The next morning, the rooftop moment still lingered in Riven's chest like a secret warmth.
For once, he walked through the halls without feeling entirely invisible—or entirely crushed by the weight of stares. Eli had a way of making the air feel lighter, even when the world pressed in.
But peace never lasted long.
As he stepped into the classroom, the room fell silent for a beat too long. He could feel it instantly—eyes flicking his way, hushed whispers, the faint sound of a laugh that wasn't kind.
He sat down stiffly, pulse quickening. Something was wrong.
Then he saw it.
On his desk lay a folded piece of paper, crude letters scrawled across the front:
"Freaks shouldn't pretend to be normal."
His fingers went numb.
---
The Confrontation
Before Riven could crumple the paper, Eli appeared, sliding into the seat beside him. He noticed instantly.
"What's that?"
Riven shook his head, trying to shove it into his bag. "Nothing. Just—don't."
But Eli caught a glimpse of the words. His jaw tightened, eyes darkening like a storm.
"Who did this?" His voice was low but sharp, drawing attention.
Riven's panic spiked. Everyone was watching now. That was the last thing he wanted.
"Eli, please, just leave it—"
"No," Eli snapped, standing abruptly. His chair screeched against the floor. "Who thought this was funny?"
The room buzzed with tension, some students shifting uncomfortably, others smirking, satisfied to see the reaction. No one spoke up.
Riven grabbed Eli's wrist, pulling him down with trembling urgency.
"Stop," he whispered, eyes pleading. "If you fight them, they win. Just… sit down."
For a long moment, Eli looked like he might explode. Then, slowly, he lowered himself back into his seat, fists clenched.
---
The Breaking Point
Riven spent the rest of the class in silence, the paper burning a hole in his bag. His heart thudded painfully. The rooftop warmth was gone, replaced by cold fear.
When the bell rang, he bolted for the door, but Eli caught up quickly.
"Riven—"
"Don't," Riven said sharply, surprising even himself. He turned, eyes flashing with a mix of anger and despair. "You don't get it. Standing up for me doesn't make it better. It just paints a bigger target on my back."
Eli froze, stung. "So what, I'm just supposed to watch while they tear you down? Pretend it doesn't matter?"
"Yes!" Riven's voice cracked, raw and desperate. "Because if you care too loudly, they'll come after you, too. And I can't—" His voice broke. "I can't be the reason you get hurt."
The words hung heavy between them.
Eli stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Riven… you don't get to decide that for me. I'd rather stand with you and take every hit than watch you crumble alone."
Riven's throat tightened. Tears stung at the edges of his eyes, but he blinked them back.
"Then you're a fool," he whispered.
Eli's lips curved into the faintest, sad smile. "Maybe. But I'm your fool."
---
The Shift
For a long time, Riven couldn't speak. Couldn't breathe. Because despite the fear clawing inside him, Eli's words were the first thing that made him believe—just a little—that maybe he wasn't as alone as he thought.
But as they walked out of the classroom, whispers still followed them like shadows.
And Riven knew one thing for certain: this wasn't the end.
This was only the beginning.