The One He Chose

No one seemed surprised, and Aurora found herself watching the group in silence, wondering how their friendship worked...how people so different could feel so untouchable together.

"Your turn, Melanie," Raymond said.

Melanie's face remained calm, but there was a flicker of tension in her eyes after. She didn't let it show for long. With a soft huff, she spun the bottle, and it landed on Aurora.

A slow smile tugged at her lips.

"Twirl around for five minutes."

Aurora blinked, her brows drawing together. "What?"

"Can't do it?" Melanie asked, her smirk smug.

Aurora stared back, not amused. This wasn't fun...it felt like a power move.

"You can't back down, young teacher," Isaac whispered near her, trying to keep the mood light.

Before Aurora could respond, Peter stood up sharply.

"She doesn't have to. I'll do it."

Melanie's eyes narrowed. "You can't do that."

"There's no rule that says I can't," Peter replied firmly, locking eyes with her.

Without waiting, he twirled clumsily, arms out, while the others laughed. Aurora couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. It was silly, but she appreciated it more than she could say.

When Peter sat back down beside her, she whispered, "Thank you."

Her turn. She reached for the bottle, her fingers trembling slightly as she spun it. It landed on Raymond.

Aurora hesitated. There was one question that had nagged her since entering this group.

"Are you into illegal stuff?" she asked carefully.

The room went quiet.

Raymond blinked, then chuckled. "Everyone is."

Aurora's eyes widened a bit.

"I'm kidding," he added with a wink.

She gave a soft exhale and managed a small smile, though the question still lingered in her mind.

Raymond spun the bottle next—and it pointed to Mateo.

Everyone leaned in slightly. He hadn't really been part of the game, not until now.

Raymond smirked. "Kiss the most interesting person here."

The room stilled.

Aurora's heart skipped. Her breath hitched as Mateo stood slowly. Calm. Unbothered.

He stepped toward her, leaned in, and softly pecked her cheek.

Her breath caught.

His lips were warm. Light. Too quick...and yet too unforgettable.

She felt heat rush to her face. Her chest tightened as if her heart had lost rhythm.

"You're the most interesting person here to me," Mateo said quietly, then sat back down and spun the bottle again like nothing had happened.

Silence swept the room. Even Isaac seemed stunned. Melanie clenched her jaw. Jennifer looked amused.

Peter's jaw was tight. Aurora could feel the weight of his protectiveness, the silent warning in his eyes. Whatever friendship he had with Mateo, it didn't mean trust...and certainly not when it came to her.

Aurora didn't know where to look. Her fingers curled into her palm. She needed to breathe.

The game continued, but nothing felt the same. She smiled weakly, looking for an excuse to leave.

Peter turned to Mateo. His voice was tight.

"What's your deal with her?"

Mateo didn't look up. "Nothing. Can't I be interested in someone?"

Peter's eyes narrowed. "Is it because you think she's special?"

"No," Mateo replied flatly, flipping another page in his book.

No one said anything after that. The tension lingered like smoke.

Later that night, Aurora stood in front of her mirror. She touched her cheek where he had kissed her, the moment replaying over and over in her mind.

"Why did he do that?" she whispered to herself.

She wasn't allowed to fall for him.

He was a student. She was a teacher. That kind of relationship was wrong...dangerous. Against all the rules.

Still, her heart betrayed her.

She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the heat in her skin and the thoughts in her head.

⸻

She was running.

In a long, flowing gown—like she had stepped into a dream from another era. The woods were dark, shadows stretching longer than they should.

Something was chasing her.

She didn't know what, but she ran faster, breath ragged, heart pounding.

Then—hands.

Strong arms pulled her close, wrapping around her waist and spinning her into safety.

Before she could look up, the dream vanished—and she jolted awake.

Aurora sat up in bed, breathing heavily, but... no sweat. No panic.

She touched her forehead.

For the first time, her nightmare didn't leave her shaken—it left her wondering.

Someone had saved her.

⸻

It was 3 a.m., and sleep wouldn't come again. Not after that.

She crept downstairs, craving snacks, anything to distract her racing thoughts.

In the kitchen, a flicker of movement passed the doorway.

She stilled.

Then—

"Why are you awake?"

She jumped, turning quickly to find Peter behind her, dressed casually with his shoes on, as if he had just arrived from somewhere.

"Where did you go?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I went out for some fresh air," he said with a soft smile. "What about you?"

"Couldn't sleep," she admitted. "Insomnia."

Peter nodded knowingly. He was one of the few who understood her struggle.

"Wanna watch a movie?" he asked with a boyish grin.

She smiled back. "Sure. Let me just grab the snacks."

They settled in the living room, a horror movie playing while they munched popcorn and cookies.

Aurora kept jumping at every scare. Peter couldn't stop laughing.

"You never change," he teased.

"Shut up," she threw a pillow at him playfully. "I can't be strong everywhere."

⸻

The next day passed quietly...until she entered the cafeteria.

There was a crowd.

Students circled, shouting, phones raised. No teachers in sight. Apparently, they were all in a meeting... one Aurora hadn't been invited to because she was "new."

She pushed through the crowd...and froze.

Mateo and Simon.

Fighting.

Not arguing. Not shoving. Fighting.

Fists flew. Blood smeared. The air was thick with adrenaline and cheers.

"Stop this right now!" Aurora shouted, trying to reach them.

Mateo looked up, his lip bloody, one eye darkening. But he was still standing. The other boy—Simon—was worse.

Simon threw another punch—and it came dangerously close to Aurora.

In a blink, Mateo caught Simon's arm.

His grip tightened. A loud, sickening crack followed.

Simon screamed, holding his hand in agony.

Mateo stepped back, his gaze calm, dangerous—and then turned to Aurora. His eyes met hers, unreadable, quiet.

Then he walked away.

Like nothing had happened.

Aurora stood frozen in place, stunned as Simon collapsed on the floor—still crying out in pain.

And all she could hear... was her own heartbeat.