Two days had passed since the night on the beach, since the confession, since the moment Leia and Miles had finally crossed the invisible line between best friends and something more. And while everything felt perfect when they were together, reality was starting to creep in.
The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of summer blooms through the streets as Miles walked toward school. He could feel it in his chest—the kind of nervous excitement that had nothing to do with tests or grades. Leia was on his mind, as usual, the warmth of her hand in his still lingering like a phantom.
He spotted her across the street, hoodie pulled low over her hair, backpack slung casually over one shoulder. She waved, and he waved back, the simple gesture sending a thrill up his spine. She smiled that smile, the one that made him forget everything else in the world, and his steps quickened.
"Morning," he called as he reached her, slipping his hand into hers.
"Morning," she replied, voice soft, but with that little teasing edge that made his chest tighten. "You actually made it on time today. Miracles do happen."
Miles grinned. "I woke up with purpose today. You know, for… priorities."
Leia rolled her eyes, though her cheeks were pink. "Smooth."
They walked side by side toward the school gates, fingers intertwined, trying to act casual, though every step felt amplified. The street seemed louder than usual—the rumble of traffic, the chatter of early pedestrians—all blending into the background as they focused on each other.
As they neared the entrance, a group of students near the gates turned to look. Whispers began to circulate almost immediately. Miles caught the shift in energy, the subtle exchange of glances and muffled giggles. He tightened his grip on Leia's hand.
"Ignore them," he murmured, leaning toward her ear. "They're just jealous, or confused, or both."
Leia's stomach fluttered. "I know. I just… I'm not used to this. Everyone seeing us like this. It's different."
"You'll get used to it," he said confidently. "And I'll be right here, every step."
Despite his words, Leia could feel the eyes on them, the subtle judgment, the curiosity. For the first time since the confession, she wondered if being with Miles publicly was going to be as easy as she imagined.
By the time first period started, whispers had already made their rounds. Someone had posted a story online—a snapshot of them holding hands, laughing together, taken outside the school entrance. Comments flooded in: "Finally!", "About time they got together", and a few snide ones, too.
Leia tried to keep her head down, but the weight of so many eyes made it hard to focus on the teacher's lesson. Miles noticed immediately, leaning slightly toward her.
"You okay?" he asked, his tone low, protective.
"I'm fine," she said, though her fingers twisted nervously in her lap.
He reached over, covering her hand with his. "No one's ruining this. Not a chance."
By lunchtime, the gossip had reached full swing. As they approached their usual spot, a popular student called out, smirking.
"Well, well… if it isn't the new couple everyone's talking about."
Miles stopped and turned, a slow, deliberate glare aimed at the crowd. "Yeah, that's us. Happy now?"
Leia felt a mix of embarrassment and pride. He was protective, and she loved it, but the attention was overwhelming.
The student shrugged, smirk fading slightly. "Just saying what everyone's thinking."
Miles rolled his eyes, tugging Leia down into the booth. "Ignore them. Seriously. We've got bigger things to focus on."
Leia laughed softly, biting her lip. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
"I know. And you love it," he replied instantly, grinning.
As they sat together, a few friends came over, teasing them lightly but in good humour. The playful banter eased some tension, and for a while, it felt like just them again—laughing, whispering, stealing small touches.
But then a whisper of something heavier reached Leia's ears: a rumour started by someone she barely knew. Miles noticed her stiffen.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concern flickering across his features.
"It's nothing," she said quickly, though her heart raced.
Miles reached across the table, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Hey. I can handle whatever it is. You don't have to deal with it alone."
Her chest tightened. "I know. I just… I don't want it to ruin today."
"It won't," he said firmly. "I promise. I've got you."
After lunch, they left the cafeteria together, walking toward the park nearby to escape the gossip and the stares. The late afternoon sun was warm, casting long shadows across the pavement. Miles kept one hand in his pocket, the other intertwined with Leia's, fingers brushing in quiet reassurance.
"You know," Leia said softly, "I never realized how much… attention we'd get. Just for holding hands."
Miles chuckled. "Welcome to the world of teenage chaos. It's messy, and it's loud, and it's… everything. But we'll survive it. Together."
They walked in silence for a few moments, enjoying the calm, their hands tight around each other. The tension of the school day began to fade, replaced by a quiet sense of security.
Then, from across the street, a shadow moved—a classmate taking another photo, possibly posting it online. Miles frowned, protective instincts flaring.
"Let's keep walking," he said, leading her down a quieter path, away from the prying eyes.
Leia leaned against his shoulder, smiling softly. "I like it when it's just us. No rumours, no stares, no drama."
Miles tilted his head, brushing a kiss against her temple. "Me too. This… us… it's perfect, even with all the chaos waiting outside."
The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. They stopped at a bench by the park, hands still intertwined, the world moving around them, chaotic and loud—but they didn't care. For now, they had each other, and that was enough.
By the end of the day, though, both of them knew that the rumours would only grow, that whispers would turn into confrontations, and that navigating high school as a couple was going to be messy. But for now, the warmth of each other's presence, the small touches, the whispered laughs—they clung to it, knowing it was worth everything.
As they left the park, walking home side by side, Miles whispered, "We'll face whatever comes next. Together. Always."
Leia smiled, squeezing his hand. "Always."
And in that moment, they both knew that no matter the gossip, the rumours, or the chaos waiting for them tomorrow, they were finally—messily, perfectly—together.
By the time Leia reached her front door, the sky had deepened into a soft evening hue, the golden light replaced by street lamps casting long shadows across the driveway. She sighed, tired but happy, her thoughts still swirling around the day—Miles, the whispers, the stolen glances, and the laughter they had shared despite the chaos of school.
As she inserted her key and stepped inside, the warm scent of home greeted her, but it wasn't empty as usual. Her mother was standing in the living room, leaning casually against the counter, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"There you are!" her mother exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I've been waiting to hear everything."
Leia froze for a moment, her heartbeat spiking. "Mom?"
"Yes, baby," her mother said, stepping closer. "I know. I know about you and Miles. Don't look so shocked. I've seen the way he looks at you, the way you light up when you're around him. I'm excited for you both!"
Leia felt a rush of relief and warmth wash over her. "You… you're not mad?" she asked, still catching her breath.
"Mad?" her mother chuckled, shaking her head. "Absolutely not. I'm thrilled! You deserve this, Leia. You've waited long enough to be happy, and from what I can see, this boy makes you genuinely happy. That's all that matters."
Leia's cheeks flushed as she sank onto the couch, a mixture of embarrassment and pure joy. "He… he really does."
Her mother moved closer, sitting beside her and giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I want to hear all about it. Every little detail. Don't hold back. This is exciting! Your first love, Leia. Embrace it."
Leia laughed softly, the tension of the day finally melting away. "It's not just… you know, simple. There's gossip, and everyone at school is already talking…"
Her mother waved her hand dismissively, though her grin never faltered. "Let them talk. What matters is that you two are happy and together. I'm proud of you, Leia. You deserve this."
For the first time in a long while, Leia felt completely seen and supported. She couldn't help but grin, thinking about Miles waiting for her tomorrow, about the small, messy moments that made their relationship theirs.
"Thanks, Mom," she whispered, leaning into her. "Really."
Her mother kissed the top of her head, still smiling. "Always, baby. Now, tell me everything. Don't skip a single detail."
Leia laughed, finally feeling the weight of the day lift as she began recounting every stolen glance, every whisper, every laugh. And somewhere in her heart, she knew—no matter what gossip or chaos the school might throw at them next—they were going to face it together.