Accusation

Noah stepped closer, his eyes landing on Aiden before shifting back to me. "I tried calling you," he said, his voice even, but there was a tension underneath that made my stomach twist.

I gripped the strap of my bag tighter. "I didn't hear it," I said quickly, my voice soft. "I was… busy."

"Right," Noah said, his gaze darting to Aiden. "I can see that."

I flinched at the accusation in his tone. "It's not like that, Noah."

Noah's brows raised in mock surprise. "Then what is it, Ellie? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you've been ignoring my calls to hang out with him."

I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out. I glanced at Aiden, who stood with his shoulders relaxed, his hands shoved into the pockets of his sweater. He was calm on the outside, but I could feel the tension radiating from him.

"Noah," Aiden said, his voice low, "don't take it out on Ellie."