The blurry photo in Maya’s locker felt like a trap. Not just a picture but a message. Quiet. Dangerous. A warning.

It wasn’t sharp enough to prove anything, but it didn’t need to be. It was enough to start rumors. Enough to make people talk. Enough to turn quiet whispers into sharp, cutting voices behind her back. It meant someone had seen them. Someone had watched. Someone close.

Maya stood there, holding the picture in shaking hands. Her heart beat too fast. Her chest felt tight. The ...