The classroom was already full when I walked in. I slid into my usual seat beside Miriam, who gave me a look before resting her chin in her palm.
"How far?" she muttered.
I sighed, pulling out my notebook. "I'm fine."
She raised a brow but said nothing. She knew better.
Professor Mick strolled in a moment later, adjusting his glasses. "Alright, let's get started. Last class, we discussed the impact of social media on reputation. Today, we're going deeper. The power of perception."
I felt Zion before I looked at him. Across the room. Silent. Watching.
His eyes weren't as sharp as the last time, but they still held something I couldn't place.
I tore my gaze away.
Stephen leaned forward in his seat. "Perception is everything, sir," he said smoothly.
I turned slightly. He was right beside me.
Stephen. Calm. Collected. Easy.
"Elaborate," Professor Mick prompted.
Stephen flashed a small grin. "Well, people don't see the truth. They see what they want to believe. What's the difference between a saint and a villain? Reputation. You could be the kindest person alive, but if the world decides you're wicked…" He snapped his fingers. "That's it. That's who you are."
A few students murmured in agreement.
Professor Mick nodded. "That's a valid point. Public perception often outweighs reality."
Someone snickered behind me. A girl.
"Some people earn their reputation, though," she muttered. "Abi?"
Laughter rippled through the room.
I didn't react.
I was used to it. The whispers. The snide remarks. The sideways glances. It was nothing new.
But Stephen? He turned.
His smile was gone. "That's a cowardly thing to say," he said lightly.
The room went still.
The girl blinked. "Excuse me?"
Stephen leaned back, his voice casual. "I said, that's a cowardly thing to say. If you're going to insult someone, at least have the guts to say their name."
A few heads turned toward me.
I felt the weight of Zion's stare. Still silent. Still watching.
The girl scoffed, flipping her braids over her shoulder. "I wasn't talking about anybody."
Stephen raised a brow. "Oh? So why is your voice shaking?"
Murmurs. A few chuckles.
Miriam smirked.
Professor Mick sighed, but I caught the small amused twitch of his lips. "Alright, that's enough. Let's stay on topic."
Stephen leaned back, satisfied.
Zion clicked his tongue. Loud enough for me to hear.
"Wow. So noble," he muttered under his breath.
I stiffened.
Stephen turned slightly, but his expression remained neutral. "You say something?"
Zion gave him a lazy smile, tilting his head. "Nah, just admiring how… gallant you are. Standing up for—" He paused, eyes flickering to me. "—a cause you don't even understand."
A slow burn spread through my chest.
Stephen chuckled. "You mean defending someone from cheap talk? Doesn't take much to understand that."
Zion's smile sharpened. "Or maybe it's just that some people enjoy playing hero. Even when it's not their fight."
The tension thickened.
I clenched my jaw. "If you have something to say, Zion, say it properly."
He looked at me then, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Nothing. I'm just observing. Stephen seems very… invested."
Stephen exhaled a soft laugh. "You sound bothered, bro. Why?"
The class hummed with quiet interest.
Miriam placed a hand on my arm. Warning me.
I pulled away. "Enough. This isn't a pissing contest."
Professor Mick finally spoke. "Agreed. If you two are done posturing, let's get back to the discussion."
Zion leaned back, crossing his arms. But his gaze stayed on me.
Stephen tapped his pen against the desk. I could feel his amusement beside me.
I exhaled slowly.
This was getting messy.