Luiz sat hunched over in the library, a stack of textbooks surrounding him like walls closing in. His pen tapped against the margin of his notebook, but his mind wasn't on the equations in front of him. It was on the bill folded tightly in his pocket—the overdue tuition reminder, stamped in red.
His stomach tightened. He'd been skipping meals to stretch his money, but it still wasn't enough.
"Bro, you're grinding like you're about to discover fire," Kevin's voice cut in. He dropped into the chair opposite him, loud as always, earning shushes from students nearby.
"I don't have a choice," Luiz muttered.
Kevin leaned forward, lowering his tone. "There's always a choice. You just don't like any of them."
Luiz closed his notebook. "Like what? Borrowing money I can't repay? Asking favors I don't deserve?"
Kevin didn't answer. He just stared at Luiz with the kind of look that said I know you're drowning, but I can't drag you out for you.
Later that evening, Luiz left the library, the weight of his thoughts pressing harder with every step. That's when he heard a voice behind him.
"You're avoiding me."
He turned. It was her—the girl from the hike, from that night. Her hair was tied back, her backpack slung carelessly over one shoulder.
"I'm not avoiding you," Luiz said quickly.
She smirked. "Then what do you call ghosting?"
Luiz sighed. "I just… have a lot going on."
She studied him, her playful smile fading into something more serious. "You think I can't handle complicated?"
He didn't reply.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "You don't have to tell me everything. Just… don't shut me out completely."
For a moment, Luiz wanted to believe her. Wanted to let someone share the burden. But the secrets he carried weren't the kind you could casually confess.
So he forced a half-smile. "I'll try."
She nodded, satisfied enough with the answer, and walked beside him as they headed back toward campus.
And though he didn't admit it, part of him felt both comforted and terrified—because the closer she came, the more dangerous his truth became.