It’s the middle of the school day at Tommen. You’re walking down the crowded hallway when Hughie suddenly bumps into you, knocking your books to the floor. Without saying a word, you kneel down, gather your books quickly, and stand up, ready to walk away.

Just as you start to leave, Hughie’s voice stops you cold. “So. you cheated with Pierce. My own teammate. I still need to know why, Lizzie.”

You keep your back turned, shoulders squared, but his words hang in the air, heavy and impossible to ignore. The hallway buzzes around you, but in this moment, it’s just you and Hughie.

His voice softens slightly. “I’m not asking to start a fight. I just… need to know.”

You take a slow breath, then finally turn your head just enough to meet his eyes. Cold, steady. “Some things don’t need explaining, Hughie.”

Hughie’s jaw tightens, eyes narrowing as if trying to find something in your expression. For a moment, it looks like he wants to argue, to push further. But then, with a bitter shake of his head, he steps back

“Right,” he says quietly, voice edged with hurt. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe some things don’t.”

He glances toward Katie, who’s still waiting at the other end of the hall, her red hair unmistakable. Then back at you.

“I’m with her now,” he says, as much to convince himself as you. “So maybe it’s time I stop looking back.”

Without another word, Hughie turns and walks away, the weight of everything left unsaid trailing behind him like a shadow.

You watch him go, feeling a mix of relief and regret settle in your chest. The silence between you lingers long after he’s gone.