unnoticed feelings

The weekend passed in a blur, but Emily couldn't shake the lingering anxiety that clung to her like a shadow. Seeing Jake again had reopened wounds she thought were healing, leaving her restless and on edge.

Liam had been there, steady as always, his presence grounding her. But deep down, she knew this wasn't over.

And she was right.

---

Monday Morning

Emily walked into school with Liam beside her, their routine unchanged. But the moment they stepped through the doors, she felt it—an unease settling over her skin.

Whispers floated through the hallway, eyes flicking in her direction before quickly turning away.

Liam noticed too. "Something's going on."

Emily barely had time to respond before Naomi approached, her expression serious.

"Hey," Naomi said. "Have you seen this?"

She held up her phone, showing Emily the screen.

It was a post.

A picture of Emily—one from over a year ago, when she was still with Jake. She looked happy, smiling at the camera with her arms around his neck.

But it wasn't the picture that made her stomach drop.

It was the caption.

"Some people never change. Guess she likes being played. #toxiclove"

Emily's heart pounded in her ears.

Liam took Naomi's phone, his jaw tightening as he read the words. "Who posted this?"

Naomi hesitated. "It was on one of those anonymous school gossip accounts. But everyone knows who sent it."

Emily swallowed hard. "Jake."

Naomi nodded. "He's been talking to people, saying you're just using Liam to make him jealous. That you're going to take him back."

Emily clenched her fists. "That's not true."

"I know," Naomi said gently. "But rumors don't care about the truth."

Liam exhaled sharply, handing the phone back. "This is low. Even for him."

Emily's mind raced. She had spent so much time trying to move on, to forget Jake and the damage he had done. But he wasn't letting her.

He wanted to control the narrative.

And worst of all? People were believing him.

---

Lunch Break

Emily sat with Liam at their usual table, pushing her food around her tray. The whispers hadn't stopped. Every time she looked up, she caught people glancing at her, some with pity, others with amusement.

Liam noticed. "We should say something."

Emily shook her head. "That's what he wants. If we react, he wins."

Liam frowned. "So we just let him talk?"

"I don't know," Emily admitted. "I just… I hate this."

Liam reached for her hand under the table. "We'll figure it out."

She squeezed his fingers, drawing comfort from the warmth of his touch.

But deep down, she wasn't sure how to fight this.

---

After School

Emily barely made it two steps outside before she heard his voice.

"Emily."

She froze.

Jake stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Liam tensed beside her. "What do you want?"

Jake ignored him, his eyes locked on Emily. "We need to talk."

Emily straightened her shoulders. "No, we don't."

Jake took a step closer. "Come on, Em. You're really going to act like this? Like we didn't mean anything?"

Liam stepped in front of her, his voice sharp. "She said no."

Jake's smirk faltered, just for a second. Then he laughed, shaking his head. "Relax, hero. This isn't about you."

Liam didn't move. "It is now."

Emily's pulse raced. She had seen this side of Jake before—the one that hid cruelty beneath charm. He wasn't just here to talk. He wanted to get under her skin.

And he was succeeding.

Emily took a slow breath. "Jake, whatever you're trying to do—spreading rumors, posting old pictures—it's not going to work. I'm not the same girl I was back then."

Jake's expression darkened. "You sure about that?"

Emily held his gaze. "Yes."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes. Something cold.

Then he scoffed, stepping back. "Whatever. You'll see soon enough."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Emily let out a shaky breath.

Liam looked at her. "You okay?"

She wasn't sure. But she nodded anyway.

Liam exhaled. "He's not done."

Emily knew he was right.

This wasn't over.

Not yet.