The hallway outside Mr. Lee's classroom was nearly empty, the usual buzz of students replaced by the quiet hum of fluorescent lights. Most had already left for the day.
Ara stepped out, her bag slung over her shoulder, her expression a mix of relief and lingering uncertainty. She exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself, willing her thoughts to settle.
Then she froze.
Chenle.
He leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, his usual playful smirk absent. In its place was something quieter, something knowing, almost piercing.
Ara's breath hitched.
"Chenle? What are you doing here?" Her voice wavered slightly.
He straightened, his sharp eyes never leaving her. "I was waiting for Jisung," he said, then hesitated. "But... I couldn't help overhearing."
He offered a small, guilty smile.
Ara's stomach sank. Heat crept up her neck. She looked down, gripping the strap of her bag as if it could anchor her.
"You... you weren't supposed to hear that." Her words came out hurried, defensive.
Chenle took a step closer, softer now. "I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, I swear. But Ara..." His tone deepened, steady. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Ara swallowed, avoiding his gaze. "It's not a big deal," she muttered. "I didn't want to drag anyone else into it. Belle only found out by accident."
Chenle let out a sharp breath, frustration flickering across his face... but not at her. "Not a big deal? Ara, if someone's making you feel like that, it is a big deal."
She risked a glance at him, voice small. "I just didn't want to make things worse."
He sighed, expression softening. "I get that. I really do. But you shouldn't have to deal with this alone." His voice steadied, warm but firm. "You've got me. And Ningning. And the others. You know that, right?"
Ara hesitated, then slowly nodded.
Chenle's grin returned, faint but determined. "And you know me, I'm not exactly subtle. If Karina and Winter think they can mess with you again, they've got another thing coming."
Ara blinked, then let out a quiet laugh, edged with nervousness. "Chenle, please don't do anything... loud."
He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Me? Loud? Never."
Ara raised an eyebrow.
Chenle chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. I promise I won't make it worse. But I mean it, Ara. You don't have to do this alone. We've got you."
Ara studied him for a long moment. Something in her defenses began to crumble. The weight she had carried, the silence she had endured... it didn't feel quite as suffocating anymore.
"Thanks, Chenle," she murmured.
He slung an arm around her shoulders, protective but friendly, and together they started down the hallway.
"Come on," he said, grinning. "Let's find Ningning. She's probably already plotting something."
Ara laughed again, lighter this time, less forced. She could finally feel herself breathing a little easier.
