Chapter 18: Boundaries That Don’t Exist

Ariana should have felt victorious.

She had called Leila's bluff. Exposed her game. Proved to herself that whatever Leila was doing—it wasn't real.

But then why did she feel like she had just crossed a line she couldn't step back from?

She spent the rest of the day in a haze, avoiding Leila, avoiding Ethan, avoiding everything that felt like a ticking bomb inside her.

By nightfall, her head was pounding.

She needed space.

She needed air.

She needed—

Knock. Knock.

Ariana's eyes snapped toward her dorm door.

She hesitated.

Then, cautiously, she got up and opened it.

And there she was.

Leila.

Dressed in an oversized hoodie, her hair slightly damp, like she had just showered.

Ariana's heart stuttered.

Leila leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, gaze unreadable. "You've been avoiding me."

Ariana swallowed. "No, I haven't."

Leila raised a brow. "Liar."

Ariana hated how easily Leila could see through her.

She sighed. "Leila, what do you want?"

Leila was quiet for a second.

Then, without warning, she pushed past Ariana and stepped into the room.

Ariana blinked. "Excuse me—"

Leila flopped onto her bed like she owned the place.

"This is cozy," she said, looking around.

Ariana crossed her arms. "Are you just going to make yourself at home?"

Leila turned to her, her smirk returning. "Why? You want me to leave?"

Ariana hesitated.

And that was her mistake.

Because Leila noticed.

Her smirk widened.

Slowly, she sat up, her expression shifting—from teasing to something else.

Something dangerous.

"I asked you a question," Leila murmured. "Do you want me to leave?"

Ariana felt cornered.

Because no.

She didn't.

She didn't want Leila here.

But she also didn't want her anywhere else.

And Leila knew that.

She always knew.

So instead of answering, Ariana turned away.

She needed distance.

She needed—

A hand on her wrist.

Ariana froze.

Leila's fingers were gentle, barely holding on, but the warmth seared.

Ariana didn't move.

Didn't breathe.

Leila's voice was softer this time. Quieter.

"I'll leave," she whispered. "If you tell me to."

Ariana clenched her jaw.

Because she could.

She could say the words.

She could set the boundary.

She could end this.

But she didn't.

Because the truth was—

She didn't want Leila to let go.

And she never did.