Sunlight spilled through the cracks in the curtains, soft and golden. Michelle blinked awake to the sound of birdsong and the warm weight of Steve's arm wrapped around her waist.
She smiled before even opening her eyes.
"Morning," Steve whispered sleepily, kissing her bare shoulder.
"Is this real?" she mumbled, still half in a dream. "Or did I just imagine the perfect day with the perfect guy?"
He chuckled against her skin. "If this is a dream, don't wake me up."
They lay there for a long while, not speaking — just breathing together, heartbeats steady and slow. But eventually, the world called them back. Clothes were packed. The cabin locked. And the road home waited.
As they pulled into the school parking lot, Michelle's heart sank just a little.
The gray of the buildings felt heavier after the peace of the woods. The whispers in the hallway returned like a tide. But Michelle held Steve's hand tighter this time.
Let them talk.
She knew the truth now — and that was enough.
Or… so she thought.
As they approached the dorm building, Lila came running toward them, breathless and pale.
"You guys need to see this."
She handed Michelle her phone.
A photo.
Posted anonymously. But it was unmistakable.
Michelle and Steve. In the cabin. Wrapped in a blanket by the fire.
Steve froze. "How…?"
Lila's voice dropped. "Someone followed you. I don't know who took it — but it's already been shared. People are talking."
Michelle's stomach turned. The safe space they had created — invaded.
"They're saying you skipped class to sleep with him. That it was a 'secret getaway.' That it was… inappropriate," Lila added, eyes full of sympathy. "Someone is trying to ruin this."
Michelle's heart pounded. "We didn't even do anything wrong."
"No," Steve said, jaw clenched. "But we're going to find out who's trying to make it look like we did."
Just then, the dean's assistant walked up the path toward them.
"Steve. Michelle. The dean would like to speak with you both. Immediately."
They exchanged one look.
Their weekend of peace was over.
And a new storm had just begun.