Racheal sat on the empty bench, her head buried in her hands. The laughter and whispers that had followed her since the rumors began still clung to her ears, and now Erica—her one safe place—had walked away.
Her chest ached, hollow yet heavy. For the first time in weeks, she wondered if maybe this was the breaking point. Every shadow seemed longer, every sound sharper, every glance a judgment. She felt exposed. Vulnerable.
Then, a voice. Smooth. Mocking. Too close.
"You look lost."
Racheal froze. Slowly, she lifted her head—only to find him. Mr. Unknown. Sitting right beside her like a shadow made flesh, hood drawn low, the same calm smirk etched across his face.
And he wasn't alone.
Two guys stood slightly behind him. She recognized them instantly. One was Gideon—someone she'd seen around campus, always laughing in groups, always seeming untouchable. The other was silent, taller, his expression unreadable as his arms stayed crossed against his chest.
Racheal's throat tightened. She hadn't even heard them approach. Every nerve screamed at her to run, but her legs refused.
Mr. Unknown leaned back casually, as though this was nothing more than a friendly chat. "You've been busy. Gossip follows you like perfume, doesn't it?"
The silent one didn't speak, only watched.
But Gideon… Gideon's eyes betrayed him. He wasn't mocking her, not really. There was something in his gaze—hesitation, maybe even pity.
Racheal swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet Mr. Unknown's smirk with steady eyes. "If you came here to make me crumble, you'll be disappointed."
Mr. Unknown chuckled low. "Disappointed? Oh no. You intrigue me, Racheal. That's why I haven't destroyed you yet." He leaned closer, voice dropping. "But don't mistake patience for mercy."
Her skin crawled, but she refused to look away. "You think you've won. But you don't know me… Whatever you plan, it won't crush me. It'll only make me stronger."
She stood abruptly, knees weak but back straight. And without another glance, she walked away.
Silence stretched in her absence.
Mr. Unknown tapped his knuckles against the bench once, sharp and deliberate. "She'll learn," he muttered, eyes still fixed on her fading figure. "They all do."
The silent one finally spoke, his voice deep and cutting. "She won't break easy."
Mr. Unknown smirked. "All the better. Breaking something fragile is boring. But breaking something strong?" He gave a low laugh. "That's satisfying."
Gideon's jaw tightened. His eyes lingered on where Racheal had disappeared. The way she walked—shoulders squared despite her trembling steps—stirred something in him he didn't expect.
"You hesitated," the silent one said suddenly, eyes narrowing at Gideon.
"No," Gideon shot back, too quickly.
"You did."
Mr. Unknown finally turned his gaze to him, smile thin and sharp. "I noticed it too. Gideon has… a soft spot, perhaps?" His smirk widened. "Don't worry. Fear has a way of curing loyalty issues."
Gideon clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug into his palms. He said nothing. Because what could he say?
Racheal had walked away believing he was just like the rest.
But deep inside, something shifted.
Maybe, when the time came, he wouldn't stay silent again.
And maybe… she had already changed everything without knowing it.