When Hearts Align || MIKHAIAH

Chapter 9: Tides of Change

As the weeks passed, the aftermath of Mikaelle and Aria’s public friendship continued to ripple through their social circles. The fair had been a statement, a bold declaration that they weren’t hiding anymore, and while some people had started to accept it, others had only grown more vocal in their disapproval.

For Mikaelle, it was as though she were living in two worlds that constantly tugged at her from opposite directions. On one side, her old friends from their department still sent her icy glances whenever they crossed paths. Nicole, in particular, had made it clear through her silence that their friendship was all but over. On the other side, Aria’s friends had warmed up to her, and Mikaelle began spending more time with them, attending study sessions, grabbing coffee, and getting to know the people who had always been a part of Aria’s life.

Despite this new dynamic, there was always an underlying tension. It became evident that neither side fully understood what Mikaelle and Aria were trying to achieve by bridging their two worlds. Mikaelle could feel the strain deepening with each passing day, as though the foundation of her life was cracking, bit by bit.

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One afternoon, Mikaelle sat in the university café, staring into her untouched cup of tea. The normally bustling café seemed quieter today, though she suspected it had more to do with her own heavy mood than with the actual atmosphere. She had agreed to meet Gwynn, who had been surprisingly civil the past few times they’d spoken. Mikaelle wasn’t sure whether Gwynn was truly coming around or if she was simply biding her time, waiting for Mikaelle to “come to her senses.”

The bell above the door jingled, and Mikaelle looked up to see Gwynn walk in, her sleek black coat swaying as she moved with her usual confidence. She spotted Mikaelle and headed straight for the table, sliding into the seat across from her.

“Mikaelle,” she greeted smoothly, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“No problem,” Mikaelle replied, though her voice was stiff. She wasn’t sure where this conversation was going, and a part of her dreaded it.

Gwynn studied Mikaelle for a moment, her eyes sharp.“So,” she began, leaning forward slightly, “how’s everything going with… Aria?”

Mikaelle raised an eyebrow. “You mean, how’s everything going with my friendship?”

Gwynn smiled, though there was a coldness behind it. “Sure, let’s call it that.”

Mikaelle suppressed a sigh. She knew Gwynn wasn’t here out of genuine concern. She was here to gauge whether Mikaelle was still worth keeping in the fold.

“Things are fine,” Mikaelle said, keeping her tone even. “Actually, they’re great. Aria and I are closer than ever.”

Gwynn’s smile faltered for just a second, a flicker of something unreadable passing over her face. “Well, I’m glad you’re happy,” she said, though her tone suggested otherwise. “But… can I be honest with you?”

Here it comes, Mikaelle thought, bracing herself. “Go ahead.”

Gwynn leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’ve been hearing things, Mikaelle. People are talking. You’ve been spending more time with Aria’s friends than with us, and—”

“You mean Nicole’s friends?” Mikaelle interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended.

Gwynn narrowed her eyes slightly, but her smile remained. “Fine, Nicole’s friends. But that’s kind of my point. You’ve been… distancing yourself. And people are starting to wonder if you even care about your old life anymore.”