/Jake/
It wasn't something new for me to face. I had always been the center of attention — whether I wanted it or not. Ever since I came out, it felt like the world had placed a spotlight on me. In school, it was the seniors who cornered me in hallways, whispering slurs with fake smiles. And now, it was a leaked video turning me into lunchtime gossip.
I had grown used to the stares. Hardened to them, even. That's why I kept my circle tight — a few friends, enough space, and no expectations. But when Leo looked at me earlier, his face tight with guilt and quiet concern, something broke.
It wasn't his fault. I knew it wasn't.
Still, seeing him like that — holding back his own emotions just to make space for mine — cracked the shell I'd built. The tears I had locked away for so long slipped out without warning, leaving trails down my cheek and a tightness in my chest I couldn't explain.
Leo didn't try to fix it. He didn't flood me with empty promises or say it'd all be okay. He just stood there, still as stone, then pulled me in. No words. Just a hug. A real one. The kind that told me I was safe. That I didn't have to hold myself together for a while.
And God, I didn't want to leave that hug. I wanted to stay wrapped in that warmth — just a little longer.
I was sitting at my desk, trying to refocus, when a familiar hand landed on my shoulder — warm, not cold like the rest of the world.
"Hey… are you okay?" Zara's voice was soft, but I could hear the fire buried beneath it.
I turned to face her, letting her read the leftover storm on my face. "Yeah," I lied, because that's what you do when you don't want to fall apart all over again.
She frowned. "Your face is puffy. Who hurt you? Just give me a name — I'll rearrange their face."
I almost laughed. That was Zara. My storm, my soldier, my ride-or-die since college. The one who saw me getting the crap beaten out of me behind the library and stepped in without hesitation. She'd always been the kind of person who fought first and asked questions later — for me, at least.
"Nothing happened," I said, gently grabbing her rolled-up sleeves before she stormed off into battle. "I'm fine, really."
But deep down, I wasn't sure if I was fine. I just knew that with people like Zara and Leo by my side… I could try to be.
"Are you sure nothing happened?" Zara narrowed her eyes, scanning every inch of my face like she could x-ray my soul. "Then why does it look like you cried yourself empty?"
I picked up my phone and opened the front camera. She wasn't wrong — my eyes were rimmed with red, and my cheeks puffed up like I'd been punched by feelings. I turned the screen off and met her stare with a faint smile.
"Who'd dare hurt me when I have a strong, beautiful warrior goddess standing behind me?" I teased, nudging her shoulder.
Zara rolled her eyes and pulled me into one of those bone-cracking hugs she's famous for. "Damn right. I'll always stand behind you. Or in front — with a bat."
Being wrapped in her arms reminded me that I wasn't alone anymore. I had people. I had her. And Leo… maybe even Leo.
"Well…" I started, stepping back from the hug. "I saw Leo earlier."
Her eyebrow shot up. "Wait — did he make you cry like that? Because I'll break his face."
"No! No." I quickly waved off the rising storm. "He comforted me. Actually… he hugged me. Like, no words. Just that."
Zara softened, but her inner guard stayed halfway up. "Okay... go on."
I hesitated for a second, then dropped the bomb. "He asked me to have dinner with his parents."
Her jaw dropped so hard I thought it might hit the floor. "He what?"
"He said they saw the footage, and there wasn't time to explain… so he needs backup. A fake boyfriend backup."
Zara stared at me, then slowly tilted her head. "Are you actually going?"
"I mean… he's done a lot for me. It's only fair I return the favor. This fake relationship should benefit both sides, right?"
She folded her arms, lips pursed like a mom who wasn't buying it. "Jake. This fake relationship is walking its way straight into the 'real' zone."
I stayed silent for a moment… then quietly asked, "Would you mind if I did date him someday?"
Zara smiled — warm and understanding, but with a glint in her eye. "I know you. You wouldn't fall for just anyone. So if it's him — and it becomes real — you'll have my full support." She stepped closer. "But if he ever hurts you, even once… I will break his legs. And then I'll smile doing it."