. His stomach sank. He pretended to rummage through his bag, but his ears burned.
---
The Classroom
By the time he entered first period, the whispers had multiplied.
Some were curious.
Some mocking.
Some just… waiting to see how this story would unfold.
Eli, on the other hand, walked in like he hadn't noticed a thing. He dropped his bag, leaned back in his chair, and shot Riven a look across the room.
You okay? his eyes asked.
Riven wanted to nod, to be brave, but his throat closed. He only managed the faintest shake of his head.
---
At Lunch
They sat together, trays untouched. The cafeteria buzzed louder than usual. Riven could feel eyes darting toward them, like needles pricking his skin.
"I can't," Riven whispered, pushing his food aside. "Eli, they're all—"
"Looking?" Eli said, voice steady. "Let them."
"You make it sound so easy," Riven snapped. "It's not easy for me! I can't breathe with everyone staring."
Eli softened immediately. "I know. I'm not saying you have to be okay with it right now. But Riven—hiding forever isn't living."
Riven's chest ached. Because he knew Eli was right. But fear still curled its claws deep inside him.
---
The Spark of Courage
That afternoon, as they walked down the hall, a boy from the basketball team muttered loud enough for everyone to hear:
"Guess the rumors were true. Freaks."
Riven froze. The hallway fell silent. Eyes turned.
But before Riven could shrink away, Eli's hand found his. Firm. Unshaken.
"Say it again," Eli challenged, his voice calm but cutting.
The boy faltered, glancing at the watching crowd. His smirk collapsed under Eli's unwavering stare. He turned away without another word.
And in that moment—though his pulse thundered and fear coiled tight—Riven realized something:
Eli wasn't just his courage. He was teaching Riven how to build his own.
---
That Night
Back in his room, Riven lay awake, the day replaying over and over. The whispers. The stares. The word "freak."
But also Eli's hand in his.
Eli standing tall.
Eli not letting go.
For the first time, Riven wondered if maybe—just maybe—he could learn to do the same. Not just survive the whispers. But rise above them.
And as the moonlight touched his face, he whispered into the dark:
"I want to be brave too."