#Chapter 26: The Center of Drama

The aftermath of my victorious encounter with Jessica sent shockwaves through the school, igniting a frenzy of chatter and gossip. Videos capturing the intense clash and the moment I punched her precious face spread like wildfire through group chats and social media. It was as if the whole student body had become an audience, and I was thrust into the spotlight of their attention. As I walked through the bustling hallways, the air felt thick with anticipation and judgment. Others exchanged hushed conversations, their gazes flickering with skepticism and envy. I had become the center of the school drama, a character in a narrative I didn't entirely control. The rest of the school day felt like it lasted forever. Thankfully, Jessica asked for a few days off school to heal her eye and I didn’t have to face her right away, but the whispers followed me like shadowy companions, their words dissecting my every move. Friends leaned in closer, their eyes brimming with cu