Zach and Katelyn arrived at her house, the tension still thick in the air. As they approached, Lucas stepped out from the porch, his expression immediately shifting from calm to concern the moment he saw Katelyn’s pale, shaken face.

“Katie,” Lucas called out as he hurried over, pulling her into a tight embrace. “What’s wrong? You’re shaking.”

Zach stood nearby, watching the worry deepen in Lucas’s eyes. “Four guys came out of an alley and attacked us on the way home.”

Lucas’s body tensed, his protective instincts kicking in. “Are you serious? What the hell happened?”

Katelyn, still trembling, took a deep breath. “One of them said someone paid them to rough me up.”

Zach’s expression hardened. “I think we can all agree it was probably Lucy.”

Lucas clenched his fists, anger flaring in his eyes. “She’s really starting to get on my nerves.”

Katelyn leaned into Lucas’s chest, her exhaustion palpable. “Thank you, Zach, for protecting me. I really need to go lie down now.”

Zach gave her a soft smile. “No worries... you’re welcome. Let Lucas take care of you. You need rest.”

Lucas nodded in appreciation. “Thanks, man.”

Zach shrugged, his expression calm but resolute. “That’s what friends are for.”

Just as they were about to part ways, all three of their phones beeped simultaneously.

Katelyn furrowed her brow. “Who messaged all of us at the same time?”

She was the first to check her phone, her eyes widening as a gasp escaped her lips. “What is this?”

Lucas immediately looked at his phone, his expression darkening as he saw what she was seeing. Another article posted on the school forum—this time featuring the picture of Zach hugging Katelyn after the alley attack. The comments were already flooding in, speculating about what was going on.

Zach shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe Lucy’s trying to use the same trick again.”

Lucas’s jaw tightened as he stared at the picture, his mind racing with anger. But when he saw Katelyn’s worried expression, he softened, pulling her into a comforting hug.

“Lucas, it’s not what it looks like,” Katelyn said quickly, her voice shaky. “I was scared after the attack. I went into shock... Zach was just trying to comfort me.”

Zach nodded, stepping forward. “I wasn’t thinking about anything except getting her home safe.”

Lucas stroked Katelyn’s hair, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “It’s okay, Katie. I believe you.” He paused, his voice tight with frustration. “It just makes me upset...”

Katelyn’s heart dropped, tears welling up in her eyes. “Upset? Are you mad?”

“No,” Lucas said, his voice softening as he held her tighter. “Not at you. I’m upset because I wasn’t there to protect you.”

Zach watched them, guilt gnawing at him. “I’ll comment on the post and set the record straight.”

Lucas shook his head. “No need. I’ll get my friend to take the article down again.”

Zach crossed his arms, thinking. “Can you track the user? We need proof it’s Lucy.”

A sharp determination glinted in Lucas’s eyes. “Yes, he can. I’ll make sure she pays for this.”

Zach nodded, relief flashing across his face. “Good. I’ll head home then. See you at school.”

With a nod, Lucas watched as Zach left before turning his attention back to Katelyn. He gently led her inside, guiding her to her room.

As soon as they were inside, Katelyn quickly shut the door behind them, her nerves still frayed. “Please don’t be mad at me,” she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Lucas immediately wiped a tear from her cheek, his gaze tender. “Katie, don’t cry. I’m not mad.”

“You said you were upset,” she murmured, her voice breaking.

Lucas frowned, brushing his thumb along her jawline. “I was upset because I wasn’t the one there to protect you.”

Katelyn’s heart swelled at his words. “But I still love you the most.”

Lucas smiled softly and pulled her into his arms, his embrace warm and safe. “Come here,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. “I love you too.”

As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the storm of rumors, threats, and doubts felt distant—like shadows fading under the strength of their bond.