The days after the Spring Dance were supposed to be quiet — filled with warmth, study breaks under the sun, and lazy afternoons with coffee and laughter.
And at first, they were.
Michelle and Steve fell into a rhythm that felt like something sacred: slow mornings, coffee runs between lectures, late-night walks where they'd stop under trees and kiss like they had all the time in the world. His hand in hers felt natural now — like it had always been there.
But shadows don't always stay gone.
Liam had kept his distance since that night… until Monday afternoon.
Michelle was leaving her literature class when she spotted him by the quad fountain. He looked as calm and casual as ever, sipping iced coffee, sunglasses tucked into the collar of his shirt. She almost turned around — but he called her name before she could.
"Michelle."
She froze, bracing herself, then turned slowly.
"Just one minute. I'm not here to cause trouble."
She crossed her arms. "You already have."
He smirked faintly, but it faded. "Look… I wanted to say sorry. For everything back then."
Michelle blinked, surprised.
Liam sighed. "I was a jerk. I didn't see it then, but I see it now. And I get that you've moved on. I just… needed to say it."
Michelle studied his face. For a second, she thought she saw sincerity. But her heart still didn't trust it.
"I appreciate the apology," she said carefully. "But we're not friends. And I'd like to keep it that way."
He gave a half-nod, as if he expected that. "Fair."
And then he left.
But even as he walked away, Michelle couldn't shake the feeling that the storm wasn't over — just paused. Lila's Big Moment
That weekend, Michelle and Steve showed up early to the university gallery for Lila's art showcase.
She had been working on a mixed-media piece all semester — a series called "Unseen" that explored identity, fear, and freedom through layered portraits and textures.
The room was packed. Students, professors, even a few local artists had come to see.
Michelle spotted Lila near the back, talking nervously with one of the judges. Her hair was up in a loose twist, and a paint smudge sat proudly on her arm. When she saw Michelle and Steve, she lit up.
"You came!"
Michelle laughed. "Of course we came. This is your night!"
Lila blushed. "I'm kind of freaking out. Jordan's not even here yet—"
"Hey!" a voice called. Jordan was weaving through the crowd, holding two iced lemonades and wearing a grin that could rival the sun. "I got lost, but I brought peace offerings."
Lila laughed and threw her arms around him.
Michelle watched with a smile, her heart full. After everything — after fear, betrayal, and pain — they were still here. Still standing. Another Test
Later that night, after the gallery and a celebratory dinner, Steve and Michelle walked back toward her dorm.
"Lila was amazing," Michelle said, still glowing from the evening. "I've never seen her so proud."
"She deserves it," Steve agreed. "You both do."
They stopped under a tree just outside her building, the leaves above shimmering in the moonlight.
"Can I ask you something?" Michelle said, her voice quieter now.
"Anything."
"If… if Liam causes trouble again… you won't do anything reckless, right?"
Steve smiled gently. "I won't fight him, if that's what you mean."
Michelle nodded. "I just… I'm tired of drama. I want peace."
Steve leaned in, brushing his nose against hers. "Then we'll build it. Together."
She closed the space between them with a soft kiss — one that tasted like promises and spring air.
But just as they pulled apart, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
"He's not who you think he is."
Her blood turned to ice.