WHAT'S LOVE?

he old wall clock was the only sound breaking the silence. Alex stirred awake, blinking groggily as he re

at?" His vo

the one beside him. His eyes landed on Mia, the class captain, w

er no-nonsense demeanor. She was sharp, precise, and utterly unapproachable. She didn't t

stirred, lifting her head slowly. She blink

oice low and irritated. "Wh

ed, gesturing to the darkened library. "The

arched toward the library doors, rattling them for

g awkwardly near the table.

him. "We're stuck in here all night because someone

cutting through the already t

led out her phone, only to scowl at the

paced in frustration. He had always admired her-her confidence, her leadership, the way she never seemed to n

thought, If

gan, his voice tr

pped, not even

omething," Alex said, his

, arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixed

her stare. But he clenched his fists,

narrowe

his voice firmer now. "I'

readable for a moment. Then, she sco

ught off guard.

en. You barely pay attention in class, you're always cracking jokes, and you t

quickly, his cheeks burning. "And I kno

ee what I do in school, but that's it. You don't know the first thing about who I a

und. "I know it might seem that way, but I'm serious, Mia. I th

t even know half of the things I deal with. You're just project

ghten. "That's not true

firm. "You're a good kid, but this... this isn't going to happen. You need to grow

ze, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He had expected

, a loud thud echoed from somewhere

sound, her expression immedi

said, his voice bar

ership instincts kicking in.

dangerous?" Alex as

Then don't make it worse by

, leaving Alex standing alone with the ache of