The sun dipped low as the afternoon stretched on, leaving the campus bathed in soft amber light. Racheal walked toward the hostel, her bag slung over one shoulder, feeling lighter after the day's competition. Declan had been by her side the entire time, guiding, supporting, and encouraging her. For once, she had felt capable, strong, and—most importantly—seen.
But peace, as always, was fleeting.
Margaret's voice cut through the soft chatter of students as she approached, her smirk sharp and calculating. "Well, well… the champions of the day," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "Quite the power couple you two are becoming."
Racheal stiffened, clutching her bag tighter. Declan's hand brushed hers subtly, grounding her. "Ignore her," he murmured softly.
Margaret leaned closer, lowering her voice so only Racheal could hear. "Don't think this little streak of yours will last. People talk… and they say you didn't exactly win on your own."
Racheal's jaw clenched. "I don't care what people say."
"Oh, you will," Margaret said, stepping back and raising her voice so others could hear. "You'll see how fast reality hits."
Before Racheal could respond, a few curious students had gathered, glancing between her and Margaret. Whispers began to rise, and Racheal felt that old familiar knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.
Declan's hand gripped hers gently. "Racheal, listen to me," he said, his voice calm but firm. "What she says doesn't define you. You know the truth. You know what we accomplished together. That's all that matters."
Racheal took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. Her heart rate slowed, the tension in her shoulders easing. She met Margaret's gaze calmly. "If you have something to say about me, say it once. Otherwise, step aside."
Margaret blinked, momentarily thrown off by Racheal's steadiness. Then, with a sharp laugh, she backed away. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts."
As Margaret disappeared into the crowd, Racheal exhaled slowly, leaning slightly against Declan. "Thank you," she whispered. "For always being here."
He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Always," he replied. "I won't let anyone make you doubt yourself. Not now. Not ever."
Racheal felt warmth flood her chest, a quiet reassurance that even in the midst of whispers and shadows, she had someone she could trust completely. And for the first time, the world seemed a little less daunting.
The campus lights flickered on as evening approached, casting a golden glow on the path ahead. Hand in hand, Racheal and Declan walked toward the hostel, silent but connected, each step carrying a quiet promise: together, they could face anything.