It was third period.
My brain was fried, my sketchbook still MIA, and both Aeron and Damian were acting like they were starring in their own soap operas.
So naturally, I decided to hide in the bathroom.
Big mistake.
HUGE.
Because just as I closed the stall door and let out a long, exhausted sigh—
Jade walked in.
With her heels clicking like a villain entrance soundtrack.
And then:
"I know you're in there, art girl."
Lord. Have. Mercy.
I opened the door slowly, like facing a wild predator.
She stood by the mirror, arms folded, looking like a Vogue ad for Dangerous Intentions.
We stared at each other through the mirror.
"You got a second?" she asked, smiling way too sweetly.
"Not really," I muttered.
"Too bad. Because I've got something you need to hear."
She leaned against the sink, all fake lashes and sharp stares.
"Aeron. He's not who you think he is."
My stomach flipped. "What?"
"You think he's the mysterious, tortured guy who needs saving," she said, picking imaginary lint off her blazer. "But you're wrong. He's not yours to fix."
I crossed my arms. "Do you always stalk girls in bathrooms or am I just lucky?"
She rolled her eyes. "Cute. But I'm serious. Aeron doesn't tell people things. But he told me."
That made me freeze.
"What things?"
Jade stepped closer, voice low.
"Last year, he got into a fight. Broke someone's nose. Got suspended. You didn't know that, did you?"
I blinked.
No. I didn't.
She smirked. "And that sketchbook that 'disappeared'? I heard he was the last one with it."
My breath caught. Again.
"But maybe I'm wrong," she said casually, checking her lip gloss. "Or maybe you're just his new project."
I clenched my fists. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because," she said, voice suddenly icy, "I don't like watching people fall for lies."
She walked to the door, heels echoing.
"Oh—and if you really want to see Aeron for who he is?" She smirked.
"Ask him what happened at his old school."
Then she was gone.
Later. Lunch Table of Anxiety
Mina: "You okay?"
Me: Emotionally face-planting into a tray of fries.
"I think Aeron's hiding something," I whispered.
"Girl," Mina said slowly. "So is Damian. That's what crushes DO."
"But Jade—she said he got suspended. For fighting. And maybe he's the one who took the sketchbook."
Mina blinked. "Jade also once tried to convince the principal that her eyelash glue was 'medicinal.' Let's not jump to conclusions."
Still… I couldn't breathe.
My head was spinning. My heart was doing backflips.
And worst of all—
Aeron walked past me in the hallway…
And didn't even look at me.
End of Chapter 15