The hallway buzzed with the usual midday chatter as students streamed out of their classrooms, eager for the lunch break. Gabriel and Andrew leaned casually against the wall outside Adrian’s lecture hall, their eyes scanning the door impatiently.
“She’s taking too long,” Andrew muttered, crossing his arms.
Gabriel shifted his weight against the wall, his sharp eyes scanning the stream of students leaving the lecture hall. “You think he’s giving her a hard time again?”
“Of course, he is,” Andrew snapped, crossing his arms. “The guy’s on some twisted power trip. Did you see the way he humiliated her during class earlier? If he thinks we’re just going to let that slide…”
Gabriel shot him a warning look. “Let’s not make a scene, Andrew. Not yet, at least.”
Gabriel didn’t respond, his attention fixed on the door. A moment later, it swung open, and Elena stepped out, her head down, her face pale.
“There she is,” Andrew said, immediately straightening up.
“Elena!” Gabriel called softly, stepping forward.
She looked up at them, her eyes wide and glassy, but the sight of her friends brought a flicker of relief. Andrew was by her side in an instant, throwing an arm around her shoulders.
“What did he say to you?” Andrew asked, his voice gentle but firm. “Did he make you cry?”
“What did he say to you?” Andrew asked, his voice gentle but firm. “Did he make you cry?”
Gabriel stepped closer, his gaze locked onto her as he took her bag from her shoulder without a word. His hands brushed hers briefly, and his frown deepened at how cold her fingers felt. “Elena, you don’t look okay. What happened?”
Elena shook her head quickly, her attempt at a smile wavering. “I’m fine. It’s nothing. He just…wanted to talk about my performance in class.”
Andrew snorted. “Performance? More like nitpicking you to death. That guy has a serious problem.”
Gabriel frowned, his gaze searching her face. “Did he say anything else? You can tell us, you know.”
“I’m fine,” she repeated, her voice firmer this time. “Really. Can we just go? I’m starving.”
The two boys exchanged a look but didn’t press further.
“Fine,” Andrew said, ruffling her hair lightly. “”But if he pulls this crap again, you better tell us. You know we’ve got your back, right?” you tell us, okay?”
Gabriel nodded, his hand brushing against hers as they started walking. “We’ve got your back, Star.”
Elena’s heart squeezed at the nickname. She managed a small laugh, her shoulders relaxing just a bit.
Elena’s heart clenched at their words, a mix of gratitude and guilt swirling within her. They meant well, but she didn’t want to burden them with her struggles. Still, their presence was a relief, and she managed a soft laugh. “Thanks, guys. You’re the best.”
As they walked down the hallway, Adrian stood by the window of the lecture hall, watching them. His expression was unreadable, but his hands were clenched tightly at his sides.
The sight of Gabriel and Andrew flanking Elena, their casual touches and easy smiles, only deepened the scowl on his face. His jaw tightened, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.
He didn’t understand why it irritated him so much. She was just a student. Nothing more.
And yet, as the trio disappeared down the corridor, laughing together, Adrian felt an inexplicable urge to storm after them and pull her away.
Instead, he turn and strode back into the classroom, the echo of their laughter ringing in his ears like a challenge he couldn’t ignore.
Gabriel, Andrew, and Elena reached the cafeteria, the smell of freshly baked bread and warm meals filling the air. The space was noisy and bustling, students crowding around tables as they chatted and laughed.
Andrew grabbed a tray, his usual energy returning as he began piling food onto his plate. “So, what are we eating today, Star? Pizza or pasta?”
Elena smiled faintly, still feeling the weight of her earlier conversation with Adrian. “Whatever’s quickest.”
Gabriel handed her a tray and nudged her toward the salad bar. “Eat something light. You look tired.”
“I’m fine,” she said, though she didn’t argue as she picked up a small sandwich.
As they found a table near the windows, Mia’s loud voice rang out from across the room. Elena stiffened immediately, recognizing the mockery in her tone.
As they found a table near the windows, Mia’s loud voice rang out again from across the room, carrying the same sharp tone Elena had grown to dread.
“Well, there she is back to her charity-shop chic,” Mia sneered, her tone biting and exaggeratedly sweet. “Honestly, Elena, don’t you have any pride? Or are you going for some kind of vintage pauper aesthetic now?”
Elena froze, her fingers tightening around the tray as the cafeteria seemed to grow quieter, the sound of Mia’s voice cutting through the usual buzz of lunchtime chatter.
Gabriel shot a sharp glance across the room, his jaw tightening. Andrew was already halfway out of his seat, his fists clenched at his sides.
“Mia,” Andrew said, his voice loud and firm, drawing the attention of several tables. “Why don’t you try minding your own damn business for once?”
Mia tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, relax, Andrew. I’m just having a bit of fun. No harm done, right, Elena?” Her smirk widened as her eyes met Elena’s, gleaming with malice. “Though, honestly, it’s a bit tragic. Maybe you should ask your boyfriends here for a little shopping money. They seem to have deep enough pockets.”
Laughter erupted from Mia’s table, a cruel chorus that made Elena’s cheeks burn. She looked down, willing herself not to let Mia’s words sink any deeper.
“Say one more word, and I swear…..” Andrew began, but Gabriel cut him off with a quiet, steady voice that somehow carried more weight than any outburst could.
“Mia,” Gabriel said, his gaze cold and unwavering as he stood, “does humiliating someone make you feel better about your miserable life? Or are you just desperate for attention?”
The laughter at Mia’s table died instantly, replaced by a stunned silence. She blinked, clearly caught off guard by Gabriel’s calm yet cutting response.
“Excuse me?” she said, her voice faltering for the first time.
“You heard me,” Gabriel said, his voice firm. “Why don’t you focus on fixing whatever makes you so bitter instead of wasting everyone’s time trying to drag Elena down?”
Mia’s face flushed a deep red, her confident smirk slipping. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she snapped, but her tone lacked its usual venom.
Andrew grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. “Looks like someone’s finally been put in their place.”
Gabriel ignored the whispers around them, turning back to Elena. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding. “Let’s go,” he said softly. “We don’t need to stay here.”
Elena nodded wordlessly, her throat tight as Gabriel guided her away from the table. Andrew followed, throwing one last glare in Mia’s direction.
As they exited the cafeteria, the trio walked in silence for a few moments before Andrew broke it with a loud, frustrated sigh. “That girl seriously has it out for you. I don’t get it.”
“It’s fine,” Elena said quietly, though her voice wavered slightly.
“No, it’s not,” Gabriel said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. He glanced at her, his expression softening. “You don’t have to deal with that alone, Elena. Not while we’re here.”
Elena felt a lump rise in her throat. Their support meant everything to her, but it didn’t make Mia’s words sting any less.
“Thanks,” she murmured, managing a small smile. “You guys are my back bone.”
“Always,” Andrew said with a grin, though his eyes were still dark with lingering anger.
Gabriel didn’t say anything, but the way he stayed close to her side spoke more.