Chapter 20: What We Don't Say

Ariana didn't sleep.

Again.

She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking.

About Leila.

About the way she looked at her before she left.

The way she understood without Ariana saying a word.

The way she had let go—so easily.

Too easily.

And that bothered her.

By morning, she felt like she had lost a battle she never knew she was fighting.

She went through the day distracted.

Classes blurred together.

Her friends noticed but didn't ask.

She avoided Leila.

Again.

Until she couldn't.

Lunch hour.

Ariana walked into the cafeteria, fully prepared to grab food and leave—until she saw them.

Leila.

And Ethan.

Again.

Sitting together.

Talking.

Laughing.

Something in Ariana snapped.

She turned around. Walked away.

Not her business. Not her problem.

Not like she cared.

Except—

"Ariana."

She froze.

Leila's voice.

Right behind her.

She took a slow breath before turning around.

Leila stood there, arms crossed, head tilted, studying her.

"I've been nice," she said.

Ariana blinked. "What?"

Leila smirked. "I gave you space. I didn't push."

Ariana swallowed. "And?"

Leila stepped closer. "And you're still running."

Ariana's jaw clenched. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Leila hummed. "Really?"

Ariana refused to answer.

Leila sighed, shaking her head. "You're exhausting."

Ariana's stomach twisted.

Leila never said things like that.

She always teased. Always pushed.

But this?

This sounded like disappointment.

Like maybe—for once—she was the one getting tired.

Ariana didn't know why that terrified her.

Leila held her gaze for another second.

Then, she turned and walked away.

Back to Ethan.

Back to her stupid laugh.

Back to the space that Ariana told herself she wanted.

And yet—

As she stood there, watching Leila leave, Ariana felt it.

Something sinking.

Something cold.

Something that felt a lot like regret.