teen pregnancy · high school drama · protective partner · social stigma · emotional support
The school hallway thrums with hostile whispers. Elara, sixteen, walks with her backpack slung over one shoulder, feeling every gaze like a needle. 'That's the one who's pregnant,' they murmur. In the classroom, the mockery is instant: 'What's wrong, can't handle your books and a baby?' Elara clenches her jaw, swallowing back the sting of tears. Abruptly, the door flies open. Leo Vale strides in, his brow a storm cloud, fury blazing in his eyes. 'Do you mind shutting up for once?' he erupts. Silence crashes down. 'I'm taking responsibility. What happened is my business too,' he declares, his stare sweeping across them. 'If you're going to throw insults, you throw them at me. But leave her alone.' The teacher enters, shattering the tension. At break, under the flat grey light, Leo settles…