The weekend had arrived, and the campus felt lighter, almost carefree. Racheal found herself in the common room, books and notes abandoned for the afternoon, while Erica sprawled on the sofa with her usual energy.
"Finally, a break," Erica sighed dramatically, flopping back. "We survived another week of chaos. You? Still glowing like a sunbeam?"
Racheal laughed softly, a warmth spreading in her chest. "I guess I am," she admitted, sipping on her tea. "It's… nice to finally feel like I can breathe."
Erica tilted her head, eyes sparkling. "And how's Mr. Mysterious doing? The one who makes your heart skip like a drum?"
Racheal rolled her eyes, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "He's… good. Supportive. Calm. Not like anyone I've ever met."
Erica smirked. "I knew it. Finally, someone worth your time. And you didn't even run away from him this week progress!"
Racheal chuckled. "It's… different now. I trust him."
Erica's expression softened, a rare seriousness touching her features. "Good. That's all I've ever wanted for you, Racheal. Someone who sees the real you and someone who won't hurt you."
They laughed again, the sound echoing warmly through the common room. For a while, the world outside the rumors, the teasing, even Margaret felt distant, unimportant.
Later, as they walked through the courtyard, Racheal noticed Declan leaning casually against a tree, a book in hand but eyes on her the moment she appeared. A smile tugged at her lips.
"Mind some company?" he asked, motioning toward the bench.
"Of course not," Racheal replied, slipping her hand into his.
They sat together, sunlight fading into the golden hue of evening. They talked about everything classes, silly campus gossip, favorite movies, and dreams for the future. For the first time in weeks, Racheal felt completely at ease, her laughter mingling with his as if the world had narrowed to just the two of them.
Erica watched from a distance, her grin wide. "Finally," she whispered to herself. "They're happy… and they deserve it."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of orange and pink, Racheal rested her head on Declan's shoulder. It wasn't dramatic, it wasn't flashy—it was quiet, steady, and perfect.
For Racheal, that evening was a reminder that life could be simple, beautiful, and filled with people who truly mattered. And with Declan and Erica by her side, she finally believed she could face anything the future held.