The morning air was crisp as Racheal walked across campus, her bag slung over one shoulder. After the calm of the past week, she felt a small flicker of ease—but it was fragile.
As she approached the cafeteria, a group of students huddled together, whispering and giggling. Their eyes flicked toward her, sharp with curiosity and amusement. One of them, a boy from her history class, stepped forward, smirking.
"Did you hear?" he called out, loud enough for nearby friends to catch. "Apparently Racheal's got Declan wrapped around her finger. Someone's playing the perfect girlfriend."
Racheal froze mid-step, her stomach twisting. She had hoped the whispers had faded, that the recent peace with Declan and Erica's support would shield her from gossip. But the murmurs spread like wildfire, and she felt the familiar sting of anxiety rising.
Before she could respond, Declan appeared at her side, his hand brushing hers lightly. His gaze swept the cafeteria, sharp and protective. "Ignore them," he said, his tone calm but firm. "We both know the truth. That's what matters."
Racheal tried to shake off the unease, nodding as they made their way to a quieter corner. Yet even there, snippets of conversations floated in her direction.
"They're such a perfect pair, aren't they?" whispered someone behind her.
"Bet she's just using him," another added, smirking.
Her chest tightened. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to breathe, to remember the trust and bond she shared with Declan.
Declan leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Don't let them get to you. You know who you are, Racheal. I know too. That's enough."
Racheal exhaled slowly, letting his words anchor her. "I know… but it's hard not to overthink."
Declan's fingers brushed against hers under the table. "I've got you. Always. No one can change that."
Just then, Erica appeared, bouncing slightly as she slid into the seat across from them. "Rumors, huh? Typical. But you two are untouchable. Seriously. I've been keeping an eye on everyone, and they're jealous, that's all."
Racheal smiled faintly, grateful. "Thanks, Erica. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Erica winked. "You'd probably overthink every little whisper and fall into a puddle somewhere. Trust me—I've seen it happen."
The three of them laughed, the warmth cutting through the tension, but the whispers weren't done. Outside, Margaret was smirking, watching the trio with barely concealed satisfaction.
Later, as Racheal and Declan walked across campus toward their dorm, Margaret stepped into their path. "So much love and trust," she said, her tone sharp. "Let's see how long it lasts when real life hits you."
Racheal's hands clenched slightly, but Declan's steady presence beside her reminded her she wasn't alone. "We'll see," he said coolly, his arm brushing hers protectively.
Margaret's smirk faltered. "You'll see soon enough," she murmured before walking away.
As they continued, Racheal's mind replayed the day's events. The whispers, the judgment, the teasing—it would have crushed her months ago. But now, with Declan and Erica by her side, she realized something vital: strength came not from silence or avoidance, but from standing together, trusting one another, and letting go of what others thought.
By the time they reached the hostel, Racheal felt a quiet confidence settle over her. The rumors, the gossip, and even Margaret's subtle threats were powerless against the bond they had nurtured.
Hand in hand, she and Declan entered the hostel, ready to face whatever came next. And for the first time in weeks, Racheal truly believed she could confront life's challenges together.