Omi Pov:

Fina woke up the next morning with a soft smile still lingering on her lips, the memory of Aiden's question replaying in her mind. For once, things felt stable, almost peaceful. She had someone who genuinely cared for her, and she was allowing herself to embrace the idea of happiness.

But peace never seemed to last long.

The day at school started like any other. Fina walked into the building with Aiden by her side, his hand lightly in hers as they moved through the hallways. Mia and Ethan caught up with them near the lockers, and the four of them shared easy laughter as they swapped stories about their weekend plans.

It wasn't until third period, in the hallway outside her history class, that the tension began.

Fina had been digging through her bag for her notebook when a familiar, unwelcome voice called out behind her.

"Well, if it isn't the little charity case," Sophia sneered, her tone dripping with venom.

Fina froze, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Slowly, she turned to face Sophia, who was leaning against the lockers with her arms crossed and a smirk plastered across her face.

"What do you want, Sophia?" Fina asked, keeping her voice steady.

"Oh, nothing," Sophia said, shrugging nonchalantly. "I just couldn't help but notice you and Aiden getting all cozy lately. Guess even someone like you can get lucky once in a while."

Fina's jaw clenched, but she refused to rise to the bait. "I don't have time for this," she muttered, turning back toward her locker.

Sophia, however, wasn't done.

"You know, it's kind of pathetic," Sophia continued, her voice louder now, drawing the attention of a few nearby students. "You act all shy and innocent, but let's be real—you're just soaking up all the attention you can get. I mean, who wouldn't, with your little sob story?"

The words hit Fina harder than she cared to admit. Her stomach twisted, and she felt her cheeks flush with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She could feel the eyes of the other students on her, their whispered comments buzzing in her ears like static.

Before Fina could respond, Aiden appeared, his expression sharp as he stepped between her and Sophia.

"What's your problem, Sophia?" he demanded, his voice low but firm. "Why don't you mind your own business?"

Sophia's smirk faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking," she said. "You're wasting your time with her, Aiden. She's damaged goods."

That was the final straw.

Fina's eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall. Without a word, she grabbed her bag and pushed past both Aiden and Sophia, heading straight for the nearest exit. She needed to get out of there—away from the stares, the whispers, and Sophia's cruel words.

"Fina, wait!" Aiden called after her, but she didn't stop.

She burst through the doors and into the courtyard, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. The weight of Sophia's words pressed down on her chest, and she felt like she couldn't breathe. She sank onto a bench, burying her face in her hands as she tried to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her.

It wasn't long before she heard footsteps approaching.

"Fina," Aiden's voice was soft, full of concern. He sat down beside her, careful not to crowd her. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know she was going to say those things."

"It's not your fault," Fina whispered, her voice trembling. "She's right, though. I am damaged. I've been through so much, Aiden, and sometimes I feel like... like I'll never be normal."

Aiden reached for her hand, his touch gentle. "Don't say that," he said firmly. "You're not damaged, Fina. You're strong. You've been through more than most people could handle, and you're still here. That's not weakness—it's strength."

Fina looked up at him, her tear-filled eyes searching his face for reassurance. "But what if she's right? What if I'm not good enough for you?"

Aiden's expression softened, and he cupped her face in his hands. "You are more than good enough for me," he said. "You're everything I could ever want, Fina. Don't let someone like Sophia make you doubt that."

For a moment, they just sat there, the world around them fading away. Aiden leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his touch calming the storm inside her.

When they finally stood to head back inside, Fina felt a little lighter. She wasn't sure how to handle Sophia or the rumors that might spread after today, but she knew she didn't have to face it alone. Aiden would be there for her, and so would her friends and family.

But as they walked back into the building, Fina couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the drama with Sophia. Something told her that the other girl wasn't going to back down anytime soon.