When she walked into the studio that morning, everything felt... off. Leo greeted her with his usual warmth, but there was a gentle concern in his eyes. He was trying to act like everything was fine, but Aria could feel the subtle tension in the air.

Riven, on the other hand, barely acknowledged her. His coldness was palpable, his usual aloof attitude now bordering on distant. Aria’s heart ached at the sight of him. She couldn’t explain why, but his indifference cut deeper than she expected. Did he truly want nothing to do with her?

As the day went on, Leo pulled Aria aside during a short break.

"Aria," Leo said softly, his voice filled with understanding. "I know you’re struggling. Whatever happened last night... I want you to know that I’m here for you. Take your time. I don’t expect anything from you. But you need to be honest with yourself."

Aria looked at him, grateful for his kindness but also feeling a sense of guilt. Leo had been nothing but supportive, but there was a part of her that couldn’t shake the feeling that her heart was being pulled in two different directions. She had no idea how to choose between them—both were so different, yet each held a part of her in a way she couldn’t explain.

"I don’t know what to do, Leo," she admitted, her voice shaky. "Everything feels... confusing."

Leo smiled softly, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "You’ll figure it out. Just don’t let fear decide for you. Be true to what you really want."

His words echoed in her mind as she returned to the practice room, but before she could gather her thoughts, Riven walked in, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race.

For a moment, the air seemed to thicken, and Aria could almost hear the unspoken words between them. She turned her attention back to the floor, avoiding his gaze, but she could feel the weight of his stare on her, as if he was trying to see into her soul.

Later that afternoon, as the group took a break from rehearsal, Aria found herself alone in a quiet hallway. She didn’t expect anyone to join her, but then, out of nowhere, Riven appeared. His presence was commanding, and Aria tensed up, unsure of what to expect next.

"We need to talk," Riven said, his tone serious, though there was something else there—something she couldn’t quite place.

"What about?" Aria asked, her voice a little sharper than she intended.

Riven took a step closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What’s going on between you and Leo?"

Aria blinked, startled by the directness of the question. "What do you mean?"

"Don’t play dumb, Aria." Riven’s tone had a sharp edge now, his voice laced with frustration. "I see the way you two are acting. You think I don’t notice? You’ve been all over him, and I—"

He stopped himself, clearly fighting to keep his composure. Aria’s heart pounded in her chest as she realized what he was saying. He was jealous.

"Riven, I don’t know what you’re talking about," Aria said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. "Leo and I are just friends. You don’t have to worry about us."

Riven scoffed, taking another step toward her. "Don’t lie to me, Aria. I know something’s going on. You think I don’t see it? I’m not blind."

Aria’s breath hitched, her chest tightening with emotion. There was a part of her that wanted to argue, to push him away. But another part—the part that was terrified of losing him—wanted to just tell him everything, wanted to scream at him how much she was struggling, how much she wanted him to just be honest with her.

"You think I’m the one who’s confused? Look at you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You push me away every time we get close, and now you’re mad because I’m talking to Leo?"

Riven’s face faltered for a moment, and his gaze softened just slightly. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out.

Aria wasn’t sure what to do. She was tired of the games, the push and pull. She needed clarity.

"You don’t get to tell me how to feel," Aria continued, stepping back. "I don’t know what I want, Riven. But maybe I need space to figure it out."

The words felt final, but Aria wasn’t sure if they were the right ones. She had just voiced something that had been building inside her for so long, but now that it was out, she wasn’t sure if she could take it back.

Riven didn’t respond immediately. He stood there for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slight nod, he turned and walked away without another word.

Aria stayed in the hallway for a while, her mind racing. She felt lighter, but also more confused than ever. She wasn’t sure if she had made the right choice, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was taking control of her own fate.

Later, when she returned to the practice room, Leo was there, waiting for her. His eyes were warm, full of understanding, as though he knew exactly what had just transpired.

"Aria," he said softly, offering her a small smile. "Have you figured it out yet?"

She didn’t answer right away, but the question lingered in her mind as she looked at him. She wasn’t sure of anything, but she knew one thing: she couldn’t keep running from the truth.