"Truth in Shadows"

Ama yanked her hand away from Mark's grasp and, without hesitation, interlocked her fingers with Atlas. Together, they stepped away from him, leaving behind a charged silence that neither of them knew how to break.

Just as they were about to part ways, they both spoke at the same time.

"I'm sorry."

They froze, staring at each other before frowning in unison.

"For what?" they said simultaneously again.

A moment of silence—then a chuckle escaped both their lips.

Ama shook her head, smiling. "Why are you sorry?"

Atlas hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "For eavesdropping on your conversation." His voice was low, almost sheepish.

Ama narrowed her eyes at him.

He exhaled, continuing, "I was coming to meet you, but then I saw you having… an argument with that guy—Mark. I didn't mean to listen in, but I—" He trailed off, looking guilty.

Ama crossed her arms, glaring at him, but then something clicked. She raised an eyebrow. "Wait… so you knew I was at the park?"

Atlas gave a slow nod.

Her gaze sharpened. "You also found out about Kayol's suicide from our argument?"

Atlas hesitated, then nodded again.

Ama let out a dramatic sigh. "Eavesdropping isn't cool, Mr. Atlas Kace."

Atlas cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject. "What's your reason for saying sorry?"

She took a deep breath, eyes softening. "For everything, Atlas. I'm sorry for accusing you without reason. I'm sorry for being mean and rude to you when all you've ever done is save me and care for me. You were always there when I needed someone, and I… I took that for granted. And I'm sorry for today, because now you're tangled in whatever mess Mark is dragging me into. From now on, I promise—no, I swear—I won't be mean or rude to you again."

Atlas gave her an amused look. "Take a breath, Ama Watson. I'm not here to listen to your apology rap." He rolled his eyes playfully. "And anyway, there's no 'sorry' or 'thank you' in friendship."

Ama smirked. "Friendship? When did we become friends, Atlas?"

Atlas let out an exaggerated gasp. "See? You just broke your promise. You're being mean to me again!"

Ama chuckled, shaking her head. They parted ways, heading toward their respective classes, unaware that someone was watching them—eyes burning with something dark and unspoken.

Ama sat at her desk, thoughts swirling in her head. I've only ever had a few friends. Two of them are dead. The one left hates me with everything he has.

She exhaled slowly.

But now… I have Atlas.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like she had someone she could trust—someone who wouldn't leave. She closed her eyes, allowing herself a rare moment of peace.

Then—

She felt someone take the seat beside her.

She smiled. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Atlas—" she started, turning to face him.

But it wasn't Atlas.

It was James.

Her smile faded as he grinned at her—wide, almost taunting—but then, just as quickly, his expression went blank.

Her brows furrowed. "Do you need something, James?"

His smirk flickered before vanishing completely. Then, in a quiet, serious voice, he said, "My university application for Germany got accepted."

Ama blinked. "That's… great?" she said, surprised at the abruptness.

James didn't react to her words. Instead, he leaned in slightly, voice lower now. "Ama."

Something about the way he said her name made her straighten. She turned toward him, giving him her full attention.

His dark eyes locked onto hers—too intense, too deep, like he was looking straight into her soul.

Then, he whispered, "I want to apologize."

Ama frowned. "For what?"

Before she could process it, James lifted a hand and placed a single finger against her lips. His touch was light but firm, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

He leaned in closer.

"Shh… don't let them know."