Callum's POV
"Hailee, stop!" I yelled again, chasing after her through the hallway and out into the open court. But she didn't stop, not until she reached the edge of the basketball court. She slowed, then came to a halt, her breathing uneven, her arms folded tight across her chest like she was holding herself together. I caught up to her and stood beside her, my heart pounding—not from the run, but from the look in her eyes.
They were glassy with tears. And damn, it hurt me to see her like that.
"Hailee…" I said quietly, trying to keep my voice calm. "What's going on?"
I knew the answer.
But I needed to hear her say it.
I needed her to be honest—with me, with herself.
She didn't say anything at first. Just stood there with her back half-turned to me, her fists trembling slightly at her sides.
Then, slowly, she walked to the edge of the grass and sank down onto it, wiping at her cheeks.
I followed, sitting beside her with a patient silence.
And finally… she spoke.
