Chapter 8
Sweat started trickling down Jamie’s back.
No matter what I say, no one’s going to believe me, she thought bitterly.
Because the truth doesn’t matter to them. They just need something new to laugh about.
The realization hit her hard, and her strength seemed to drain away.
Jamie pushed through the crowd and hurried out of the hallway.
Maybe hiding in the bathroom until the next class started would be better.
Unfortunately, that plan wasn’t very smart either.
“Hey, did you hear about it?”
A few girls were gossiping near the sinks, completely unaware that Jamie was inside one of the stalls.
Their voices were sharp and gleeful, cutting through her nerves.
Great. I can’t even come out now.
She waited quietly until they finally left. Only then did she step out, shoulders slumped.
“Haa…”
She washed her hands at the sink, staring at her pale reflection in the mirror.
I just wanted to stay quiet until graduation and focus on my studies. How did things turn into such a mess?
Her head spun. It felt like the whole school was laughing at her.
And what if the teachers heard about the rumor? What if she got punished?
Her breathing grew faster, her chest tight. She splashed cold water on her face and tried to calm down.
When her reflection finally steadied in the mirror, she whispered to herself:
It’s fine. If I can just endure this, it’ll pass — like everything else has.
***
Second Period
The nightmare didn’t end.
Even when Jamie sat as far in the corner as possible, she could still hear snickering behind her back.
The gossip wasn’t dying down anytime soon.
Then her phone buzzed — a Snapchat notification.
She glanced around nervously before checking it.
***
Nox:
Jamie, I’m ordering Chipotle for lunch today. Want to join? I’ve got a gift card, so it’s on me.
Another message quickly followed.
Nox:
FYI, I heard the cafeteria’s serving dry turkey as the main dish (gross). Choose wisely.
***
Jamie stared at the screen.
He must’ve heard the rumor too. But even after that, he’s still asking me to eat with him… He’s worried I’ll skip lunch, isn’t he?
A small smile tugged at her lips. She typed back:
Jamie:
As if the cafeteria’s turkey could ever beat Chipotle. Of course, yes.
Nox:
Good choice. I’ll add extra guacamole — prepare to be amazed.
***
Lunch Time
“Jamie! Over here!”
Nox waved both arms under a huge oak tree in the courtyard.
The place was empty except for them — perfect.
A fresh Chipotle burrito bowl sat on the table. The smell alone made Jamie’s stomach growl.
“Wow, it’s been forever since I had Chipotle. Smells amazing!”
“Oh, that’s not all. Ta-da!”
He proudly presented two takeout cups.
“Bubble tea?”
“Yup. You’ll need something sweet after all those beans and rice.”
Jamie accepted the drink and just looked at him silently.
“What? Don’t tell me you don’t like bubble tea. I refuse to share a table with anyone who doesn’t appreciate it.”
“No, it’s not that. I’m… kind of touched.”
“Ha! Guess I’ve got good taste.”
They ate together like usual, chatting and joking.
Jamie chewed quietly, wondering when Nox would bring up the rumor.
But as time passed, he didn’t mention it at all. He just talked about random things — movies, training, homework.
Finally, she decided to break the silence.
“Nox… you heard about the rumor, right?”
His fork froze midair. His cheerful face suddenly turned serious.
“If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to talk about it.”
“That rumor isn’t true. I know there’s a picture going around, but—”
“I believe you.”
Nox’s emerald-green eyes were firm and sincere.
“And even if the rumor was true, it doesn’t change anything. You’re still my friend. That’s all that matters. But for the record — I believe you, one hundred percent.”
Jamie’s chest tightened with relief.
“Thanks, Nox. It’s enough for me if even one person believes me.”
He smiled gently.
“You didn’t do anything wrong, Jamie. So just act normal, okay? It’ll all blow over soon.”
“You’re right. Thanks.”
A soft spring breeze brushed past them, rustling the leaves above their heads.
***
The Next Morning
Jamie barely slept that night.
When she finally opened her eyes, her body felt heavy and her head foggy.
For a split second, she hoped it had all been a dream — but reality crashed back in.
She dragged herself out of bed, showered, and got ready for class.
Her stomach growled.
She really wanted the cafeteria’s pancakes, but the thought of facing all those stares was unbearable.
Instead, she grabbed a strawberry Pop-Tart from her drawer.
Ugh, dry.
Just as she was about to leave the room, her roommate Valentina walked in, arms full of bread, yogurt, and bananas.
Jamie froze.
Valentina hesitated for a second, then said:
“Hey, roommate.”
It was rare for her to speak first.
“Yeah?”
“Uh… want this? I grabbed too much and I’m full.”
“Oh—thanks.”
Jamie smiled as she accepted the food, and Valentina disappeared into the bathroom.
She’s never been this nice before… Guess even Valentina feels a little sorry for me now.
The sudden kindness didn’t bother Jamie. If anything, it was a small silver lining.
I guess every bad thing has a bright side, huh.
She bit into the banana and headed for the empty classroom.
There was still time before class started, so she planned to study alone.
As she walked, she kept her head down, avoiding eye contact — until a tall figure appeared at the far end of the hallway.
Noah.
Even from a distance, his tall frame and golden hair made him impossible to miss.
“Oh no.”
She froze, then spun around and ducked into the nearest classroom like a startled animal.
It’s not like I did anything wrong, but… after that rumor, it just feels awkward to see him.
She peeked through the window to make sure he passed by — and nearly screamed when someone spoke behind her.
“Jamie.”
“Ah! You scared me!”
She clutched her chest and turned — to find Noah standing right there, his blue eyes calm but intent.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.”
“No, it’s okay.”
She felt embarrassed — it was obvious she’d been trying to avoid him.
Noah hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer.
“I’ve been looking for you. There’s something I need to say.”
Jamie’s pulse quickened.
She knew this talk was inevitable. The rumor, the photo — it had to be about that.
“It’s about the rumor, right?”
“Yeah. I’ve already told people it’s not true. And I warned them not to spread it any further. I’m also tracking down whoever posted the photo in the first place.”
“I see.”
His perfect eyebrows furrowed slightly.
“I’m sorry.”
“…Why are you apologizing?”
“Because if I hadn’t asked you to help me that night, none of this would’ve happened to you.”
