People say that when you want something, you don't get it easily.
But me?
I didn't want anything at all.
I didn't ask for this setup—
the boy I once shared a reckless night with turning out to be my stepbrother.
My mother loving his father.
Fate laughing quietly in the background.
And now here I was, sitting in his car,
And one stupid moment ruining the steady rhythm of my heartbeat.
I told myself it was nothing.
Just proximity.
Just a stupid seat belt moment.
But my body didn't listen.
It never did when Rylan was this close.
( The car smelled like him—something rich and warm, with a sharp edge I couldn't name.)
( The moment he pulled back into his seat and started the engine, silence settled between us.)
- Not the awkward kind.
- The dangerous kind.
( I stared out of the window, watching the city blur past, pretending my heartbeat hadn't just betrayed me.)
- I knew he was looking at me.
- I could feel it—his eyes lingering on my side profile throughout the drive.
- Yet neither of us spoke.
- Maybe because if we did, we'd have to talk about my racing heart.
- Or why he helped me so gently.
- Or why everything felt heavier than it should.
- I didn't know.
[ But thank God, the tension finally loosened when we reached the university gate.]
(The car slowed, coming to a stop outside.
And just like that, the moment ended—
leaving behind a silence that followed me even after I stepped out.I stepped out of the car without saying anything.)
- Not a thank you.
- Not a goodbye.
- I didn't want to face him.
[ But Rylan had other plans.]
"Aira."
His voice stopped me mid-step.
[ I turned to see him standing outside the car now, one hand resting on the door.]
"Yeah?" rylan?
( I clutched the strap of my bag, grounding myself. Whatever he was about to say, I told myself I'd listen without getting emotional.)
"Take care, Aira," he said softly. "If you need anything, just text me. I'm here for you, okay?"He said in a soft tone
"Yeah, okay. And you too, take care."
Then I added, "But Rylan, I don't want anyone. I solve my problems by myself. Don't worry about me."
( Something flickered in his eyes—hurt, quiet and sharp. I'd said something awful, and I knew it.)
"I know," he said after a beat. "You're stronger than me. You always have been."
Then more gently, "I just wanted you to know I'm here if you ever need help. Just… take care."I'll pick you up after your classes."
(He held my gaze for a second longer, as if memorizing my face, then slid his sunglasses back on. Without another word, he got into the car, started the engine, and drove through the university gate.)
( I stood there, watching until his car disappeared from sight.I didn't know whether I should be happy that he called me strong, or sad because I gave him such a cold reply.)
( I started walking again into the university. My mind was full of Rylan and everything that had happened, but then I noticed something strange.)
- People were smirking.
- Chuckling.
-Whispering when they saw me.
( I felt confused. Did I look awful today? Was there something on my face? Everyone in the hallway was staring at me like I was a fool.)
( I just ignored them and headed toward my class. But when I entered, the whole class turned to look at me.)
( That's when I saw Mila, Rhea, and Ava sitting together. My curiosity grew because Ava had a different course — so why was she here?)
[ I walked toward them, ignoring the looks people were giving me.]
"Hey, girls," I said quietly. "What's going on?"
( All three of my friends turned toward me and gave hesitant smiles. It immediately made me uneasy.)
"Is everything okay, guys?" I asked. "Or did something happen?"
"Aira, first sit," Ava said, but I could feel something fishy going on.
I took my seat and said, "Okay, now tell me. What's going on?"
"Aira… there are rumors going around about you," Mila said carefully.
I looked at her, confused. "Rumors? About me? What kind of rumors?"
She hesitated. "They're saying you're a low-class girl who only wants boys' attention. That Luka is close to you because you're… friends with benefits. And other things like that."
[ My chest tightened.]
"Aira, listen," Rhea said firmly. "We're with you. We know these rumors are false. That's why we're telling you ourselves — I didn't want you to hear it from someone else. If anyone says anything to you, don't mind them, okay?"
- I nodded slowly, still processing everything.
- False rumors weren't new to me.
( In middle school and high school, girls used to make fun of me because I was poor. I couldn't afford dresses or bags like them. But that was different.)
[ These were lies. Completely false rumors — the kind that stain you without reason.]
Mila put her hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay, Aira? We're with you. Just forget about them."
"Yeah," Ava added angrily. "We don't know who's spreading this, but if I find them, I swear I'll murder them."
"You'll go to jail, Ava," Rhea said.
"She won't go alone," Mila snapped. "I'll go with her."
I sighed. "Calm down, guys. I know these rumors are false. I just want you to trust me — that's all I care about."
"Really, Aira?" Ava asked, making that cute face she always makes when she's worried.
"I'm okay," I said, grabbing her hand. "Just trust me."
"Aww, my Aira," Ava said, hugging me. Mila and Rhea joined in, wrapping me in a group hug.
[ In that moment, I realized how lucky I was.]
( People can spread rumors, but my friends — and my family — always stand like a shield in front of me everytime.)
"Clap, clap," a voice said. "Everyone, take your seats now."
"Oh shit," Ava whispered. "I forgot — this isn't my class."
She turned to me quickly. "Okay, Aira, don't feel bad. Mila, Rhea — I'm giving her responsibility to you. I'm going now, bye!"
[ She waved and rushed toward the door, but Mr. Harrison stopped her.]
"Dear, where are you going?" he asked. "I said take your seat, not leave."
Ava froze and turned back with a hesitant smile. "S-sir, actually… this isn't my class. I'm an economics major."
Mr. Harrison looked at her. "Then why are you in my class?"
"My friends are here, sir," Ava said nervously. "I just came to give them something."
"And you didn't listen when I entered?" he asked calmly.
"What is your name, child?"
"Ava, sir," she said softly.
"Well, Miss Ava," Mr. Harrison said, "go now. I don't want you to miss your lecture — and you've already wasted enough of mine."
( She nodded quickly and hurried out. I couldn't help but chuckle — she was brave and cute, as always.)
( The class started, but my mind was divided — half on the lecture, half on the rumors.)
( I didn't know who was jealous of me or why. I wasn't exceptionally beautiful. I was just good at studying. Was that really enough for someone to hate me?)
( Classes went on back to back. Everywhere I went — the cafeteria, the hallways — people glanced, smirked, whispered.)
[But the fact that my friends stayed by my side… That was all I needed. ]
[ The day ended with my last class.]
( As always, all four of us walked out of the building together. Ava left with her driver, while Mila, Rhea, and I headed toward the parking area. Rylan had said he'd pick me up, so I was walking with them, talking casually about homework and assignments.)
[ That's when Luka stepped in front of me, blocking my path.]
"Luka," I said, stopping. "What are you doing here?"
He glanced at Mila and Rhea before speaking. "I want to talk to her alone. Can I?"
(Mila and Rhea looked at me. I nodded slightly, assuring them I was fine. Without saying anything else, they walked ahead, giving us space.)
I turned back to him. "What now, Luka?"
"Are you okay, little liar?" he asked softly.
( It was the first time I'd ever seen him like this — quiet, serious, concern clearly written in his eyes.)
"Yeah, I'm okay," I said. "And you?"
He gave a hesitant smile. "I'm fine… but I thought you might've heard the rumors."
I sighed. "I did. So? Is that why you stopped me?"
"I'm sorry, Aira," Luka said, his voice sincere. "I'm really sorry about the rumors. I'm trying to find out who started them."
"Luka, listen," I said quietly. "Stop trying to find out who's spreading the rumors. Rumors are rumors — once they start, they spread on their own. Even if you find the person, it won't magically stop them. They'll fade with time. They always do."
He looked at me, his expression heavy.
"aira," he said softly, sadness lining his voice. "I said awful things to you without meaning to. I ruined your college life, didn't I? The time you were supposed to enjoy… I gave you these rumors just because I stupidly hugged you. That's why all this happened, right?"
[ He stood straight, but his shoulders were slumped, his head bowed.]
( This was the first time I'd ever seen Luka like this. The energetic, teasing boy was gone — replaced by someone quiet and broken.)
And somehow… it hurt to see him like that.
"Luka," I said.
[He lifted his gaze to meet mine.]
"Listen," I continued gently. "Rumors always spread. If it's about me today, tomorrow it'll be about someone else. That's how people are. So don't carry this in your heart. I'm okay. Truly."
He searched my face. "Are you sure?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I am. Now stop looking like this. I've never seen this version of you — this sad, foolish Luka. Now Smile."
A small smile finally appeared on his lips.
"Thank you, Aira," he said quietly. "You took a burden off my heart."
"It's okay, Luka," I replied
"And I'm truly sorry," Luka added softly. "I didn't come to pick you up this morning. I thought… maybe you wouldn't want to see me after all these rumors."
He paused, then sighed. "I did come in the end, but the guard said you'd already left for college with Rylan."
"Yeah," I said. "He dropped me off today, so I came with him."
"Oh," Luka nodded slowly, then a small smile curved his lips. "I see. So… how about I give you a ride home now? What do you think, Aira?"
[ Before I could answer, a car horn sounded beside us.]
- Rylan's car.
I turned back to Luka. Sorry Luka I want to go so,"I'll meet you after the weekend, okay?"
He nodded. "Okay. After the weekend."
"Bye, Luka," I said, turning to leave.
[ Suddenly, he gently caught my wrist, stopping me mid-step.]
- I turned back.
"Take care, Aira," he said quietly. "Please."
I nodded. "You too, Luka."
[ He released my wrist, then smirked slightly.]
"And hey," he added, voice teasing again, "try not to get kidnapped by your rich, scary stepbrother before I see you again."
I couldn't help it — a soft chuckle escaped me.
"Don't worry," I said. "I'll survive. Barely."
He laughed. "Good. I'd hate to lose my favorite little liar."
( Shaking my head with a small smile, I walked toward the car, opened the door, and slipped into passenger seat.)
The door closed behind me —
[ And I felt lighter after talking to Luka — like a weight had been lifted off my chest.]
[ But the moment I turned my face toward Rylan, something shifted.]
- I looked into his eyes.
- He wasn't looking at me.
( His gaze was fixed outside the window, dark and unreadable, locked onto Luka standing there. There was something dangerous in his expression — tight jaw, clenched silence, eyes sharp with an emotion he refused to name.)
- Jealousy.i think
Or maybe something worse.
- The car felt suddenly smaller, the air heavier.
- I swallowed.
- I didn't say anything.
- Neither did he.
[ But I knew — whatever calm I'd found with Luka ended the second I sat beside Rylan.]
( I stared ahead as Rylan started the engine, pretending I hadn't seen that look.)
- Pretending I didn't feel it too.
- Because some emotions don't need words to be understood —
- they just sit there, burning quietly, waiting to explode.