Cedric

　　Stepping into the art department, I caught wind of more gossip circulating about me. But this time, something was different. Amidst the whispers, I distinctly heard her voice rising in my defense. It was unexpected, yet strangely reassuring.

　　For years, I had grown accustomed to the norm of skepticism and scrutiny, almost forgetting what genuine support felt like.

　　Two girls cornered me at the party, their playful banter filled with flattery and ...