Chapter 33
Tuesday morning felt heavier than usual. The hallways buzzed with the usual chatter, but Liana's mind was elsewhere, tangled in the uncertainty left by Aiden's words yesterday. "I may need some space for a while… I'm not gone, but I need to figure things out."
She understood his reasoning, but understanding didn't stop the ache twisting in her chest. His presence had always been her anchor—the quiet squeeze of his hand, the glance that said I'm here. Now, that anchor felt distant, leaving her to navigate the crowded hallways with a growing sense of unease.
Aiden fell into step beside her, sensing her tension immediately. "You're quiet," he murmured, gray eyes soft with concern. "Talk to me."
"I… I don't know," Liana admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I'm missing something… missing you."
He reached for her hand, a small anchor of warmth. "I'm still here," he said softly. "Just… not always the way we're used to. I promise I'm not leaving you. We'll get through this together."
Liana drew a shaky breath, grateful but conflicted. Trust, she realized, wasn't just about believing someone; it was about staying strong when circumstances made it hard to believe.
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By second period, Liana's thoughts kept drifting, making it difficult to focus. Every glance from Brianna felt sharper, every whisper heavier. Brianna seemed to sense the emotional tension radiating from her and moved closer, her smirk deliberate.
"You look… distracted," Brianna said loudly, ensuring nearby students heard. "Seems like even shadow girls have cracks in their armor."
Liana's chest tightened, but she refused to flinch. Instead, she focused on Aiden, standing just a few steps behind, his gray eyes calm, his hand brushing lightly against hers—a subtle reassurance that steadied her.
"I'm fine," Liana said firmly, voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. "No one's cracks matter if I know who I am."
Brianna's smirk faltered slightly, frustration flickering across her face. Liana felt a small surge of triumph—not because Brianna had failed, but because she had found strength in her own composure and in the quiet support of Aiden.
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Lunch was a mixture of chaos and tension. Liana arrived at their corner table to find Aiden already there, offering a comforting smile. The usual juice bottles and snacks were waiting, a small ritual that reminded her he was still present, still her anchor, even if temporarily distant.
As they sat, Brianna approached, moving deliberately through the cafeteria. "Still clinging to your little support system?" she said loudly, voice carrying enough for everyone nearby to hear.
Liana took a deep breath, resting her hand in Aiden's beneath the table. "We're fine," she said calmly. "Nothing you do can change that."
Brianna's smirk faltered again. This time, Liana noticed subtle glances from other students, small gestures of support that bolstered her confidence. She realized that strength wasn't just about standing alone—it was also about trusting herself and the people who truly cared.
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By the end of lunch, Liana felt a mixture of relief and quiet empowerment. The temporary distance from Aiden was challenging, but it had also forced her to confront her own emotions, to wrestle with uncertainty, and to find courage in vulnerability.
Walking toward their next class, hand brushing against Aiden's, Liana felt a budding certainty. Love, trust, and strength weren't about perfection or constant presence—they were about perseverance, patience, and believing in the bond that held them together, even when tested.
And for the first time that day, Liana felt a quiet, steady hope that no matter what came next, she could face it—with courage, with trust, and with Aiden by her side.
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