The word consequences kept circling in my head like a curse. I didn't sleep. I couldn't.All night, I kept hearing that voice: No one can be trusted… unless you are ready to face the consequences.
What did it mean?What was I supposed to do?
The next morning, I went to school still carrying the weight of those words. I must've looked half-alive, dragging my feet through the hallway, my head spinning. I wasn't paying attention when—
Crash!
My shoulder slammed into someone. I staggered back. "S-sorry."
It was the wrong person to bump into. A group of guys—three of them, all bigger than me—turned slowly, eyes narrowing. The leader cracked his knuckles with a grin.
"Well, well. Look who just ruined my morning."
I quickly bowed my head, forcing the words out. "It was my fault. I apologize."
I thought that would be enough. It wasn't. They circled me like wolves.
"You think just saying sorry fixes it? Nah. You gotta pay up. Or maybe we'll make you."
Students nearby started gathering, the sound of their whispers spreading like wildfire. My stomach twisted. The last thing I needed was a scene.
"Hey!"
A voice rang out, sharp and commanding. Ava.
The crowd parted as she stepped forward, her expression cold, her gaze unflinching. "If you don't want to end up dead, I suggest you leave him alone."
The bully blinked, then smirked. "What is he, your boyfriend or something?"
Ava tilted her head, unfazed. "No. I'm just trying to save your sorry butt. But clearly, you're too dumb to understand that."
The crowd erupted in chatter. Laughter, gasps, murmurs—it was chaos.
The bully's grin faltered, anger sparking in his eyes. "I know you're a hot chick, but I won't take that lightly—even from you." He raised his hand, ready to strike.
My instincts screamed at me to protect her. I started forward—
But before I could even move, the bully was gone.
No, not gone—flying. His body crashed to the ground like a ragdoll, sliding across the tiles. Silence swallowed the hall.
Ava didn't even flinch. She just looked down at him and said coldly, "Take this as a way of saving your life." Then she turned and walked away, leaving the crowd stunned.
I froze, my mind racing. Was this the same Ava I saw helpless in that alley? She wasn't weak anymore. She'd grown stronger… stronger than I ever imagined.
Heat flushed my face. I almost smiled. Maybe… maybe I could trust her.
Are you stupid? The voice slithered into my thoughts, sharp as a blade. You think betrayal comes wearing the face of an enemy? No. It comes as a friend.
I clenched my jaw. "Betrayal, huh?" I muttered under my breath.
But as I turned, watching Ava's figure walk down the hall, something inside me whispered louder than the voice.
I don't know why… but I feel like I can trust her.