The next few days felt like an endless loop of strange, subtle changes. Riley caught herself stealing glances at Zayden more often than she'd like to admit, and every time their eyes met, she felt a spark of something. Maybe it was just curiosity. Maybe it was something more.
But she couldn't ignore the fact that her resolve was weakening. Zayden was right, in a way. He wasn't forcing her into anything. He was just… there.
It was easier said than done, though.
Riley was used to being alone. Used to being the outsider. She had learned to keep everyone at arm's length, and now, here was Zayden, challenging that in ways she didn't understand.
"Hey, Riley!" a voice called from behind her as she walked through the halls of Crestwood Elite Academy. It was Lucy, one of the few people she had allowed into her life.
Riley turned and smiled faintly as Lucy caught up with her. "Hey."
"Are you okay?" Lucy asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied Riley. "You've been a little off lately."
Riley shrugged, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in her chest. "I'm fine."
"Really?" Lucy pressed, looking unconvinced. "You've been spending a lot of time with Zayden, haven't you?"
Riley's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't used to being put on the spot like this. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Lucy laughed lightly, but there was a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Oh, nothing. I just thought maybe you two were… I don't know. Getting close."
Riley bristled slightly at the suggestion. "We're just… friends," she said quickly, although the word felt strange on her tongue.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, but didn't press further. "Okay, but if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here, you know?"
Riley nodded, but as Lucy walked away, a knot formed in her stomach. How had it come to this? How had Zayden of all people gotten under her skin like this?