Chapter 22:
The warm atmosphere of the newly formed couple was not only uncomfortable, you could practically feel the heat rising.
Well… maybe that was just because summer had finally arrived.
I walked toward my seat and noticed Matt was back. We heard that after the trip, he caught a nasty cold. Actually, he texted me about it.
I felt bad. But I didn't know how to act without giving him the wrong idea. I didn't want any kindness to be misunderstood.
So yes, the awkwardness was louder than ever.
I sat down quietly. After a few minutes, I forced myself to speak.
"How are you feeling?"
He turned to me, and his face lit up instantly. Like he didn't expect me to talk to him.
"I'm okay now. Thanks for asking."
Then he scratched the back of his neck and added, almost too quickly:
"You know… just forget what I said to you on the last day of the trip. I didn't really mean it like that."
He laughed it off, but I could see the embarrassment in his eyes.
My chest tightened. I felt guilty.
I gently placed my hand on his head.
"Oh, I see. It's okay. Don't worry."
I pulled my hand back and smiled.
"Friends, right?"
He looked at me — shock, confusion, maybe disappointment — all flashing across his face before he nodded.
"Yeah. Friends."
I turned around just in time to greet Lily as she walked in.
At lunch, we went to the rooftop like always. The breeze was perfect now that summer had settled in. I could've stayed there forever.
But peace never lasts long, does it?
Lily had been acting strange ever since the Beau incident. I tried not to pressure her, thinking she would open up when she was ready.
…But patience is not my best quality.
"So," I started casually, "is everything okay? You sure you don't have something to tell me?"
Subtle. I know.
She immediately denied it and started filling the air with random school rumors. Completely unrelated. Completely fake interest.
I narrowed my eyes but let it go.
For now.
On our way back, someone blocked our path.
Luna.
Yes. The same Luna who slapped Beau in front of half the school.
"Can I talk to you?" she asked.
Lily and I both looked at each other.
"Me?" We both ask.
"No. You." Luna pointed at Lily.
Lily let out an awkward laugh. "I don't think we have anything to say to each other. I don't even know you."
"I'm sorry for coming like this," Luna said softly. "I waited for you to finish lunch. I just need to know something."
Lily stiffened.
"What is it?"
"It's about Beau."
The moment his name left Luna's mouth, Lily grabbed my hand.
"I don't know anything about him. We're in a hurry. Let's go, Lea."
We started walking, but Luna followed us.
"Please," she begged. "Don't let me look stupid. I know you knew him before. I just… I need to know I wasn't imagining it. That I really saw something genuine in him. That I'm not crazy. That he is actually a nice guy."
Lily stopped walking.
"I told you I don't know him. Just leave us alone."
"Please," Luna whispered, stepping in front of us. "I still love him."
Lily's grip on my hand loosened.
Luna continued, her voice trembling.
"He talked about you once. He said you went to the same middle school. And when he mentioned you… There was something in his voice. Sadness. Regret. I could see the real him in those moments. Not that fake version he shows everyone."
She reached out and held Lily's hands.
"Please. Just tell me one thing. Tell me he's kind."
There was a long silence.
Then Lily said quietly:
"He was."
Her jaw tightened.
"But not anymore. I'm sorry."
She pulled away and ran.
Luna stood there frozen, tears falling down her face. After a moment, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
And I?
I stood there, heart pounding.
Confused.
But not completely clueless anymore.
I knew there was a story here.
And this time… I wasn't going to let Lily escape it.
I ran after her.
It was time.