Lina had never been surrounded by this much noise. Not in her entire school life.
She didn't like being the center if attention — not really. But today, it seemed impossible to avoid. People smiled at her in the hallway. Some asked if she'd eaten. Even the group of basketball players nodded in her direction during PE.
It felt… overwhelming.
But not everyone looked pleased.
In the middle of their English class, she heard it — low enough to be a whisper, but sharp enough to cut.
"Must be nice. Be a nobody your whole life and suddenly everyone worships you for one good deed."
Lina's hand froze over her notes.
The girl behind her, Camille, was known for her sharp tongue and love for spotlight. She didn't say it directly to Lina, but it didn't matter. The words landed where they were meant to.
Lina stayed silent. She always did. But this time, the silence felt different. It didn't feel safe. It felt like shame.
At dismissal, she stayed behind longer than usual, hoping the halls would quiet down. She didn't want to see more stares. Or hear more whispers.
When she finally stepped out, the sun was already starting to dip. The hallway was empty — almost.
"You're late," a voice said casually.
She looked up. Renzo was leaning against the wall near the exit, one hand in his hoodie pocket, the other holding a half-empty soda can.
"Were you waitinf for someone?" Lina asked, unsure why her voice came out so soft.
He shrugged. "No. Just didn't feel like going home yet."
They walked in silence for a while. He didn't ask questions. He didn't mention the video or the comments. Just walked beside her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
When they reached the gate, he finally spoke.
"People don't like it when someone quiet gets noticed," he saide, still not looking at her. "Makes them feel… replaceable."
Lina lowered her eyes. "I didn't mean to replace anyone."
"I know," he replied.
Then, with the smallest smile she'd ever seen on him, he added, "But you're still gonna shake things up, whether you want to or not."
And just like that, he turner and walked away — leaving Lina standing there, heart racing.