Chapter 14: Lines That Blur

Ariana spent the rest of the day avoiding Leila.

She buried herself in assignments, forced herself to focus in lectures, and ignored the way her skin still burned where Leila had touched her.

She wasn't jealous.

She wasn't.

So why did it feel like Leila was getting under her skin in ways no one else ever had?

By the time evening rolled around, she was exhausted—not just physically, but mentally.

She needed air. Space.

So, she found herself at one of the campus gardens, sitting alone on a bench, letting the cool night breeze calm her racing thoughts.

Until a familiar voice broke through.

"You're sulking."

Ariana tensed.

She turned—and there she was.

Leila.

Standing under the dim garden lights, arms crossed, an unreadable expression on her face.

Ariana exhaled sharply. "I'm not sulking."

Leila smirked. "You look like you are."

Ariana rolled her eyes. "Why are you here?"

Leila took a step closer. "Because you've been avoiding me all day."

Ariana clenched her jaw. "No, I haven't."

Leila hummed. "Liar."

Ariana looked away. "I don't know what you want from me."

Leila's voice softened. "I want to know why you care so much."

Ariana's breath hitched.

Leila took another step closer.

Too close.

Close enough that Ariana could feel the warmth of her presence, could catch the faintest hint of her perfume—something soft, something intoxicating.

Leila studied her carefully. "You act like you hate me. But every time I get close to someone else…"

She reached out, gently tucking a strand of Ariana's hair behind her ear.

Ariana swallowed hard.

Leila's voice dropped. "…you look like you're about to lose your mind."

Ariana's chest tightened.

She should move.

Should push her away.

Should say something—anything.

But she didn't.

Because Leila was right.

And Ariana had no idea what that meant anymore.