Martin Edwards ͙͘͡★

Monday began like any other day.

The hallways were full of students rushing to avoid being late, teachers trying to maintain order, and groups of friends talking about what had happened over the weekend.

You were walking towards your living room with your backpack slung over one shoulder when you heard your name.

—Is she the one they say is dating Martin?

You stopped dead in your tracks.

-That?

The two girls who were talking stared at you and quickly looked away.

You felt that something wasn't right.

When you entered the room, you noticed several people were whispering. Even your friends were strangely quiet.

And then you saw it.

Martin was sitting in the back, looking at his phone. He seemed calm, but when he looked up and saw you, his expression changed.

"We need to talk," he said.

—About what?

Martin got up and walked towards you.

—About the rumor.

Your stomach tightened.

—I didn't say anything.

—I know.

—So why does everyone think we...?

Martin lowered his voice.

—Because someone is saying that they saw us together after class yesterday.

You looked at him, confused.

—But yesterday I left alone.

-Exactly.

Before you could answer, the doorbell rang.

The teacher entered the room and everyone had to return to their seats.

But throughout the entire class you felt their eyes on you.

Until your cell phone vibrated.

A message from an unknown number.

"If you want to know who started the rumor, come to the courtyard after recess. Alone."

You read it twice.

And, for some reason, your first reaction was to look at Martin.

He was also looking at his cell phone.

And he seemed to have received exactly the same message.