By the next morning, the whole school knew.
The video of Aria and Chloe's fight had already gone viral in the student group chat — the punches, the shouting, the way Ethan rushed in to hold Aria back. Everyone had seen it. Everyone had opinions.
Some whispered that Aria had finally gone too far.
Others said she fought for love.
But to Aria, it didn't matter anymore. She'd done what her heart demanded — and now she was ready to face the storm that came with it.
The announcement hit the school speakers before first period:
"Aria Mitchell and Ethan Gray, please report to the principal's office immediately."
The halls went quiet. Heads turned.
Chloe stood by her locker, her lip covered with concealer, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. Jackson leaned lazily against the wall beside her, arms crossed, watching Aria with mocking eyes.
Ethan walked beside Aria in silence. His expression was calm, unreadable — but there was something different about him today. Something steady, strong.
When they entered the principal's office, Principal Davis was already waiting, disappointment etched across his face. "Aria, Ethan… this behavior is unacceptable. A public fight? Damaged property? Do you have any idea what this means for the school's reputation?"
Aria swallowed hard. Her voice shook slightly when she spoke.
"I take full responsibility, sir. It was my fault—"
"No."
Ethan's voice cut through the tension, quiet but powerful. Everyone in the room froze.
He stepped forward, meeting the principal's gaze. "It wasn't her fault alone. Chloe provoked her, and Jackson attacked me two days ago. Aria only stepped in to protect me."
Principal Davis blinked, caught off guard. "Mr. Gray… are you saying you were assaulted on school grounds?"
"Yes," Ethan said firmly. "And I didn't report it because I didn't want more trouble. But Aria shouldn't be punished for defending someone who was being targeted."
The room went still. Even Chloe's fake confidence began to crack.
Aria turned her head slowly toward Ethan — her eyes wide, her heart pounding. This was the same boy who once couldn't look anyone in the eye… now standing tall, defending her.
Chloe scoffed behind them. "Oh, please. You think anyone believes that? You're just—"
"Careful," Ethan said sharply, cutting her off. His voice wasn't angry — it was calm, cold, and commanding. "You've already said too much."
The air shifted. For the first time, no one saw Ethan as the quiet one — they saw him as someone who'd finally found his strength.
Principal Davis sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Given the situation, I have no choice. Both parties involved in the fight — Aria Mitchell and Chloe Summers — will be suspended for three days. Ethan, thank you for your honesty."
Aria nodded silently. She wasn't afraid of suspension — not after everything that happened. But as she and Ethan walked out of the office, she felt his hand brush against hers.
"You don't have to thank me," he said softly. "You've been fighting for me since the start. I think it's my turn to fight for you."
Aria looked at him — really looked at him — and for the first time, she didn't see the boy she once teased.
She saw the man he was becoming — calm, fierce, and unshakably loyal.
And she realized… she was falling even deeper.