Chapter 8 Whisper in the Hallway

Chapter 8: Whispers in the Hallwa

Morning broke too soon.

The golden light poured through the slats of Amara's blinds, casting stripes across her tangled sheets and the silhouette of Noah still asleep beside her. His chest rose and fell steadily, arm draped over her waist as if letting go would break him all over again.

Amara stared at the ceiling, trying to process the hurricane of last night. Every inch of her body ached with memory-his kiss, his touch, the way he whispered her name like a prayer. But beyond the passion lingered questions, quiet doubts gnawing at her calm.

She carefully slipped out of bed and tiptoed into the bathroom. Splashing water on her face, she stared into the mirror. Her reflection looked different-softer, bruised by emotion, but alive. Her lips were still pink from his kisses, her eyes heavier with choices.

She stepped back into the room just as Noah stirred. His eyes blinked open, soft and golden brown, locking with hers instantly.

"Hey," he said, voice raspy with sleep.

"Hey," she replied, wrapping her arms across her chest. "You should get dressed. If someone sees you leaving my room this early..."

"They'll assume what's true," he said simply, sitting up and raking a hand through his hair. "That I spent the night with the girl I'm in love with."

She raised an eyebrow, lips twitching. "You don't care if people talk?"

"I care that you're scared of what they'll say," he replied, standing and pulling his shirt over his head. "Because I'd rather face the world with you than hide behind silence again."

His words pierced something deep inside her. Still, she said nothing as he grabbed his jacket and kissed her cheek. "I'll text you," he whispered before slipping out the door.

---

By the time she arrived at her 10 a.m. class, whispers were already swirling. Eyes followed her as she walked in. Amara forced her chin up, brushing past curious stares and side comments like armor.

"Amara," a voice hissed as she settled into her seat.

It was Lillian, her roommate's best friend and the closest thing to a gossip blog this campus had. Her eyes were wide with delight.

"You didn't come back last night. And guess who else didn't sleep in his room?"

Amara shot her a withering glance. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh please. You and Noah? Everyone saw him leave your dorm this morning."

Heat crept up Amara's neck. She tried to focus on the lecturer's notes, but it was no use. Lillian was like a mosquito-annoying, persistent, and impossible to ignore.

"I mean, good for you," Lillian continued with a wink. "Just be careful. You know what they say about second chances."

Amara's stomach flipped. She wanted to snap at her, tell her to mind her business-but deep down, the warning stung. She did know what they said about second chances. Sometimes, they were just delayed heartbreaks.

---

Later that afternoon, Noah met her under the giant fig tree behind the art building. It had been their secret spot once upon a time-a sanctuary from pressure, gossip, and everything else college threw at them.

He was already sitting on the bench when she arrived, twirling a pencil between his fingers.

"I heard the rumors are flying," he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Lillian has a PhD in spying," Amara replied, sitting beside him. "She saw you leave."

He nodded. "Do you regret it?"

The question hung between them, heavy as stone.

"No," she said after a long pause. "But I don't know what it means yet."

"I want it to mean we're trying again," Noah said softly. "Not pretending anymore. Not sneaking around."

Amara swallowed. "It's not just about us, Noah. People talk. And your ex? She already hates me."

He looked away. "Grace and I are done. She knows that. But I'll handle it."

"She's not going to go quietly."

"Neither will I," he said. "I'll fight for you, Amara. I didn't last time-but I will now."

Her heart twisted. She wanted to believe him, to fall back into the warmth he offered. But love wasn't enough. Not always. Not when pride and pain and old wounds still bled beneath the surface.

---

The next morning, the whispers had become full-blown stares. Amara could feel the shift on campus. One glance at her and Noah sitting together in the cafeteria had set off a chain reaction.

Then came the unexpected text from an unknown number.

"You think he's yours again? Wait till you find out what he's hiding."

Amara's fingers trembled. She showed the message to Noah, who went pale.

"I think that's from Grace," he said. "She's been stalking my socials lately."

"What is she talking about? What are you hiding?"

He hesitated-too long.

"I-" he started, then stopped. "It's not what she thinks. It's nothing that would change how I feel about you."

"But it might change how I feel about you," Amara snapped.

Noah reached for her hand, but she stepped back.

"Tell me the truth, Noah," she said, her voice quiet but sharp. "Before someone else does."

---

To be continued...