The Distance Between Us

The tension in the air was suffocating. By the time Aria entered the cafeteria that afternoon, she could feel the weight of a hundred whispers trailing her every step. Conversations dropped to murmurs, curious eyes flicking toward her and away. The rumor mill had started spinning, and Aria was its new favorite subject.

She ignored it—or tried to. She could already guess the source of the chaos: Julian.

Aria sat down with her tray, forcing herself to meet the curious stares with indifference. But it wasn’t until Maya slid into the seat across from her, her expression a mixture of worry and irritation, that the extent of the damage became clear.

“You and Samuel?” Maya hissed, leaning forward. “Seriously, Aria?”

Aria blinked, startled. “What are you talking about?”

Maya rolled her eyes. “Don’t play dumb. People are saying you two were sneaking around together last night. Julian's been going on about how cozy you looked.”