Morning arrived too fast.
The sun filtered through the thin curtains like it didn't care who was ready for the day. Birds chirped outside, cheerfully unaware of the storm still sitting heavy in Naya's chest.
She'd barely slept.
Her body felt heavy, like she was dragging something invisible through every movement. When Nora stirred, Naya was already dressed. Hoodie on. Hair tied back. Mask fixed.
"Did you sleep?" Nora asked softly, voice hoarse with sleep.
Naya didn't answer. She didn't have to. Nora sat up slowly, watching her friend fumble with her laces like she had to concentrate just to keep her hands from shaking.
"You know," Nora said gently, "you don't have to pretend around me."
"I'm not pretending," Naya replied, her voice flat.
Nora raised an eyebrow.
Naya stood. "I'm fine."
---
Outside the Dining Tent – Later That Morning
Lucien waited near the tent, pacing with the same restlessness he'd carried all night.
He didn't know what he was going to say. Every version of an apology sounded weak in his head. And none of it would undo the damage.
Still, he had to try.
When Naya finally appeared with Nora, his heart jumped—but so did his nerves.
She looked… tired. Not just physically, but emotionally. There was a dullness in her eyes that hadn't been there before.
She saw him.
And didn't flinch.
But she didn't stop either.
"Naya," he said, stepping in her path.
She halted, but just barely. Nora took the hint and moved a few steps away.
Lucien met her eyes. "Can we talk?"
She looked at him for a long second. Then, "About what?"
He hesitated. "About… the forest. What you saw."
Naya's jaw tightened. "I saw everything I needed to."
"You didn't—Jessica kissed me. I didn't want it."
"You didn't stop it either," she snapped before she could stop herself.
Lucien froze.
Her voice lowered, shaking just slightly. "Do you know how stupid I felt? Watching you. Watching that. After everything…"
"I didn't know you were there," he said quickly. "I swear."
"That's not the point," she said. "I don't care who kissed who, Lucien. I care that you made me feel like I was nothing."
He blinked, stunned silent.
"I'm not going to chase someone who doesn't see me," she added, voice firming even as her throat tightened. "I did that once. I'm not doing it again."
Lucien stepped forward, regret carved deep into his face. "I do see you."
Naya shook her head. "No. You see me now that I'm gone."
She walked past him without another word.
Lucien turned as she moved away, hands balled into fists at his sides. He hadn't just broken something—he'd shattered it.
---
Lakeside – That Afternoon
Naya sat on a patch of grass near the water, staring at her reflection.
The bruise on her leg was worse than it looked this morning. She'd wrapped it herself. It throbbed every now and then, like a physical reminder of everything that had gone wrong.
Footsteps approached.
Naya looked up, expecting Nora—or maybe Kelvin.
But it was Jessica.
Great.
"What do you want?" Naya asked, not even trying to hide the ice in her voice.
Jessica crossed her arms, clearly unbothered. "Relax. I'm not here to start anything."
Naya narrowed her eyes.
Jessica smirked. "Just wanted to let you know… you really thought you were different, didn't you?"
Naya said nothing.
"I've known Lucien for years," Jessica continued. "Whatever little thing you two had—it was cute. Temporary."
"You can lie to yourself all you want," Naya said, standing slowly. "But I don't need Lucien to choose me to know who I am."
Jessica laughed lightly. "Keep telling yourself that."
Then she walked off, leaving the air colder behind her.
---
Evening – Dorm Porch
Naya sat on the steps this time, hugging her knees.
Nora came out and handed her a blanket.
"I don't want to be mean," Nora said after a pause. "But I hope Lucien feels like crap."
Naya didn't answer, but the corner of her mouth twitched. "He does."
"Good."
They sat in silence for a while.
Nora bumped her shoulder gently. "You okay?"
Naya leaned into the blanket. "I'm trying."