Lena and Jaxon strolled into school the next morning, still caught in the glow of the past twenty-four hours. She felt his presence beside her like an anchorâsteady, unwavering.
And yet, the moment they stepped through the front doors, the weight of reality pressed down on them.
Eyes followed them. Whispers flitted through the air. People who usually paid no attention to Lena suddenly seemed hyper-aware of where she stoodâin close proximity to Jaxon Walker.
She shot him a glance. "Did I miss a memo? Are we on a reality show now?"
Jaxon smirked, unfazed. "I mean, if I had known cameras would be involved, I would've worn my good jacket."
Lena rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Seriously, why is everyone looking at us like that?"
Jaxon's expression didn't change, but his hand found the small of her back as they moved through the hall. "Maybe because I'm walking next to the most interesting person in the school?"
"Or maybe because you've spent the last three years being the untouchable golden boy," she countered. "And now you'reâ"
"Now I'm what?" he prompted, eyes gleaming with amusement.
Lena hesitated. "Walking with me."
Jaxon stopped, turning toward her. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Her stomach twistedânot from doubt, but from the sheer magnitude of what this meant. She had spent years keeping her feelings buried, and now, they were right here, out in the open.
Before she could respond, a familiar voice cut in.
"Well, well, well. Looks like someone finally made their move."
Lena turned to see Ryan leaning lazily against a locker, arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his face. Her stomach clenched, but before she could react, Jaxon stepped forward, his entire demeanor shifting.
"You got something to say, Carter?" Jaxon asked, his tone flat but edged with something dangerous.
Ryan's smirk deepened. "Just saying, it's interesting how fast things change. But hey, I guess some people don't mind sloppy seconds."
Lena's breath hitched. The words stung, but before she could even process them, Jaxon had already moved.
It wasn't a punchâJaxon was too controlled for that. But he stepped in close, lowering his voice so only Ryan could hear. "You don't get to talk about her like that. Not now, not ever. Got it?"
Ryan held his ground for a moment, but something in Jaxon's expression made him falter. He scoffed, rolling his shoulders before backing off. "Relax, Walker. Just having some fun."
Jaxon didn't move until Ryan had disappeared down the hall. Only then did he turn back to Lena, his jaw still tight. "He's going to regret that," Jaxon muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides.
Lena frowned, touching his arm gently. "Jaxon..."
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "No. I'm done letting him get away with this. He doesn't get to treat you like that and just walk away." His voice was low but firm, a promise forming behind his words.
"You okay?" he asked, voice softer now.
Lena exhaled, nodding. "Yeah. You didn't have to do that."
Jaxon's eyes softened as he reached for her hand. "Yeah, I did."
She squeezed his fingers, her chest warming. This was different. This was real.
And for once, she wasn't afraid of letting the whole world see.
Jaxon's words lingered as they walked down the hall. Lena wasn't sure what he meant exactly, but something told her this wasn't over. Not for him. And definitely not for Ryan.