Ethan rubbed his eyes and stood, stretching lazily. "I'm not going to school today," he muttered, heading toward the kitchen.
Aria frowned, crossing her arms. "Why not?"
He didn't look back. "Because I don't feel like sitting in a place where people whisper behind my back."
She took a step closer, her voice soft but firm. "Then I'll make sure they don't."
Ethan turned, half-smiling. "You'll make sure?"
"Yes," she said seriously. "You're going to school, and if anyone says a word about you—anyone—I'll deal with them myself. Even my friends won't dare. I promise you."
He stared at her for a moment, surprised by how sincere she sounded. Then he chuckled quietly. "I don't need your protection, Aria. You were one of the people who made fun of me, remember?"
Her chest tightened. She lowered her gaze. "I know… and I regret it. I was stupid, Ethan. I'm sorry, okay? Please forgive me."
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're unbelievable," he muttered.
But he walked past her anyway, heading toward his room to change.
When he came out, his uniform was neatly pressed, his hair still damp from a quick shower.
Aria was waiting by the door, still wearing his shirt — the same oversized one from last night — tucked loosely into her skirt.
He froze, looking her up and down.
"You're really going to school like that?"
She glanced at him, completely unbothered. "Yes. Why?"
"You're wearing my shirt," he said, trying not to smile.
"I know," she replied. "It's comfortable."
He shook his head in disbelief as she grabbed her bag and opened the door. "Do you even realize what people will say?"
"I don't care," she said simply, stepping out into the sunlight. "Let them talk."
Ethan stared at her for a moment longer — the girl who once laughed at him now walking proudly in his clothes, not caring what anyone thought.
And for the first time in a long while, he smiled to himself.