The next morning, Lena woke up with a dull ache in her chest—not from exhaustion, but from worry.
Last night had been another late-night study session in Ethan's room. The cuddles, the kisses, the stolen touches—it had been intoxicating. But now… now she couldn't shake the feeling that someone had noticed.
And someone had.
By the time she reached the dining hall, whispers were already circulating.
"Did you see Lena and Ethan last night?" one girl asked, nudging her friend.
"They were… together," another whispered, her eyes wide.
Lena froze mid-step, heart hammering. Together?
She tried to keep her face neutral, sitting down quietly with her breakfast, but every giggle, every glance around the hall made her feel exposed.
Ethan slid in beside her, calm as ever.
"Morning," he said softly, glancing around.
She nodded, barely trusting her voice.
"Did… anything happen last night?" she asked, voice low.
He shook his head, a slight smirk on his lips. "We studied. That's it. Don't let the rumors get to you."
But they were already spreading.
Lena felt panic bubbling in her chest. What if Maya hears? What if the whole lodge knows?
The day dragged on. Every glance felt like an accusation. Every whisper felt like a knife in her back.
By evening, Lena found herself back in Ethan's room, books open, but she wasn't really reading.
"Are you okay?" Ethan asked, noticing the tension in her shoulders.
"I… I don't know," she admitted. "It feels like… everyone knows something, and I don't even know what to do."
Ethan reached out, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Ignore them. You and I… we know the truth. That's what matters."
Lena exhaled, feeling the tension ease slightly. Yet, she knew the truth—no matter how close they got, no matter how carefully they hid it, someone would eventually find out.
And the risk of being caught made every stolen kiss, every touch, every moment they shared in the dark, feel even more… thrilling.
She rested her head on his shoulder, letting herself forget the whispers for just a little while.
But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning.
Some secrets weren't meant to stay hidden.