After the PE period, Hazel walked slowly through the hallway, her hair damp with sweat and her mind clouded with thoughts—Ethan's sudden absence and her dad's unexpected visit. She rubbed her temple, trying to shake the weight off her chest.
Suddenly, a hand landed on her shoulder out of nowhere, making her jump.
She turned sharply—only to see Levi standing there with his usual grin.
Hazel let out a breath. "You scared me."
Levi chuckled. "Hey, are you okay?"
Hazel forced a smile. "Of course I'm fine."
He narrowed his eyes. "Really? What are you thinking about? You know you can share it with me, right?"
"Ohh… I'm totally fine," she replied quickly.
Levi folded his arms. "Yeah, I don't think so."
Hazel said nothing this time—just gave him a look that made it clear she didn't want to continue the conversation.
Levi sighed and stepped back. "Fine, I'm going. But if you need anything, just call us, okay?"
Hazel nodded.
She turned and walked off to change out of her PE uniform. Once done, she made her way to her classroom.
---
Meanwhile...
Levi entered his class, scanning the room quickly.
No sign of Drake.
With a slight frown, he walked toward their usual hangout spot—behind the building, a quiet space shaded by trees. Sure enough, Drake was sitting there alone, legs stretched out, leaning back against the wall, lost in thought.
Levi approached him.
Drake looked up at him.
"She didn't say anything," Levi said. "Maybe she doesn't want to share with me."
Drake gave a short nod. "Lucas will handle it."
Without another word, they both got up and headed back to class.
---
After class...
Students were trickling out in groups, but one scene caught everyone's attention—Caleb standing casually in front of Hazel's class, hands in pockets.
Every girl who passed by either gawked or whispered.
"Is Caleb waiting for Hazel?"
"No way, since when?"
"I thought he didn't talk to girls like that."
Hazel, oblivious to the reactions, finished packing her bag and stepped out. She spotted Caleb and smiled. He nodded, and they both began walking toward the gang, completely ignoring the stares around them.
They reached the car, and everyone climbed in.
Zayn slumped in his seat, groaning. "Guys, we can't keep doing this. I'm stuck every day between these loud idiots!"
Drake, at the wheel, smirked. "Then tomorrow, we switch it up. Take our own rides."
"Agreed," everyone echoed, clearly ready to break out of the car chaos.
---
When they finally reached the flat, Hazel stepped out dramatically, clutching her chest.
"If we continue this for too long, I'll die," she said, half-gasping, half-laughing.
The whole gang burst into laughter, teasing her as they all walked toward their rooms to
Finally rest.
---
Hazel's Room
After a long, exhausting day, Hazel quickly hopped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the stress clinging to her. Once out, she wrapped herself in a towel, pulled on her comfiest pajamas, and padded into the kitchen. With slow movements, she brewed herself a cup of tea, hoping the warmth would calm her mind.
She curled up on the couch, tea in hand, eyes distant.
---
Meanwhile, in the Boys' Room
Lucas had stepped out for a few minutes. The rest of the boys were being their usual selves—Ben balancing a pillow on his head, Zayn playfully throwing chips at Caleb, and Levi yelling about how he's going to break up with all of them.
Drake sat on the bed, leaned back, casually scrolling through his phone with that unreadable look on his face.
Suddenly, the door flew open. Lucas stepped in, his expression serious.
Lucas: "Guys, listen up. Hazel's dad came to school today."
Drake looked up immediately. "Who told you this?"
Lucas: "Someone saw them. Said he waited for her outside the office."
Levi frowned, the pieces clicking. "So that's why she looked so off today…"
Lucas added, "And not just that. Ethan—he's missing. No one's seen him for days. It's like he just disappeared."
Ben, always a little slower to catch on, blinked. "So what do we do now?"
Zayn stood up. "We find Ethan."
But Drake shook his head calmly, voice low. "No need. He'll come back… when he's ready."
The others fell silent, unsure if that was a warning or just Drake's usual confidence. Either way, no one argued.
---
Back in the Living Room
Hazel took a long sip of her tea, her fingers wrapped tightly around the mug. Her phone buzzed on the table.
Incoming Call: Mom
She hesitated.
For a moment, she considered letting it ring out. But then she slowly picked it up and answered.
Seraphina (softly): "Hey... are you okay?"
Hazel (quietly): "Yeah."
Seraphina: "No, you're not. I know you. I can feel it even from miles away. Hazel, I'm always here for you. I won't let anything happen to you again."
Hazel bit her lip, holding back emotion. "I'm okay, Mom. You don't have to worry."
Seraphina: "I'll call you back later, okay?"
Hazel sighed. "Yeah… bye."
The call ended.
Hazel put the phone aside and leaned back into the couch, eyes staring into nothingness.
---
Meanwhile… Seraphina's Office
Seraphina sat behind her grand desk in her elegant office, her posture stiff but her mind far away. The shadows under her eyes and the subtle tremble in her fingers betrayed her guilt.
Her assistant gently knocked and walked in.
Assistant: "Ma'am… Mr. Zayden is on his way."
Seraphina snapped out of her thoughts. "When will he arrive?"
Assistant: "Tonight."
Seraphina nodded faintly. "Anything else?"
Assistant: "No, ma'am."
Seraphina waved a hand gently. "I'd like to sit alone."
The assistant gave a respectful nod and quietly exited.
Seraphina leaned back in her chair, her eyes moist, regret heavy in her chest. She looked out the window, murmuring to herself.
Seraphina (softly): "I shouldn't have let it get this far…"
The guilt of the past weighed down like a stone on her heart, and the silence of her office only made it louder.
________________________________________
Scene: Hazel's Apartment – Evening
Hazel sat curled up on the couch, her tea now cold on the table in front of her. The soft hum of the fan above filled the silence. Her thoughts spun in all directions—her dad's visit, Ethan's absence, the call with her mom. It all felt too heavy.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
Hazel blinked, slightly startled. She wasn't expecting anyone.
Slowly, cautiously, she stood and walked toward the door. Her fingers hesitated on the handle for just a second before she unlocked and opened it.
And then—
She froze.
Standing right there was Ethan.
His hair slightly messy, face pale and tired, eyes holding something heavy and unreadable. He didn't speak. He just looked at her.
Hazel's breath hitched in her throat.