The following weeks at school saw Camille caught amidst an ever-thickening web of emotions and glances. Anytime she met Matthew near her home or tried to approach him, he would find a reason to avoid the conversation, leaving Camille feeling confused and restless.
In stark contrast, Noah and Leo were anything but distant. Their playful banter and constant attention made her feel more comfortable in her new surroundings, yet she couldn’t shake off the tension that seemed to be growing between the brothers.
One afternoon after school, Camille found herself in the library, trying to focus on her homework when she overheard Noah and Leo arguing in hushed tones in a nearby aisle.
"Back off, Leo. She’s not yours," Noah hissed.
Leo smirked, leaning casually against a bookshelf. "Oh really? She kissed me, Noah. And let me tell you, it was incredible. She’s mine now."
Noah’s face darkened. "That’s a lie! Camille wouldn’t do that without telling me. Admit it—you’re making this up just to get under my skin."
Leo's smirk grew wider. "Believe what you want, but she’s chosen me. We have a connection you’ll never understand."
Camille was shocked by the cruelty of Leo's lie. She stood up and headed towards the two identically sweet guys fighting over her. When she approached, Leo realized his plan was falling apart but decided to play it cool.
“How could you say such nonsense? Noah, I never kissed him and I didn’t let him kiss me. It’s all made up,” she said, her voice trembling with anger.
Leo went pale, and Noah’s eyes started shining with relief. Camille didn’t want to make things worse, but she couldn’t stand the lie.
She turned to Leo. “Who else did you tell this lie to?” she demanded, shaking slightly as she thought of Matthew and the possibility this lie was the reason for his recent coldness.
Leo smiled, his cold arrogance unfazed. “You didn’t kiss me just because you were afraid you couldn’t reach my level. You won’t ever be good enough for me.”
Both Noah and Camille were shocked by Leo's arrogance. They would have never assumed he could be that mean to his brother and to the girl he claimed to be crazy about.
Noah stepped between them, glaring at Leo. “You’ve gone too far, Leo. This ends now.”