The morning after the party, everything looked the same—students rushing through hallways, teachers already drowning them in lessons—but to Eli, it felt different. He and Kai slipped into their usual seats, trading the same playful banter as always, but there was something new there. Shoulders brushed a little more often. Smiles lingered longer. If anyone noticed, no one said anything.
At lunch, the group gathered at their usual spot. Leo teased Mina for eating way too much, while Jace stole fries from everyone's trays with Caleb running distraction. The table buzzed with laughter, as always.
But Mina's sharp eyes caught the little things—the way Eli slid his juice box toward Kai without a word, or the way Kai brushed crumbs off Eli's sleeve, his hand resting a second too long. They were small gestures, but put together, they said more than either boy was admitting.
Mina leaned her chin on her palm, smirking.
"Eli," she said suddenly, "you've been smiling a lot these days. Something happen?"
Eli froze mid-bite, nearly choking. "Wh-what? I always smile."
Kai raised a brow, taking a casual sip of his drink. "That's debatable."
The group laughed, and Mina laughed too—but her gaze lingered just a bit longer. She didn't say anything else then, but Eli knew that look. Mina had noticed.
After classes ended, the group drifted off toward the cafeteria, but Mina lingered, rummaging through her bag until only Eli and Kai were left. When they started to leave, she stepped in front of them, arms crossed.
"Mind if we talk?" she asked.
Eli blinked nervously. "Uh… about what?"
"Not here." Mina tilted her head toward the empty music room down the hall.
Inside, sunlight streamed through tall windows, catching dust in the quiet air. Mina closed the door behind them, turning with her arms folded.
"Alright," she said, eyes sharp. "Are you two going to tell me, or should I spell it out?"
Eli's face went red instantly. "W-we—what are you—"
Kai only smirked. "So you figured it out."
Mina let out a half-sigh, half-laugh. "Please.You're too obvious .The way you two look at each other? You're not fooling anyone who actually pays attention. Don't worry—I'm not telling the others.Though,they might also catch up."
Eli swallowed, shoulders tense. "Then… why bring it up?"
"Because I care," Mina said simply, her tone softer now. "If you're together, I just want you to be sure about it. About how it'll affect things. And I want you to know you're not alone."
For a moment, no one spoke. Eli bit his lip, glancing at Kai. Kai reached out, brushing his fingers against Eli's hand—steady, reassuring.
"We are," Kai said firmly. "Together. And we'll figure things out."
Eli's cheeks burned, but he nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Mina's expression softened. "Good. That's all I needed to hear." She started for the door, but paused to throw them a sly grin. "Oh—and don't think this means I'll stop teasing you. I'm still me."
Eli groaned, hiding his face in his hands. Kai laughed quietly, watching Mina's retreating figure before looking back at Eli with a small smile.
The secret wasn't fully safe—but somehow, with Mina on their side, it felt a little easier to breathe.