Chapter 4 Ch A Room That Never Forgot

Blair's POV

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual midday chaos trays clattering, conversations overlapping, laughter bouncing off the high ceiling like it was trying to drown out thought.

I kept my head down, clutching my lunch tray like a shield. Grilled cheese. Apple slices. Water bottle. Comfort in small, silent things.

I spotted my usual corner back table near the window, mostly forgotten by the crowd. It was mine, not because anyone gave it to me, but because no one else ever sat there.

I was halfway there when I heard the familiar sound of exaggerated laughter the bullies' table. Loud. Entitled. So full of themselves they probably thought they owned the cafeteria too.

Zalia was there, of course, flipping her hair and tossing her perfect smile like confetti. The others circled around Bryan like satellites around a burning star.

I kept walking. Head low. Invisible. Just a few more steps and

"Blair."

I froze.

The entire room seemed to breathe in at once.

My name. From him.

I turned slowly. Bryan Carter was leaning back in his chair, tray in front of him, eyes locked on me. Casual. Confident. Too calm.

"Come sit with us," he said, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I blinked. Thought I heard wrong.

I didn't move. No one did.

The room was so quiet I could hear the hum of the vending machine across the hall.

Zalia's eyes flicked to me. Her lips curled like she'd just smelled something rotten.

I shook my head quickly. "No, I'm good."

I turned away, heart thudding too loudly. I'd just pretend it hadn't happened, go to my table, bury myself in

"Seriously, Bryan?" Zalia's voice sliced through the air like a glass breaking on tile. "Why are you wasting your time on that loser?"

The word hit harder than it should have.

Loser.

I wasn't even surprised.

But it still stung.

My feet moved faster now, desperate to get out of the cafeteria altogether. I didn't even care about the food anymore. I just needed space, air, anything else

Behind me, Bryan's voice rose. Not loud, but firm.

I didn't catch what he said. But Zalia went quiet. Dead quiet.

And so did everyone else.

I felt their eyes on me dozens of them like heat on my back. Like whispers waiting to burst.

I didn't stop walking.

I reached the hallway, chest tight, and leaned against the nearest locker.

Why had he done that?

Why had he called me over in front of everyone?

Was it a joke? A dare?

Or... was he actually trying to be

No.

I wasn't going there. I wasn't going to fall for whatever game he was playing.

But still... the way the room had gone silent. The way Zalia had shut up after whatever he said. Something about it lingered.

I didn't know what he'd told her.

But I had a feeling this wasn't the end of it.