Ever since the accident in the office, Alexander had started seeing Rachel in a different light. Claire noticed a change in his behavior during their weekly mental health check-ups, and she wasn’t the only one. Everyone in the academy could tell something was different whenever Rachel was around.

He listened to her.

When Rachel scolded him about overworking himself or skipping meals, he didn’t brush it off—he actually obeyed. There was still teasing between them, but it had grown lighter, softer, almost… considerate.

Cassandra also noticed. Rachel had begun texting Alexander more often—reminders to rest, check-ins, even scheduling him days off so he wouldn’t burn himself out with his career.

“Hey, what’s up with you and Alexander these days?” Cassandra finally asked one afternoon.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? I’m just trying to make him take care of himself. That’s all. Nothing like one of those teen romances.” She brushed it off as they walked toward class.

But before they reached the door, a blonde girl in full makeup stepped in front of them.

“Ugh, not this again,” Rachel muttered. “I suppose you remember what happened last time someone picked a fight with me in the cafeteria, right?”

The blonde flinched at the reminder, but quickly shook her head. “Actually… we want your help.”

“Oh, I think I’ll pass.” Rachel waved her off, already knowing where this was going. The girls had been pestering her for weeks to set them up with Alexander. It was the fourteenth time this month alone. And Rachel? She had no intention of letting them drag Alexander into more nonsense—not while he was still healing from his parents’ death.

The girls didn’t dare press her further; everyone had heard the rumors about Rachel’s strength. But Cassandra was easier prey.

Later that day, while Rachel had already left for the student train, Cassandra lingered for another class. That’s when the girls cornered her, yanking her by the hair into a quiet hallway.

“What does your friend think she’s doing?” one girl snapped.

“Yeah! Would it kill her to help us get closer to Alexander?” another sneered.

Before Cassandra could stammer out an answer, a cool voice cut through the air.

“What’s funny,” Evelyn said, stepping out from behind them, “is that you still think you have a chance with him at all. He doesn’t even notice you. You don’t add any value to his life—why would he care?”

The girls fell silent as Evelyn strolled past them, took Cassandra’s hand, and pulled her away.

Minutes later, Cassandra found herself in the academy garden, where Evelyn liked to spend her evenings. Evelyn set down a small dinner box in front of her.

“Don’t let them get to you, Cassy. They have no idea what it’s like living with Rachel.”

“Living with her isn’t that bad,” Cassandra said quickly, defensive.

“I didn’t say it was bad.” Evelyn smirked.

“Then… why are you helping me?” Cassandra asked, still unsure.

Evelyn leaned back. “Aside from the fact that you’re the easiest person in the academy to pick on? Think of it as the least I can do—for whatever Rachel’s been doing to Alexander. The guy finally stopped being so stubborn and started taking care of himself. And that’s something we’ve all been trying—and failing—to do for years.”

That night, Rachel exploded.

“Seriously?!” She paced the living room as Cassandra and Evelyn sat on the couch of their shared student house. “Why didn’t you say anything? Scream, shout—anything!”

Cassandra lowered her head. “I… I didn’t know what to do.”

“That’s not an excuse!” Rachel snapped, shoving her hair out of her face. “You can’t just stand there and let them treat you like that. You think keeping quiet makes it easier? No—it just gives them permission to keep going!”

Evelyn crossed her arms, watching with a faint smile. “You sound more worried than angry.”

Rachel froze, eyes burning. “Of course I’m worried! Cassy’s my friend. If she doesn’t learn to push back now, those girls will eat her alive. And I—” She cut herself off, her voice cracking. “I can’t always be there to pull her out.”

For a long moment, the room was silent. Cassandra looked up at Rachel, realizing for the first time that her anger wasn’t just anger—it was fear, and care.

The next morning, Alexander headed to the gym after his usual run—only to spot Rachel and Cassandra already there.

Rachel wasn’t exercising; instead, she hovered near the trainer, watching Cassandra carefully as she worked on her routine.

Alexander couldn’t help but smile. What is she doing here this early? he wondered, before strolling over.

“I didn’t take you for a gym person,” he teased.

“I’m not. I usually work out at home so I don’t have to deal with traffic.” Rachel shrugged.

“And you’re here for…?” Alexander prompted.

“Cassandra,” she answered. “I want her to build a habit, strengthen her muscles, and learn to protect herself.”

“Couldn’t you just teach her some defense yourself? You know… since you box.”

Rachel hesitated. “I thought about it. But I’m a terrible teacher, and I haven’t fought in years. If Malike…” She stopped, the name catching in her throat.

“Malike?” Alexander asked gently.

“My old boxing partner. If he were still alive, he’d be a huge help. He loved boxing more than anyone.” Her tone softened. It wasn’t romantic—it was simply that she missed her friend.

The trainer noticed her and called out. “Hey, Miss Wild, mind being my partner to demonstrate for Cassandra?”

“Oh, I’m not a fighter anymore,” Rachel said quickly.

“Come on. Just one round. I still can’t believe Jack once said he was floored by a girl boxer—it’s rare enough to even see women in boxing gyms.”

Rachel sighed, rolling her shoulders. “I’ll probably be sore later, but fine. Let’s give it a shot.”

She stepped onto the mat, adjusted her stance, arms close to her body. The trainer threw the first punch. Rachel slipped past it with ease, countering with a clean, sharp strike that made him stagger back in surprise.