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Chapter 9: Keefe's Perspective

The campus felt different today—like every glance was a spotlight. I caught the way the girls were looking at Sophie, how their eyes lingered a little too long, like they were measuring her up, waiting for a chance.

I wanted to step in, tell them to back off, but Sophie didn't seem to notice—or maybe she was just used to it.

Then there was Fitz.

Biana's brother. The guy who looked like he owned the place but had that edge that made me want to watch my back.

He found me after class, that smirk tugging at his mouth.

"So, Keefe," he said, voice low. "You and Foster, huh?"

I nodded slowly, trying to keep it casual. "We're partners. That's all."

He leaned in, eyes sharp. "A six-week project. That's plenty of time to get close."

I swallowed, feeling the tension knot in my gut.

"It's just school," I said. "Nothing more."

Fitz didn't buy it. "Funny how school projects sometimes become more."

I caught myself glancing toward where Sophie was, buried in her notes, completely unaware.

I wanted to tell Fitz to back off. To stay away.

Because she's not just some girl.

She's Sophie.

And no one's going to mess with that—not on my watch.

Later, when some girls tried to flirt with me, flashing fake smiles, I just smiled back politely but kept my eyes on Sophie.

She deserves better than all this.

At the end of the day, sitting beside her in our lounge, I tried to push down the frustration.

"I hate how Fitz's making this complicated," I admitted.

She looked at me, steady and strong.

"It's not your fault," she said softly. "Let them talk."

I brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't want you to get hurt."

Her eyes held mine, fierce and sure.

"I'm stronger than you think."

For a moment, everything else faded away.

But outside, the world waited—with whispers, stares, and whatever was next.

And I knew I'd face it with her.

Sophie's POV

Biana: Come to the dorm. Like, right now!!!!!

I sighed, then typed back.

Sophie: Should I be worried?

I laughed when her reply popped up almost immediately.

Biana: Nah, you'll be hella proud of me.

"Sorry, Keefe, I gotta run — Biana needs me," I said, smiling. "She probably set off a glitter bomb or something in our dorm."

Keefe grinned. "Ha, see you later, Sophie."

As I walked toward the dorms, I couldn't stop thinking about Keefe.

—

"Ahhh, you're finally hereeee!" Biana practically bounced in place.

"What happened?" I asked, already curious.

"Well, you know that really cute guy Tam Song? He asked me to the Valentine's Ball!"

I should've been happy for her, and I was — but part of me couldn't help wondering... was Keefe already going with someone else?

"OMG, I'm so happy for you!" I said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

"He sometimes hangs around Fitz and Keefe, right?" I had to ask.

"Yup! Eek, I'm so excited!" Biana screamed.

Even though Keefe had been texting me more lately, the thought of actually talking to him face-to-face made my stomach twist into knots. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if I was just imagining things?

I caught myself staring at my phone more times than I wanted to admit, fingers hovering over his name, heart racing whenever his message popped up. But saying the words out loud? That felt impossible.

Biana's excitement was contagious, but all I wanted was to find the courage to be honest — with Keefe, and maybe with myself.

Some things felt so simple in theory, but in reality? They were terrifying.