What's Wrong With Us?

Rumors About Me

“What was that for?”

“You know what that was for,” Macky said, trying—and failing—to look annoyed. A grin was already creeping onto her face.

“Hey, I wasn’t trying to make things worse,” he protested, smirking. “You really think I want extra community service?”

“Sure you weren’t…”

“I swear!” he said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender.

Kief glanced at his watch and sighed. “Well, it’s been real, Macky. But I’ve gotta bounce.”

He extended a hand. She hesitated, then took it. It felt weirdly formal, but the quick nod they shared said more—respect, maybe even a flicker of admiration.

“Nice meeting you too, Kief,” she said. “Honestly? Thought you were gonna be a generic jerk.”

He grinned as he turned to leave, steps light with just the right amount of swagger. Macky watched him disappear around the corner, a warmth blooming in her chest.

Then her eyes drifted to the window across the hall. Rain had started falling, streaks sliding down the glass in a rhythmic hush.

She made her way to the elevator and stepped in. By the time she reached the building’s entrance, the rain was steady. Spotting a sleek black umbrella in a case labeled Free Umbrellas, she grabbed one and headed outside.

The rain tapped gently above her as she walked, lost in thought—until her umbrella collided with someone else’s.

“Oh! I’m, uhh—sorry—” she began, trailing off as her eyes landed on the girl in front of her.

It was Celestia.

Even in the rain, she looked ethereal—soft features, a faint glow to her smile. Macky’s heart promptly forgot how to beat properly.

“It’s cool,” Celest said with a light laugh, her fingers brushing against Macky's as they untangled their umbrellas. Her voice was warm honey, instantly disarming. “Have you seen Kiefer?”

“No—yes. I mean, I saw him a few minutes ago…” Macky’s words tripped over each othr. Her face flushed as Celest’s gaze lingered, her own grip tightening nervously around the umbrella handle.

“Oh? Do you know where he went?” Celest tilted her head, curiosity soft in her tone.

“I think… to the gym? Through the shortcut,” Macky replied, gesturing vaguely in the general direction of her dignity.

Celest’s smile stretched wider, slow and sincere. “Thanks!” She placed a gentle hand on Macky’s shoulder before turning away.

Macky stayed frozen, electricity tingling under her skin where Celest had touched her. The chill of the rain barely registered—her heart was louder than the laughter of other students around her. She watched Celest disappear down the path, everything else dissolving into the percussion of falling rain.

She let herself stand there, soaked in more than just water—savoring the strange, fluttery afterglow of the moment. And then—

“I know that look,” came Kamaria’s voice, teasing and sharp. She didn’t even glance up from her book.

“What look?” Macky asked, too fast.

Ria peeked up just in time to catch the guilt flash across Macky’s face. A grin crept in. “Don’t play innocent.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Macky mumbled, her tone already giving her away.

Ria stopped walking, cocked her head, and grinned wider. “Your eyes do.”