The last bell rang.
Uniforms were signed. Shirts messy with ink and memories.
Ethan didn't send a friend this time.
He walked up to her.
Direct.
Steady.
"Maya."
She turned.
It felt different.
No hallway noise. No friends. Just them.
"If I asked you right now," he said quietly, "would you still say no?"
Her pride reacted before her fear.
"Yes."
There it was.
Final.
He studied her face for a long second. Searching. Hoping.
Then he nodded once.
"Okay. Then I'll stop."
And he meant it.
That was the first time Maya felt regret bloom instantly.
Like stepping off a staircase you didn't see.