The next morning, Sophie tried to focus in class, but a strange tension hung in the air. Whispers seemed to follow her down the hallway, and she caught more than one pair of eyes glancing her way.
"Did you hear?" someone hissed behind her as she walked to her locker. Sophie froze.
"What?" she asked cautiously, turning to see a girl from her art class smirking.
"Apparently Ethan and you are spending a lot of time together… everyone's talking about it."
Sophie's stomach sank. "Talking about what?"
The girl shrugged, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. "You tell me."
Before Sophie could respond, Maya appeared, blocking her path. "Ignore them," she said firmly, grabbing Sophie's arm. "People love gossiping. Don't let it get to you."
Sophie tried to nod, but inside, panic bubbled. She hadn't meant to attract attention. She and Ethan were just partners—partners who happened to enjoy each other's company.
By lunchtime, the rumors had spread further. As Sophie sat at their usual table, she noticed a group of students whispering, glancing in their direction. Her pencil trembled slightly in her hand.
"Hey," Maya said, nudging her. "Forget them. Focus on the project."
Sophie forced a smile, but her thoughts were elsewhere. When Ethan arrived, he noticed her distracted expression.
"Everything okay?" he asked softly.
Sophie hesitated, then shook her head. "Just… people talking."
Ethan frowned. "About us?"
She nodded. "I didn't mean for anyone to notice we're working together."
He gave a small, understanding smile. "I don't care what they say. We're partners, right? That's all that matters."
Sophie's heart warmed at his words, but the worry lingered.
Later that day, Ryan, Ethan's best friend, approached Sophie in the hallway. He was tall, athletic, and full of confidence—everything Sophie felt she wasn't.
"Hey, Sophie," he said casually. "I hear you've been spending a lot of time with Ethan. Don't let it go to your head. He's a great guy, but he's not… yours."
Sophie blinked, startled by the veiled warning. "I'm not trying to—"
Ryan cut her off. "Just a friendly piece of advice. School's messy when rumors start. Watch your back."
Before she could respond, he walked away, leaving Sophie feeling small and uncertain.
That evening, Sophie sat at her desk at home, sketchbook open, trying to capture the moment without letting fear ruin it. Ethan's presence was like sunlight in her otherwise cloudy world—but now the shadows of gossip and jealousy threatened to dim it.
She paused, pencil hovering, and whispered to herself, "I can't let them ruin this. I won't."
And for the first time that day, determination replaced worry. She would face the whispers, the rivalries, and the rumors—but she wouldn't stop being herself. Not for anyone.