The morning felt heavier than usual. Maybe it was the way people stopped talking when Riley walked into the hallway, or the dozens of eyes following her like she'd just committed a crime.
Low whispers, muffled laughs, and the faint sound of phones clicking followed her.
Riley frowned, clutching her books tighter. "What… the hell?" she muttered under her breath.
Something was definitely wrong.
"Why are they all staring?" she whispered to herself. They did this sometimes,either they murmured or stare at her, but today felt different.
Lily came rushing toward her, face pale. "Riley, have you opened the school feed?"
Riley blinked, confused. "No. I don't usually go there. Why? Is there a problem?"
Lily sighed. "Good. Just don't open it and don't pay attention to anyone."
"What's going on? Why shouldn't I open it?" Riley pressed.
"Just don't, okay? I don't think…" Lily stopped midway, biting her lip. "You know what, just open it. You'll hear from others anyway, but promise not to break down, okay?"
Riley nodded, though hesitation clung to her. Slowly, she pulled out her phone. Her hands shook as she opened the school feed, her stomach twisting. The screen loaded, and her heart dropped.
[SchoolFeed]: Breaking News!
Seems like our tomboy and the soccer boy are finally official 💕
Attached were two photos: one of her and Jake outside the clinic yesterday, the lighting exaggerated to look romantic; another of them at the diner.
Caption: They're totally in love! Though it's kinda shocking Jake would go out with her...
Riley's throat tightened.
She scrolled down. The comments hit like punches.
"Lmao, is this a joke?"
"Didn't she have an allergy attack? Guess the sympathy worked."
"Jake's standards dropped faster than my grades."
"Can't believe that's his type. Disappointed."
"Thought she was into the red-haired guy. Guess Jake's blind."
"Love is blind hahaha."
Her hands trembled. She didn't even remember being alone with Jake outside the clinic. Why would someone twist things like this? Her chest hurt as laughter rippled around the hall. She'd just ruined Jake's reputation too.
"Riley!" Lily yelled, snatching the phone from her trembling hands. "This is why I didn't want you to see it. I don't know who's spreading all this."
"But… we weren't a–alone in the d–diner," Riley stammered.
"It's just a rumor," Lily said quickly. "It'll pass. Don't listen to them,they're cruel for fun."
Riley shook her head. "It won't pass, Lily. You don't get it. I went through hell in this school. And now a dating rumor with the football captain? Do you know how many girls will hate me for this?"
Lily stared at her. She did know. The whole school adored Jake,being linked to him was social suicide for any girl outside the popular circle.
"Just calm down, Riley. Everything will be fine," she said, though even she didn't sound convinced.
"Hey!" Jake's voice came from behind, breathless like he'd been running. "What's wrong?"
Lily showed him her phone. "Well… there's a dating rumor about you two. There are cropped photos, romantic effects, everything."
Jake's eyes widened as he saw the post. He could hear the whispers rising behind him. "But… we weren't alone in any of this. How'd they even get those shots?"
"I'm really sorry," Riley said softly, her voice cracking. "This is all my fault."
Jake frowned. "What do you... "
"I'm guessing you've all seen the post."
Liam's voice cut in as he appeared beside them. his expression a mix of irritation and anger. "Who would post something like that? You two aren't even that close," he said, looking between them.
Jake's jaw tightened. "Well, we must've been close enough for a rumor to start."
Liam's gaze flicked to Riley, who stood there with her head bowed. "Riley, are you okay?"
Riley took a shaky breath. "Jake, I think we should stop talking to each other until this dies down."
Lily groaned. "Seriously? You're letting a stupid rumor ruin your friendship?"
Jake scoffed. "Yeah, and so what if you were my girlfriend? It's no one's business."
"But... "
"No buts. Come on, let's go to class." He threw an arm around her shoulder and guided her down the hall.
Liam stood there, frozen, his chest tight like something sharp was pressing into it.
"It would've been cute if they were together," Lily said sweetly.
Liam didn't answer. He just turned and walked off, jaw clenched.
Lily smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, this is turning out better than I planned," she whispered.
---
The cafeteria buzzed louder than usual. Whispers chased Riley's every step as she sat at her usual table. People pointed, giggled, whispered.
Jake joined her with Liam and Alex, while Lily slid into the seat beside Riley.
"Don't you think sitting with her will only make things worse?" Liam said to Jake.
"I'm not staying away because of some rumor," Jake shot back.
Liam frowned. "You can't be serious... "
"Enough, both of you," Lily interrupted. "We're not talking about that here."
Riley poked her food, pretending she didn't hear the snickers from nearby tables. Alex tried to lighten the mood with bad jokes, but it didn't do any good.
Until a girl with glossy hair, Brianna sauntered over to their table.
"Well, if it isn't Jake's little girlfriend," she said loudly, making sure half the cafeteria could hear.
Jake stiffened. Riley blinked, confused. "What?"
Brianna smirked, tilting her phone to show the school feed. "You two make such a cute couple," she drawled. "Didn't know you liked going for… that type, Jake."
Riley's face drained. "That's not—"
"Don't bother," Brianna cut her off, crossing her arms. "You've always been desperate for attention. Dressing like a boy so people notice you. Or maybe you think it makes you special?"
That one hit hard.
Before Riley could speak, Liam shot up, his chair screeching. "Watch your mouth," he snapped. "You got nothing better to do than coming here to run your mouth?"
"Ooh, protective much?" Brianna sneered. "You two got a thing too?"
"Shut up and get lost," Liam snapped.
"Liam, stop," Riley said quietly, tugging at his sleeve.
He frowned down at her. "Why? She's humiliating you and you're just sitting here."
"Just let it go," Riley whispered. "It's not worth it."
He stared like she'd lost her mind. "Not worth it? Riley, she's humiliating you in front of everyone. You're just gonna sit here?"
"Liam, chill," Jake said firmly. "She's had a rough day."
"Don't tell me to chill," Liam snapped. "You're okay with everyone making jokes about both of you? You think this'll stop if she keeps pretending it doesn't bother her?"
"Liam, stop!" Riley snapped, her voice louder than she meant. Heads turned toward their table. "I don't need you to fight for me!"
His eyes narrowed. "Then fight for yourself!"
Her chair screeched back as she stood. "You think I haven't tried? You think ignoring them means I don't care? You don't get it, Liam! We're not even close, you don't know anything about me! This is my fight, so I'll deal with it!"
Liam froze, her words cutting deeper than she realized. His hands balled into fists. His voice dropped coldly. "You act like it doesn't bother you when it does. Keep pretending. And if you're gonna dress like a boy, then act like one and stand up for yourself."
Alex's jaw dropped. "Dude, that was too much.. "
Liam didn't wait to hear it. He walked out, muttering under his breath.
Riley's hands trembled as she stared at her tray. Her appetite was gone. Brianna snorted and walking back to her table.
Jake reached out gently. "Riley..."
Lily's lips curved, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. She hadn't expected things to escalate this perfectly.
"Just… don't," Riley said, voice breaking. She stood and left the cafeteria.
And as she walked out, every whisper followed her like a shadow she couldn't shake.