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“And he signed up for you,” she says, gently but firmly. “Look, people are going to talk. They’re nosy. They speculate. Especially when they see a girl they thought they understood doing something unexpected, like being happy.”

I wrap my hands around my coffee, letting the warmth bleed into my fingers. “I don’t even care what strangers think. I really don’t. It’s just... this weird feeling, like I stepped outside of myself. Like suddenly my choices are up for public commentary.”

Kira nods slowly. “It’s disorienting. But it’s not forever. The novelty wears off for them. You’ll always be the one living it, though.”

“And that’s what scares me,” I admit. “What if this isn’t something I’m built for?”

Kira leans forward. “Mandy, you’re built for a hell of a lot more than some jealous randos in a group chat. You’ve got a vision, a plan. You don’t just float through life like most people. Youchoose.”

I go quiet. Her words settle over me, both comforting and slightly overwhelming.

“I know I’m not some influencer or Instagram girlfriend,” I say softly. “And I don’t want to be. But I also don’t want to be the reason people talk shit about Nate. Or think he downgraded.”

Kira makes a scoffing sound. “Anyone who thinks Nate Jones downgraded by being withyoushould be banned from the internet.”

I offer a tiny smile, grateful.

“He hasn’t texted yet,” I say after a pause. “Not that he has to. It’s just…”

“Today of all days, you want the reminder.”

I nod.

Kira’s voice is gentler this time. “Give it time. He probably doesn’t even know any of this is happening. And he’s not gonna care when he does. But if it’s bothering you, tell him.”

“I will,” I say. “Just... not yet.”

The cards are still in front of me, my highlighter waiting like an eager puppy. I pick one up and read it twice before realizing I haven’t absorbed a word.

My phone buzzes again. I don’t look this time.

Somewhere in the back of my head, a question rises:

Can I have the life I want, and the guy I want, without it turning into a circus?

I wish I knew the answer.

I close the group chat and set my phone down like it’s radioactive. My flashcards are still sitting there, waiting. Highlight uncapped. Focus shattered.

I shuffle them without looking.

The logical part of me says it doesn’t matter.

But the quiet part of me whispers:This is only going to get harder.

I check my phone again. No message from Nate yet.

Not unusual. He has morning skate. Or team meetings. Or maybe he’s just not a morning texter.

But today it feels... different.

Like the moment I walked into the light with him, the shadows started closing in.

I rub my temple and push my flashcards aside.

I didn’t mind falling for him behind closed doors.

It’s what happens when the world starts watching that terrifies me.