Two Worlds Between us

Lua was in the campus restroom when she heard the door open, followed by laughter and hurried footsteps.

- Did you see who was with Barron yesterday? - a voice sounded behind her.

- The scholarship girl, - another replied, dripping with irony. - Out of nowhere, she gets the attention of the most unattainable guy here? How convenient.

Lua felt her stomach turn. It was exactly what she feared.

- Do you think he's actually with her? - one of them laughed. - Must be just for fun. Barron would never date someone like that.

- Maybe he's just being nice. Like charity, you know? - a third voice chimed in, triggering more laughter.

Lua felt her face burn. She clenched her fists, trying to hold back the anger.

- And if she thinks this is her ticket to the top, she's seriously mistaken!

The girls washed their hands and left the restroom, still giggling. As soon as the door closed, Lua stepped out of the stall, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes burning with indignation.

Getting into NYU on a scholarship had already put her under scrutiny. But now, being associated with Barron seemed to have multiplied everything.

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Over the next few days, Lua did everything she could to avoid crossing paths with Barron. She sat far from him in their shared classes and even stayed away from the places he usually frequented, like that bookstore.

But Barron noticed.

After a week of silence, he found her in the library, where she pretended to be focused on her laptop.

- Are you avoiding me? - his voice broke the silence beside her.

She forced herself to keep her eyes on the screen.

- I'm just focusing on my studies, - she replied flatly.

- Oh, really? Because it looks more like you're running away from me.

She sighed and finally looked at him. He seemed genuinely confused, maybe even a little hurt.

- Look, Barron... You know how people are talking. I don't want to be the center of all this.

He crossed his arms, studying her.

- And why do you care what they say?

- Because any mistake I make could cost me my spot here. You don't get that because you've never had to worry about things like this.

His brows furrowed, but he didn't argue.

- And you think staying away from me will change anything?

- It'll at least quiet the rumors.

Barron took a deep breath, looking frustrated.

- If you want distance, I'll respect that. But Lua... Don't let them make that choice for you.

He walked away before she could respond.

Lua wanted to believe she was doing the right thing, but for some reason, watching Barron leave made her chest tighten in a way she didn't expect.