eted as many students left for the weekend. Dahlia and Anne had made plans to escape the heavy atmosphere of the school for a few

a mischievous smile on her lips. "Ready to go?" she whi

side of school grounds-a place Anne had discovered where students weren't likely to be recognized by any teachers or school staff. They h

ay toward the side gate of the campus. Once outside, they walked quickly, neither of

kered on wooden tables, and soft music played in the background. Dahlia and Anne slid into a booth at the back, their h

u. "I've been wanting to bring you here for a while," she sai

She felt free, like the weight of the school's expectations

ne point, Anne reached across the table, her fingers wrapping gently around Dahli

queezing her hand. "It feel

small smile. "But we'll f

s alternating between lighthearted teasing and more serious, whispered confessions. The outside world seemed to f

closer as they strolled under the streetlights. For a moment, everything felt right. But the

s under the cover of night, each retreating to their respective rooms

ty as students caught up on their studies or met with teachers for extra help. Dahlia, still buzzing from her s

c was photosynthesis, and as much as she tried to concentrate on the diagrams and explanations, her thoughts drifted to

of her classmates, Erika, asked,

she had completely missed the l

ink we should use different ligh

d, her mind still half-ab

lia did her best to keep her head in the game. Eventually, they wrapped up their

ross the lawn, talking with a group of his friends, his expression unreadable. They hadn't spoken since the day he'd walked in on her and Anne. She wasn't sure i

ion. The room was half-full, a mix of students who needed extra help or were preparing for the upcoming exams. F

n't concentrate-not with Father Charles occasionally glancing her way. She

dismissed the class, but as usual, he c

voice smooth and comman

er Charles closed the door behind the last of them. He approached her slowly, h

his tone almost concerned. "I noticed it i

oat. Father Charles stepped closer, his hand resti

red, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, "you ca

oo long before he pulled away. Dahlia said nothing, only nodding mutely as

swirling in her mind. The weight of her secrets, the pressure of school, and the lingerin

gathered in the common areas. Dahlia walked aimlessly, her footst

. The peacefulness of the chapel called to her, but she couldn't bring herself to step inside. Not ton