The afternoon sun cast long,our sanctuary from the relentless chaos of Miles being the school's most popular guy. I was sitting at a corner table, struggling with an AP History textbook, when a comforting weight settled into the chair next to it. It was Miles. Without a word, he slid a foil-wrapped strawberry danish across the table before resting his chin on his folded arms, watching me with a soft, gentle gaze. "You look like you're analyzing a crime scene, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice warm and low. I looked up and smiled. "This chapter is trying to kill me, Miles. I swear." Miles chuckled softly, reaching out to gently intertwine his fingers with mine. His touch was reverent, a stark contrast to the icy indifference he showed everyone else. His free hand idly traced soothing circles on the back of my hand. "Stop letting it. You promised we’d start that new series tonight," he reminded me, his thumb rubbing my skin. "Take a break. Please?" Unable to resist that sweet, hopeful look, I closed the heavy book. "Okay, fine. But I'm blaming you if I fail the midterm." Miles’s smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "I'll accept full responsibility. Especially if it means I get to cuddle you while we watch TV." He leaned closer, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my temple. Then, the library doors swung open. "Miles! There you are." Elena, convinced against all evidence that she was his soulmate, marched toward our table. She ignored me completely, beaming as she stood far too close to his chair. "I saved you a seat at the pep rally tomorrow," Elena announced, batting her eyelashes. "Everyone's expecting us to sit together. As a couple." Miles stiffened. His gentle demeanor vanished behind a polite, freezing barrier, though he held my hand tighter, anchoring himself. "Elena," Miles said, his voice dropping into the cool, neutral tone he reserved for strangers. "I'm not going to the pep rally." "Oh, don't be silly. Just you and me, showing everyone how good we look together," she insisted, unfazed. "Elena, stop," Miles said, sharper now. "We are not a couple, and we never will be. I’m not interested." A flash of hostility crossed her face, darting straight to me. "It’s her, isn’t it?" she sneered. "That pathetic hanger-on. She manipulates you into staying!" Before I could speak, Miles was on his feet. He didn't yell or loom; he simply stood tall, positioning himself protectively between us, keeping my hand securely in his. "Don't you dare speak about her that way," Miles said, his voice low and deadly serious. "She isn't manipulating me. She is my best friend, the most important person in my life, and the only reason I tolerate this school. If you ever disrespect her again, or spread lies about us, you will regret it." Elena glared at me one last time, huffed, and marched out. Miles instantly softened, turning to me with deep concern. "Are you okay, love?" "I'm fine," I breathed. Miles pulled me into a tight, comforting embrace, resting his chin on my head. "I'm so sorry you had to deal with that." I leaned into him, feeling safe. He pulled back, looking into my eyes with tender sincerity. "You are the only person I care about. Never forget that." He gently kissed my forehead, my nose, and finally my lips. "Now, let's go home."