69. Should Move On

Jayden's eyes flickered toward the new face in class that day—Ryanne. He didn’t think much of it at first, but later, in the bustling canteen, his stomach twisted at the sight of Rose sitting at the same table as Ryanne, laughing, her head tilted back, eyes sparkling. She looked so carefree, so happy. A sharp snap pulled him back to reality. “Are you alright?” Ivy’s voice cut through his daze, laced with concern. Jayden blinked, confused, until he followed Ivy’s gaze downward. His fingers had clenched so tightly around his coffee cup that the plastic cup had buckled under the pressure, causing dark liquid to seep through the cracks and drip onto his jeans. “Shit.” He cursed under his breath, tossing the ruined cup into the trash before storming out of the canteen, his pulse hammering in his ears. In the bathroom, he leaned over the sink, cupping his hands under the cold, rushing water before splashing it onto his face. Once. Twice. A third time. He gripped the porcelain edges of the si