Ego Check: The Game That Changes Everything Rewrite

Sable walked alongside Raxian, her steps leisurely yet purposeful as they navigated the bustling streets of Neonspire. It wasn't a planned outing, really—Raxian had just tagged along when she mentioned heading to the music store after school. She needed to grab some new strings for her bass, and he had nothing better to do. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the sidewalks, and the air was alive with the hum of city life.

On their way, they passed a vending machine tucked into a small corner near a convenience store. Sable stopped, tilting her head at the selection before pulling out some coins.

"Thirsty?" she asked, glancing at Raxian.

"I could go for a drink," he admitted, fishing out some coins of his own.

Raxian ended up selecting a can of SparkleFizz, a popular soda brand with a tangy citrus flavor. Sable, on the other hand, grabbed a can of PulseDrive, a neon-branded energy drink often marketed to gamers and night owls. The moment Raxian caught sight of her choice, he raised an eyebrow.

"Seriously? You drink that stuff?" he asked, his tone laced with mild disapproval.

Sable smirked, popping the tab open with ease. "Relax, I don't live off of it. Just once in a while, when I need the boost." She took a sip and held the can out to him. "Want to try?"

Raxian hesitated, eyeing the can suspiciously. "I don't know... I've heard it tastes like liquid regret."

"Come on, don't be a wimp," she teased, wiggling the can in front of him.

With a resigned sigh, Raxian took a sip. The sharp, overly sweet flavor hit his tongue, followed by an oddly bitter aftertaste. He grimaced, coughing slightly. "Yeah... that's awful. How do you drink this stuff?"

Sable laughed, taking the can back. "It's an acquired taste. Guess you're not cut out for the gamer fuel life."

Raxian rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips as they continued down the street. It was moments like these—easy, unguarded—that made hanging out with Sable feel surprisingly natural. For someone as enigmatic as she was, she had a way of putting him at ease.

As they approached the music store, Sable slowed her pace, her gaze drifting slightly. "Hey, Rax?"

"Yeah?" he replied, glancing over at her.

"There's a girl in your class named Fayne, right? Silver hair, blue eyes... hard to miss."

The question caught Raxian off guard, his steps faltering slightly. "Yeah, why? Why are you asking?"

Sable took a moment, sipping her energy drink before responding. "I've just noticed her around. She seems... interesting."

"Interesting how?" Raxian asked, his curiosity sharpening. His thoughts immediately jumped back to that rainy afternoon, to the note with Sable's name on it that had fallen out of Fayne's pocket. What was this about? Did Sable know something he didn't?

Sable shrugged, her expression unreadable. "I don't know. She has this... quiet energy. Like she's holding something back. I guess I'm just curious about her."

Raxian furrowed his brows, trying to piece things together. Why was Sable bringing up Fayne all of a sudden? Was there some kind of connection he was missing?

"You know her or something?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

"Not really," Sable admitted, her gaze flickering toward the storefront ahead. "But I've crossed paths with her a few times. There's something about her that stands out, don't you think?"

Raxian didn't know what to say to that. Fayne had always been in the background for him—a quiet presence he rarely interacted with. But now, with Sable mentioning her, he couldn't help but feel like there was more to the story. And that note... what had that been about?

"She's... alright, I guess," he said finally, his tone guarded.

Sable gave him a sidelong glance, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Alright, huh? You're holding out on me, Rax."

Before he could respond, she pushed open the door to the music store, the familiar chime of the bell cutting through the moment. Raxian followed her inside, his mind buzzing with questions. Whatever Sable's interest in Fayne was, he had a feeling this wasn't the last time it would come up.

And for some reason, that thought left him more uneasy than he cared to admit.

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Raxian stepped into the music shop, a realm he rarely ventured into. To him, music was something you streamed online—easy, accessible, and modern. CDs? Vinyl? They seemed more like relics of a bygone era. Yet, here he was, tagging along with Sable as she searched for something for her bass. The shop had an inviting vibe, with soft rock humming through the speakers and shelves stocked with albums, instruments, and band merch.

While Sable disappeared into the instrument section, Raxian meandered aimlessly. He wasn't exactly sure how to kill time here. As he scanned the aisles, something caught his eye—a display featuring the album Giants by True Damage. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the cover art. There he was—Ekko, front and center, looking as cool as ever.

Ekko wasn't just a champion Raxian mained in League of Legends; he was his idol. The way he carried himself, his effortless confidence, his brilliance—it was everything Raxian aspired to be. Seeing him on the album stirred a giddy excitement in his chest, one he struggled to suppress. For a split second, the fanboy in him threatened to burst out.

But just as he felt his cool persona slipping, Sable's voice drifted over from behind him. "Raxian?" she said, tilting her head as she approached. Her green eyes flicked to the display, and a knowing smirk curved her lips. "True Damage, huh? Let me guess—you're all about Ekko?"

Raxian coughed, straightening his posture as he tried to play it off. "Uh, yeah. I mean... he's alright," he said, though his voice cracked slightly, betraying his composure.

Sable chuckled, clearly not buying it. "Right, just alright," she teased. "Let me guess, you've got every one of his skins too?"

Raxian scratched the back of his neck, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. "Maybe," he mumbled.

Sable laughed softly, brushing past him to grab the pack of strings she'd come for. "Don't worry, Rax. It's cool to have idols. Makes us human."

Her words struck a chord with him, but before he could dwell on it, she turned back and waved the pack of strings in her hand. "Got what I came for. You ready?"

"Yeah," Raxian said, stealing one last glance at the album before following her toward the checkout. Despite his initial embarrassment, he couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Maybe tagging along hadn't been such a bad idea after all.

As they exited the store, Sable adjusted her bag on her shoulder, the faint clink of the guitar strings inside. Her green eyes flicked to Raxian, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. "You know, Ekko and Akali teaming up in True Damage... it's kind of fitting, don't you think?"

Raxian raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by her comment. "What do you mean?"

Sable shrugged, her tone casual yet teasing. "I mean, you main Ekko, I main Akali... feels like we're halfway there already. And hey, I played Yasuo when I wiped the floor with you. That just leaves Qiyana and Senna to complete the roster."

Raxian snorted, rolling his eyes as they continued walking. "I didn't know your imagination stretched that far. You actually daydream about this stuff?"

"Come on, don't tell me it doesn't make sense, Wrapped," Sable said, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. "Nothing wrong with daydreaming a little."

"Yeah, well, I'm more grounded in reality," Raxian replied, though the faint grin on his face betrayed his amusement. "Besides, where's your Qiyana or Senna then? Can't exactly call it destiny if we're missing two."

Sable chuckled softly, her gaze drifting ahead. "Maybe they'll show up when the time's right. Who knows? Stranger things have happened."

Raxian shook his head, but a small laugh escaped him. "You're something else, you know that?"

"Yeah," she said with a smirk, taking another sip of her energy drink. "But that's why you keep me around, isn't it?"

Raxian didn't respond immediately, his thoughts swirling between the absurdity of their conversation and the odd sense of camaraderie that came with it. Just as he was about to brush it off, Sable tilted her head, giving him a sidelong glance. "You? Being grounded in reality? Come on, Rax. Maybe your expectations have become more realistic lately, but if I'm not mistaken, not too long ago someone was acting like a big shot."

His grin faltered, replaced by a sheepish expression. "Okay, okay, fair. I might've been… a little full of myself back then."

"A little?" Sable teased, her smirk growing. "I seem to recall someone thinking they could 1v9 every game. What was it again? 'I'm the team's carry, just watch me.'"

Raxian groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, rub it in, why don't you? You already stomped me in that match—no need to remind me of my past crimes."

Sable laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Hey, I'm just keeping you humble, Wrapped. Someone has to."

He shot her a playful glare, but there was no malice in it. "And here I thought we were starting to become friends."

"Oh, we are," Sable said, her voice carrying a hint of sincerity beneath the jest. "That's why I can call you out on your crap."

Raxian couldn't help but chuckle at that. As much as her sharp tongue could sting, there was something refreshing about Sable's honesty. No pretenses, no sugarcoating—just her being unapologetically herself. Maybe that's why they got along so well.

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As they walked in companionable silence for a moment, Raxian found his thoughts circling back to something Sable had mentioned earlier. Since she was the one who originally brought it up, and after letting it simmer in his mind, he figured it wouldn't hurt to revisit the topic. Clearing his throat, he glanced at her.

"You mentioned Fayne earlier," he said, his tone curious but casual. "Why?"

Sable's pace didn't falter, but she gave him a sideways glance, her expression unreadable. "Hmm, I was wondering when you'd bring that up again."

"Well, you brought it up first," he countered. "So, what's the deal?"

Sable sighed softly, her smirk fading into something more contemplative. "It's nothing major. I just noticed her around, that's all. She has... a certain air about her. Like there's more going on beneath the surface than she lets on."

Raxian raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "So, what? You're curious about her?"

Sable shrugged, her fingers idly tapping the side of her energy drink. "Something like that. I mean, she's hard to miss, isn't she? That silver hair, those blue eyes... not exactly your everyday look. And she seems... thoughtful. Introspective, even."

Raxian couldn't argue with that. Fayne definitely stood out, but in a quiet, unassuming way. "I guess she's always been that way," he admitted. "She's not the type to draw attention to herself, but... yeah, she's got this... I don't know... presence?"

"Exactly," Sable said, her green eyes flickering with interest. "It's like she's carrying something with her. Makes you wonder what's going on in her head."

Raxian studied her, trying to gauge her intentions. "You're not planning on messing with her or anything, right?"

Sable rolled her eyes, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Please, Rax. Give me some credit. I'm not some cartoon villain. I'm just... curious. That's all."

"Curious enough to bring her up out of nowhere?"

She tilted her head, a playful smirk returning to her lips. "Curious enough to notice, let's say. But don't worry, I'll keep my distance if it bothers you."

"It doesn't bother me," Raxian said quickly, though he wasn't entirely sure why he felt the need to clarify. "I just didn't expect you to... notice her, I guess."

"Well, I notice a lot of things," Sable said cryptically, taking another sip of her drink. "But don't worry, Wrapped. Your secrets are safe with me."

He frowned, unsure of what exactly she meant by that, but before he could press further, Sable changed the subject with her usual nonchalance, leaving him to puzzle over her words as they continued down the street.

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The streets were buzzing with the usual post-school energy as students milled about, enjoying the last bits of daylight. Raxian and Sable, still ambling along after their music store detour, decided to stop at a nearby juice bar. The place had a relaxed vibe, with colorful drinks and a scattering of people chatting at tables.

As they stepped inside, the refreshing scent of fresh fruit hit them. Raxian was halfway through commenting on how overpriced everything looked when Sable gave him a gentle nudge.

"What?" he asked, but her gaze wasn't on him—it was directed at the window.

Through the glass, Raxian followed her line of sight and froze. Sitting outside on a bench were Fayne, Leah, and Mira, sipping on drinks and chatting. Fayne was laughing at something Mira said, but as if sensing the weight of someone's gaze, her eyes flicked up—and locked onto Raxian's.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the bustling world around them fading into the background. Then Fayne's expression shifted, and she mouthed something to Leah, who turned and noticed the pair inside. Leah's surprise quickly morphed into a knowing smirk.

"Uh... so, what's the plan here?" Sable's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone carrying its usual teasing lilt. "You gonna wave? Pretend you didn't see her? Or are we about to have an impromptu reunion?"

"I wasn't expecting this," Raxian muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, what are the odds?"

"Pretty high, apparently," Sable replied, her green eyes flicking between him and the group outside. "Come on, don't be weird about it. They've already seen us. Let's go say hi."

Raxian hesitated but didn't argue. With Sable practically dragging him along, they stepped back outside and approached the bench. Leah greeted them first, leaning back casually with her drink in hand.

"Well, well, if it isn't the center of attention," Leah said, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. "Didn't think we'd run into you here, Raxian. And who's your friend?"

"This is Sable," Raxian said, gesturing toward her. "Sable, this is Leah, Mira, and Fayne."

Sable's gaze lingered on Fayne for a moment longer than necessary before she offered a small smile. "Nice to meet you."

Fayne fumbled with her cup, her usual composure slipping for a brief moment. "Uh, hi. Nice to meet you too."

There was an awkward pause before Leah, ever the bold one, broke the silence. "So, you two just out for a stroll or what?"

"Something like that," Raxian said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "We were at the music store. Sable needed something for her bass."

"Oh, you play bass?" Mira asked, her interest piqued. "That's so cool!"

Sable nodded, her smirk returning. "It's just a hobby, really. Keeps me sane."

Leah and Mira quickly peppered her with questions, leaving Fayne and Raxian standing off to the side. Fayne seemed quieter than usual, her gaze flickering between the group and Sable, who answered with her usual confidence and charm.

"So, this is Sable," Fayne finally said softly, leaning toward Raxian. "The one you've been hanging out with lately."

"Yeah," Raxian said, his voice just as quiet. "She's... something else, huh?"

Fayne didn't respond right away, her eyes fixed on Sable, who was now gesturing animatedly as she explained something about her bass to Leah and Mira. That twisting feeling in her chest tightened, a mix of admiration and something uncomfortably close to jealousy. She couldn't help but notice the ease with which Sable commanded attention, her presence magnetic even in such a casual setting.

Fayne shifted uncomfortably before mumbling, "What are the odds... of us meeting here?"

Raxian glanced at her, the comment pulling at his own suspicions. The note from that rainy afternoon resurfaced in his mind. He tilted his head slightly, lowering his voice. "Yeah... what are the odds?"

Fayne's heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly what he was getting at, but the unspoken weight between them only made it harder to maintain her composure. "Don't start," she said quietly, barely looking at him. "It's not what you think."

"I didn't say anything," Raxian replied, his tone deceptively casual, though his gaze remained sharp. "Just making an observation."

The tension between them simmered, though neither addressed it outright. Fayne's fingers curled around her drink, her mind racing for an excuse to escape this conversation. Meanwhile, Sable's laugh cut through the awkward silence between them, drawing both their attention back to her.

"Leah's hilarious," Sable said, turning toward Fayne and Raxian, her green eyes bright with amusement. "You've got quite the crew here, Fayne."

"Yeah," Fayne replied softly, offering a small smile. "They're great."

Raxian chuckled lightly, though his attention flickered toward Fayne. Her usual liveliness around her friends seemed dimmed, her responses subdued. "Seems like they're keeping you on your toes," he said, forcing a grin to lighten the moment.

Fayne nodded but didn't say much more, her thoughts spinning. The scene before her—the mix of Sable's casual charm and Raxian's curious glances—was overwhelming. The note from that rainy day burned in her memory, and she couldn't help but feel like the walls were closing in.

For Fayne, this encounter was a delicate balance of avoidance and longing, the storm of her emotions impossible to ignore. For Raxian, the puzzle pieces were starting to fit, though he couldn't decide if he wanted to confront Fayne about what he suspected. And for Sable? She remained blissfully unaware of the undercurrent, her attention solely on the present, seamlessly integrating herself into the group with her easygoing charm.

The contrast couldn't have been starker—Fayne grappling with her emotions, Raxian caught between curiosity and respect, and Sable, the catalyst, still very much a mystery in her own right.

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"Well, nice meeting you all," Sable said, her tone as casual as ever, her green eyes scanning the group. "An unexpected but welcome encounter. We'll see you around."

With that, she turned and headed back toward the juice bar, her stride confident and unhurried. She glanced back briefly, as if expecting Raxian to follow.

Raxian hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Fayne. Her expression was unreadable, her usual brightness dimmed, but she caught his eyes for just a second before looking away.

"Catch you later, Fayne," Raxian said softly, his voice almost apologetic, before turning to follow Sable.

As the door of the juice bar swung shut behind them, Fayne exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The encounter left her chest tight and her thoughts even more tangled. Raxian, meanwhile, caught up to Sable, who was already scanning the menu.

"You okay back there?" Sable asked, barely glancing at him as she decided on her drink.

Raxian stuffed his hands into his pockets, forcing a grin to mask the swirl of thoughts running through his head. "Yeah. Just... a lot on my mind."

"Mm," Sable hummed, not pressing further. Her focus shifted to the barista as she placed her order, her presence steady and unfazed as always.

Raxian stood beside her, stealing a glance out the window where Fayne and her friends were still sitting. The encounter hadn't just stirred something in Fayne—it had stirred something in him too.

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As they settled into a corner booth, Sable swirled the straw in her drink, her expression thoughtful as she took a sip. She had opted for something adventurous—a bold mix of tropical fruits with a hint of chili, an unusual combination that somehow worked. Raxian, on the other hand, stuck to something safe—a classic cherry smoothie.

Sable stirred her drink thoughtfully, her green eyes flicking up to meet Raxian's. "So," she began, her tone light but laced with curiosity, "what's the deal with you and Fayne? You two seem... closer than just classmates. Is there more to it than you're letting on?"

Raxian took a long drink, glancing at her over the rim of his cup. "What's with the interrogation?" he asked, though his tone was light.

Sable smirked, leaning back in her seat. "Just curious," she said casually. "You seemed a little... tuned into her back there. Like you were keeping tabs."

Raxian raised an eyebrow. "Tuned in? Nah, we're just classmates. We've known each other forever—parents are friends and all that. You know how it goes."

Sable tilted her head, her green eyes studying him. "Forever, huh? That doesn't explain why you kept looking at her like she was about to spill a big secret."

Raxian froze for a beat, then chuckled, trying to play it off. "You're overthinking it. Fayne's just... she's quieter than most people I know. Makes you wonder what's going on in her head sometimes, you know?"

Sable stirred her drink, her gaze unwavering. "Maybe. Or maybe you know what's in her head, and you're just not saying."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, Raxian didn't know how to respond. He thought about the note that had slipped out of Fayne's pocket, the way Sable's name had lingered on it.

"Fayne's complicated," he said finally, his voice quieter now. "I mean, I get the sense she's been going through something lately, but it's not like she's going to tell me about it. We're not that close."

Sable took another sip of her drink, her smirk softening into something more reflective. "Fair enough. But you know, sometimes people don't have to say much for you to feel like you know them."

Raxian glanced at her, sensing the weight behind her words, but she didn't elaborate. Instead, Sable leaned forward, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes.

"So, what's the verdict?" she asked, changing the subject abruptly. "Do you think this juice bar deserves a second visit, or should we branch out next time?"

Raxian snorted, grateful for the shift in tone. "If it means I don't have to drink whatever that monstrosity is, I'm all for branching out."

Sable laughed, the sound easy and unrestrained. But as they joked, Raxian couldn't help but feel like the conversation had left more questions than answers—questions he wasn't sure he wanted to ask, let alone answer.

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Sable couldn't shake the curiosity that had taken root. Despite Raxian's insistence that there wasn't much of a connection between him and Fayne beyond childhood familiarity, Sable wasn't convinced. There was something more beneath the surface, something Fayne wasn't willing—or able—to say out loud. And for reasons she couldn't quite explain, Sable felt compelled to find out what it was.

Unbeknownst to Fayne, Sable started keeping tabs on her, observing her from a distance in the hopes of piecing together the puzzle. Another week passed, yet Fayne still seemed subdued, her usual light dimmed. Whatever was weighing on her wasn't going away, and it gnawed at Sable's thoughts more than she cared to admit.

Then, the opportunity arose. An orientation day at school brought their parallel classes together once more, this time for a group activity in a nearby forest. The students were divided into smaller teams for the activity, and as they gathered to form groups, Sable made her move.

"Alright, everyone, pick your teams," one of the instructors announced.

Raxian, unsurprisingly, tried to steer Sable into his group, his usual confidence on full display. "Sable, you're with me, right?"

She shook her head, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Not this time, Rax. I've got other plans."

Raxian blinked, taken aback. "What do you mean?"

Sable didn't elaborate. She simply glanced across the crowd, her gaze landing on Fayne, who stood off to the side with Leah and Mira. Without hesitation, Sable approached them, her movements casual but purposeful.

"Hey," she said, her voice steady but warm as she addressed Fayne. "Mind if I join your group?"

Leah and Mira exchanged surprised glances, while Fayne looked up at Sable, clearly caught off guard. "Uh, sure, I guess," Fayne said, her tone uncertain.

Sable nodded, stepping closer. "Great. Let's make this interesting."

As the orientation began and the groups ventured into the forest, Sable found herself walking beside Fayne. She kept the conversation light at first, commenting on the activity and the scenery, but her true intent remained in the back of her mind.

Fayne, meanwhile, couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and intrigue. Sable's presence was magnetic, as always, and now that they were spending more time together, Fayne found it harder to ignore the feelings that had been building inside her.

For Sable, this was more than just curiosity—it was the start of an effort to bridge the gap between them, to peel back the layers and see the person Fayne was hiding beneath her quiet demeanor. And for Fayne? It was another step in a journey she wasn't sure she was ready to take.

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As Leah and Mira ventured ahead, their laughter fading into the rustling leaves and snapping twigs of the forest, Fayne and Sable were left behind, walking side by side along the winding trail. The air between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, the kind of quiet that was both awkward and oddly comforting. Sable had sought Fayne out with a purpose, but now that the moment was here, she wasn't sure how to steer the conversation.

For someone as confident and self-assured as Sable appeared to be, this was unfamiliar territory. It wasn't often that she went out of her way to connect with someone, let alone someone as quiet and reserved as Fayne. She glanced at Fayne from the corner of her eye, noticing the slight slump of her shoulders and the way she kept her gaze fixed on the path ahead, her silver hair catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

"So," Sable finally said, breaking the silence. "This whole orientation thing... not exactly thrilling, huh?"

Fayne glanced at her, her lips twitching in what might have been the beginnings of a smile. "I guess it depends on who you ask. Leah and Mira seem to be having fun."

Sable chuckled softly. "Yeah, they do. They've got a good energy about them. You're lucky to have friends like that."

Fayne hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "Yeah... I guess I am."

The conversation stalled again, and Sable felt a twinge of frustration with herself. She wasn't used to struggling with words. Normally, she could navigate conversations with ease, but something about Fayne made her tread carefully. Maybe it was the vulnerability she sensed in her, or maybe it was something else entirely.

"I noticed you've been a little... distant lately," Sable said after a moment, her tone softer than usual, a rare shift from her usual confidence. "I mean, we don't know each other that well, but... is everything okay?"

Sable's green eyes lingered on Fayne, observing her carefully. She already had a strong sense that Fayne was grappling with something heavy, something she wasn't ready to share. Fayne had avoided Raxian's curiosity, stayed guarded around Leah and Mira, and even now, in this quieter moment, she seemed hesitant. It reminded Sable of their previous encounters—on the bench by the riverside, on the rooftop—moments where she had tried to gently open the door for Fayne to share, only to be met with polite deflection.

It made Sable wonder—did Fayne have anyone she could confide in? Or was she carrying all of this alone?

Fayne hesitated, her hand brushing the bark of a tree as they walked along the forest trail. "It's nothing," she said, her voice barely audible. "I'm fine."

Sable shot her a sidelong glance, her skepticism evident. "You know, sometimes it helps to talk about things. Not to just anyone, but... someone. Even a little can make a difference."

Her words hung in the air, soft but unwavering. Sable had already let Fayne know before—on the rooftop, at the river—that she was around if Fayne ever needed someone to listen. And now, she was saying it again, offering that same open door, no pressure attached.

Fayne slowed her steps, her gaze dropping to the ground where sunlight dappled the ground through the trees. She didn't respond right away, and Sable didn't push, letting the quiet fill the space between them.

"I'll think about it," Fayne finally murmured, her voice carrying a faint waver.

Sable nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "That's all I ask."

They continued walking, the tension between them softening. For Sable, it was enough to remind Fayne that she wasn't alone. And for Fayne, it was a small, tentative step—not just toward opening up but toward navigating the complicated feelings that weighed on her.

She already trusted Milo; he was her safe space, her confidant. He knew about her struggles, about the swirling thoughts that had consumed her since this all began. But her concern wasn't about Milo—it was about Sable. About the way her presence lingered in Fayne's thoughts, her dreams, her heart.

It wasn't just the weight of her emotions; it was the fear of what they meant. Could she even admit the truth to herself, let alone to Sable? Did she dare risk changing what little connection they had? And how would Sable even react, knowing Fayne's feelings ran deeper than simple friendship?

Fayne stole a glance at Sable as they walked, her confident stride and the way her green eyes flickered with curiosity and ease. She envied how effortlessly Sable moved through the world, how she seemed unbothered by the weight Fayne was carrying. Yet, it was that same ease that drew Fayne closer, that made her heart ache with an impossible longing.

For now, Fayne kept her thoughts locked away, unsure if she'd ever have the courage to share them. Sable's presence offered comfort, but it also made Fayne's heart feel heavy. Did she want to unburden herself—or would the risk of rejection be too much to bear?

"Thanks," Fayne murmured as they reached a clearing, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sable glanced over, tilting her head slightly. "For what?"

Fayne hesitated, then shrugged, offering a small smile. "For asking."

Sable didn't press further, but she smiled back, the unspoken understanding between them growing just a little deeper.

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As they reached a quieter part of the forest trail, Fayne paused. The distant chatter of the other students was muffled by the canopy of trees above, creating an almost eerie calm.

"I need a moment," Fayne said suddenly, her voice shaky.

Sable stopped in her tracks, her green eyes narrowing with concern. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Fayne insisted, brushing her silver hair back with trembling fingers. "I just... I need some space to think. I'll catch up."

Sable hesitated, her instincts screaming to argue, but she respected Fayne's boundaries. "Alright," she said cautiously. "Don't wander too far. This forest can get tricky."

Fayne nodded and turned down a narrower, less-trodden path. She needed air, needed to sort through the storm of emotions raging inside her. Her thoughts swirled around Sable—her warmth, her magnetic presence, and the weight of Fayne's unspoken feelings.

Lost in thought, Fayne didn't notice the ground beneath her growing uneven. Her foot caught on a root protruding from the dirt, and before she could react, she stumbled forward. The incline was steeper than she realized, and gravity took over as she slid down the hill, her body tumbling through underbrush and loose soil.

A sharp pain shot through her ankle as she landed at the bottom, her hands scraped and trembling. Disoriented, she tried to push herself up, only for the pain in her ankle to force her back down.

"Damn it," she muttered, tears of frustration welling in her eyes. She was stranded, and her phone... where was her phone?

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Meanwhile, back on the trail, Sable had grown uneasy. Fayne's mood had been fragile, and something about her abrupt departure didn't sit right. After a moment's deliberation, she decided to follow the faint tracks Fayne had left in the dirt.

"Fayne?" Sable called, her voice firm but tinged with concern. When there was no response, her pace quickened. It wasn't like Fayne to ignore someone calling her name.

Sable's heart skipped a beat when she saw the disturbed soil and broken branches leading down the hill. "Fayne!" she shouted, urgency replacing the calm in her voice.

At the bottom of the slope, Fayne heard Sable's voice and felt a strange mix of relief and embarrassment. She tried calling out, but her voice came out hoarse and weak. "Down here..."

Sable carefully navigated the slope, her movements surprisingly agile as she reached Fayne's side. Her green eyes swept over Fayne's form, taking in the scrapes and the way she clutched her ankle. "What happened?"

"I wasn't paying attention," Fayne admitted, her cheeks flushing. "I tripped and... I think I twisted my ankle."

Sable crouched beside her, her expression softening as she assessed the situation. "You're a mess," she said lightly, though her tone was laced with genuine concern. "Come on, let's get you out of here."

"I don't think I can walk," Fayne said, wincing as she tried to move.

Sable sighed, then gave her a playful smirk. "Guess I'm carrying you."

Before Fayne could protest, Sable hooked her arms under Fayne's and carefully hoisted her up, making sure to avoid putting pressure on the injured ankle.

---------------

Fayne groaned inwardly as Sable steadied her, the weight of the situation sinking in. This... this was not how she had imagined orientation day going. She had hoped for a quiet, uneventful day, maybe a chance to clear her head and sort through her emotions. Instead, here she was, sprawled at the bottom of a hill like some clumsy damsel in distress, with Sable—Sable—coming to her rescue. Could this day get any more embarrassing?

"You okay?" Sable asked, her voice calm but laced with concern as she helped Fayne adjust her footing. "You're not exactly light, you know."

Fayne's cheeks burned as she struggled to keep her balance, leaning heavily against Sable. "Thanks," she muttered, her tone edged with frustration—at herself, not at Sable. "Really living the dream here."

Sable chuckled softly, the sound annoyingly warm and genuine. "Hey, it happens to the best of us. Don't sweat it."

"Sure, because I'm definitely the 'best,'" Fayne grumbled, her silver hair falling into her face as she avoided Sable's gaze.

Sable smirked, a teasing edge slipping into her tone. "Look, if it makes you feel better, I'll pretend I didn't see you tumble like a sack of potatoes."

"Thanks," Fayne deadpanned. "That's so comforting."

As they slowly made their way back up the incline, Fayne couldn't help but feel acutely aware of how close they were. Sable's steady grip on her arm, the casual way she handled the situation, the faint scent of pine and something distinctly her. It was maddening.

"This is going in the memory vault, by the way," Sable said, her tone light but playful. "I'll keep it between us... for now."

"Gee, thanks," Fayne replied, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress the tiny smile tugging at her lips.

By the time they reached the top, Fayne felt like her dignity had been left somewhere at the bottom of that hill. And yet, there was something oddly reassuring about the way Sable didn't make a big deal out of it. No judgment, no pity—just her usual, effortless confidence.

"Seriously, though," Sable said as they rejoined the trail. "You okay? I mean, besides the ankle."

Fayne hesitated, the question catching her off guard. She looked at Sable, at the genuine concern in her green eyes, and for a moment, she almost blurted out everything. About her feelings, her confusion, the storm inside her. But she didn't. Not yet.

"Yeah," she said softly, her voice barely audible. "I'm okay."

Sable didn't press further, simply nodding. "Good. Let's catch up to the others before they start wondering where we went. Don't want Leah and Mira thinking I ran off with you or something."

Fayne managed a weak laugh, her heart still racing—not from the fall, but from the girl standing beside her. If only Sable knew how much of a rescue she'd truly been.

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When they reunited with Leah and Mira, Fayne barely had time to catch her breath before the questions came pouring in.

"Fayne, what happened?!" Leah exclaimed, her wide eyes darting between Fayne's slightly disheveled appearance and Sable's calm demeanor.

"Are you okay? Did you fall?" Mira added, concern etched on her face as she stepped closer to examine Fayne.

Fayne opened her mouth to respond, but before she could stumble through an explanation, Sable interjected smoothly, her voice steady and reassuring. "She just twisted her ankle a bit. There was a patch of loose dirt on the trail—it caught her off guard. Nothing serious."

Leah and Mira exchanged glances, their worry slowly fading. "Are you sure?" Leah asked, her gaze shifting back to Fayne.

"Positive," Sable said with a small, confident smile. "I helped her walk it off, and she's good now. Right, Fayne?"

Fayne nodded, grateful for Sable's quick thinking. "Yeah, it's fine now. Just a little embarrassing, that's all."

"Well, if you're sure," Mira said, her shoulders relaxing. "Maybe we should slow down for the rest of the hike, just in case."

"Good idea," Sable said, her tone light. "But seriously, don't make a big deal out of it. These things happen."

Leah nodded, giving Fayne a small smile. "Alright, but let us know if it starts bothering you again, okay?"

"Got it," Fayne replied, managing a faint smile.

As the group continued walking, the tension eased, and the conversation returned to lighter topics. Fayne cast a quick glance at Sable, who gave her a subtle nod as if to say, I've got your back. Fayne couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and frustration—grateful for Sable's quick thinking, yet frustrated by how easily she seemed to take control of the situation.

Still, as they walked side by side, Fayne couldn't deny that having Sable there made her feel a little less alone. Even if the day hadn't gone as planned, maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

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Fayne leaned over the sink, the cool water dripping from her hands as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her pale blue eyes looked tired, her silver hair slightly mussed from the tumble earlier. She sighed, her words barely audible as she mumbled to herself.

"Come on, Fayne... you can't let this keep weighing you down. It's not healthy. Just... forget about your feelings for her, okay? Move on... for everyone's sake."

She closed her eyes, gripping the edge of the sink tightly. She didn't know if her pep talk was working or if she was just sinking deeper into her frustration. All she knew was that she couldn't keep going like this, letting her emotions twist her into knots.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Fayne's heart sank when she saw Sable's reflection in the mirror behind her. Sable leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, her green eyes sharp but tinged with concern.

"Talking to yourself now?" Sable asked lightly, her tone teasing but not unkind. "Should I be worried?"

Fayne stiffened, quickly straightening up and drying her hands with a paper towel. "Sable… what are you doing here?"

"Making sure you're okay," Sable said simply, stepping further into the bathroom. "You had everyone worried earlier. I just wanted to check in."

"I'm fine," Fayne said quickly, too quickly. She avoided Sable's gaze, focusing on smoothing out her uniform instead. "Really. You don't have to keep checking on me."

Sable raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You sure? Because standing here, telling yourself to 'forget about your feelings,' doesn't exactly scream 'fine.'"

Fayne froze, her cheeks flushing. How much had Sable heard? "It's nothing," she said hurriedly, her voice wavering slightly. "Just… me overthinking things, that's all."

Sable tilted her head, studying her. "You're not great at hiding things, you know that?"

Fayne finally met her gaze, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why does it matter, Sable? Why do you care?"

Sable blinked, caught off guard by the sudden outburst. For a moment, the bathroom was silent except for the faint hum of fluorescent lights. Then, she stepped closer, her expression softening.

"Because I know what it's like to carry stuff like that alone," Sable said quietly. "And no one deserves to feel like they're drowning in their own thoughts."

Fayne's breath caught in her throat. She looked away, her grip on the paper towel tightening. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Sable said. "But if you ever feel like talking… I'm here. No pressure, no judgment."

Fayne swallowed hard, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Sable."

Sable offered her a small, genuine smile. "Take your time, Fayne. Whatever's bothering you, you'll figure it out."

With that, Sable turned and walked out, leaving Fayne alone once more. Fayne stared at the door long after it had closed, her mind racing. The weight of Sable's words lingered in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of the bathroom lights. She clenched her fists, her knuckles brushing the cold edge of the sink as her thoughts spiraled.

"If only you knew..." she mumbled to herself, her voice barely audible over the soft drip of the faucet.

Her reflection seemed to mock her—eyes wide with frustration, cheeks flushed with emotion she couldn't fully contain. She wanted to scream, to cry, to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Sable's concern was genuine, and that only made it worse. The girl she couldn't stop thinking about had offered her kindness, warmth, understanding... and all Fayne could do was keep her feelings bottled up, too afraid to let them spill out.

Fayne took a shaky breath, forcing herself to stand upright. "Get it together," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. "You're stronger than this. You have to be."

Her gaze drifted back to the mirror, catching her own reflection. Despite the turmoil inside, she straightened her posture and smoothed out her uniform. Even if her heart felt like it was breaking, she wouldn't let it show. Not now. Not yet.

With one final glance at the door, she turned away and walked out of the bathroom, her head held high, even as her emotions swirled beneath the surface.