It started with whispers in the hallway.
Some students had started spreading rumors—small, petty lies twisting Ava's words and making it seem like she wasn't… trustworthy. Nothing dangerous, but enough to make her cheeks burn and her shoulders tense every time she passed a group of classmates.
Ava tried to ignore it. She usually did. But today, a particularly loud comment made her stop in her tracks.
"She thinks she's better than everyone. Noah doesn't even like her!" someone sneered.
Noah, who had been walking behind her, froze. Then his eyes narrowed. That protective, chaotic energy that made him impossible to ignore surged.
"Hey!" he barked, stepping forward. "Back off."
The hallway went quiet. Students turned to watch as Noah squared his shoulders, facing the group. "Ava's one of the smartest, kindest, most creative people I know. And anyone who talks trash about her in my presence… you better rethink your life choices."
Ava's eyes widened. She had never seen him like this—fierce, unapologetic, unwavering.
One of the students muttered something snide, and Noah took a step closer, voice calm but firm. "I said enough. Leave her alone. Or deal with me."
The group shuffled awkwardly, muttering under their breath. Noah didn't back down until every single student had moved away, muttering, "Whatever…"
Ava, stunned, finally spoke. "Noah… you didn't have to do that."
He shrugged, running a hand through his hair, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I did. You're important to me. I don't like seeing anyone treat you like that. Not now, not ever."
Ava felt a rush of warmth—gratefulness, relief… and something deeper. Her chest fluttered, heart racing. "Thank you… really."
Noah stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I've been wanting to say this for a while… Ava, I like you. And not just in secret or joking around. I mean it. I'm not going to let anyone, or anything, mess with that."
Ava blinked, heart pounding, then smiled softly. "I like you too… more than I thought I would."
For a moment, nothing else existed—the chaos of the hallway, the whispers, the teasing—it all faded. Just Noah, just Ava, standing together.
It wasn't dramatic fireworks or a big public scene. Just honesty, courage, and the kind of fierce loyalty that made them stronger together.
And for Ava, it wasn't just that he fought for her—it was that he believed in her, and in them.
Hand in hand, hearts beating fast, they walked away from the hallway whispers, ready to face whatever came next—together.