> She loved him like a prayer—softly, endlessly, without asking for anything in return.

In the golden haze of their school days, Ava found her first love in Damien—a boy with a quiet smile and eyes that felt like home. Together, they built dreams in hushed whispers and hallway glances.

But love, no matter how pure, isn’t always enough.
One day, he vanished. No goodbye. No explanation. Only silence.

Ten years have passed. The world has changed. So have they.
But when fate brings them together once more, old wounds stir beneath their carefully built lives.

He's a stranger wearing a familiar face.
She's a memory wrapped in thorns.

And still… their hearts remember.

“Mine, Still” is a soft, aching story of first love, heartbreak, and the fragile beauty of second chances. Because sometimes, even after everything—you never stop belonging to someone.

The school hallway buzzed with life, but all I could hear was the pounding of my heart.


"Please," he said, stepping in front of me. "Just hear me out."


I didn't stop. But I didn't walk away either. My feet froze halfway to class 312.


He looked worse than the last time—eyes darker, voice rougher, desperation written all over him.


"I know you don't trust me anymore. I know I ruined it," he said. "But Ava… I still—"


The words hit me like a wave, knocking the air out of my lungs.


"No," I whispered, backing up. "You don't get to say that now. Not after accusing me. Not after treating me like I was just like the others."


"I didn't mean any of it," he said. "I was scared. I saw you with Rylan and my mind spiraled. I felt like I was losing you."


"You already did," I said sharply. My vision started to blur.


"But I never stopped caring," he pressed. "Even when I pushed you away, I—"


"Stop," I said, gripping the edge of the lockers. My breathing turned shallow.


"Ava?" he stepped forward, alarm flashing in his face. "Are you okay?"


And the last thing I heard was someone shouting my name—two voices overlapping.


I had just turned the corner when I saw her collapse. I didn't even think.


I dropped to my knees beside her, lifting her head gently. Her skin was cold. Too cold.


I scooped her up in my arms without waiting for anyone's approval.


Damien stood frozen, pale and wide-eyed. Regret carved into every inch of him.


"You did this," I hissed under my breath before I ran.


"She fainted again due to emotional trauma," the doctor said quietly, looking at me. "If she goes through anything more intense, it could affect her health long-term."


"She needs peace," he added. "No more emotional shocks."


I looked at her peaceful face on the hospital bed.


Chapter 52 - Ava's pov