chapter 38

Cassian POV

I didn’t follow her this time.

Not because I didn’t want to but because I could tell she needed space, again.

I just stood there, frozen at the door of the closet, her words echoing in my head like bullets.

"I’m not a problem to be solved."

She was right. God, she was so right.

I leaned back against the wall and dragged my fingers through my hair, trying to breathe past the lump in my throat. I hadn't meant to make her feel…owned.

Or trapped ... .I just wanted the world to know I was with her. That I chose her, that none of those videos, none of their jokes matter, neither will it change what is going to happen between us, but maybe I was doing it all wrong.

I stayed in that damn closet until the halls were quiet and my breathing was steady enough to pretend I was fine cause I can't bring myself to understand why I am feeling this way. Then I headed out, my steps automatic, my mind still spiraling on how I am stuck in with her.

By the time I made it to the courtyard, Kai was already there perched on the old table near the tree, hoodie pulled up, earbuds dangling around his neck like always.

He looked up, frowned.

“You look like you just walked through hell,” he said, tossing me a bottle of water. “What happened?”

I didn’t answer at first. Just sat beside him and let the silence stretch between us.

“She probably hates me,” I muttered eventually, my voice hoarse.

Kai’s eyebrows lifted, but he didn’t interrupt. He waited, which was what I needed.

“She thinks I want to fix her. That I don’t see her as she is, just a broken girl I want to tape back together and rescue.”

Kai nodded slowly. “Did you tell her that? And who is she?”

“I didn’t have to. I… I kind of proved it by accident and just when I thought you were getting me, you decided to ask me a foolish question”

I explained everything, the incident that happened this morning and how she broke down after the fight. Kai just looked at me and listened attentively.

“You’re not wrong for wanting to stand beside her,” he said carefully. “But Cass, maybe that’s not what she needs right now, maybe you're seeing it from your end way too much.”

“Then what the hell am I supposed to do?” I burst out, frustrated. “Stand back and watch people tear her apart? Let them twist what happened until she’s too ashamed to even show her face? That doesn’t sit right with me.”

“I know,” Kai said, leaning forward, arms on his knees. “But think about it, what if always standing up for her and supporting her every time makes it harder for her? Not easy, people already think she’s trying to climb into your world. Supporting her consistently might just give them more fuel. You’re trying to protect her with your hands when what she needs is you by her side, quiet, calm, without a megaphone.”

His words sank in deep, so deep that I began to wonder if it was the same Kai I knew that was speaking.

I looked away, jaw clenched. “It kills me, man. Seeing her like this, she’s strong, yeah, but I see the cracks. And I don’t know how to help without making it worse.”

Kai exhaled, tossing a pebble toward the sidewalk. “Then don’t try to help the way you think is best. Ask her what she needs. Listen, be there. Not as a savior, just as Cassian.”

We sat there in silence again before I looked up and punched his chest softly.

“I cannot believe I am taking advice from a person like you.”

“Yo man, don't play….I am the best counsel you can ask for.” He replied, praising himself.

And maybe for the first time, I understood what Drasa meant, how it wasn’t about fixing her or making her fit into a version of what I thought would help but it was about showing up.

Even if she didn’t want to be held. Even if she pushed me away.

Being there mattered more than being right.

I took out my phone, staring at her contact. I didn’t call. I didn’t text. I just sat there, thinking of ways I could show up without her asking.

“Can we see and talk today?” I typed the message out before hitting the send button.

And in less than thirty seconds, my phone beeped again, it was a response from her.

“I can't meet you, I have work to attend to.”

The bell rang, I stood up immediately ready to leave. “Catch you later man.” I shook hands with Kai.

“Where are you going?” He asked…

“I am hitting the court,see ya later.” I waved at him as I walked away.

I hadn't walked far when I suddenly stopped in my tracks.

Just as I turned the corner toward the gym building, someone stepped into my path, almost like they’d been waiting.

“Elena,” I muttered, stopping short.

She looked immaculate, as always, lip gloss perfectly applied, her ponytail swinging like it had its own attitude. But her smile? That was sharp, like a blade wrapped in silk.

“I heard about the little... incident this morning,” she said, voice sugary and fake. “And the video. Rough day, huh?”

I didn’t respond. I didn’t have to. Her presence already rubbed me wrong.

She took a step closer, way too close, like she had some right to invade my space. “Cass, you really need to stop wasting your time playing hero. That girl?” Her voice dipped with disdain. “Drasa isn’t strong, she’s just a ticking bomb waiting to implode. Everyone sees it but you.”

My fist clenched.

“She’s bringing drama to your name, your legacy. You think people respect you for standing by her? Please. You look like you’re being dragged down.”

“Stop talking,” I said, low and firm.

She wasn’t done. She reached out, brushing her hand against my chest. “You could do better, you used to know that. You still can, you know?” Her voice tuned down soft, coaxing. “You don’t need someone who cries in closets and runs away. You need someone who gets you. Who belongs in your world.”

She leaned in, her fingers sliding up toward my jaw.

And that was it.

I grabbed her wrist, not hard, but enough to stop her movement and stepped back. “Don’t touch me.”

She blinked, as if shocked.

“I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks of her. And if all you came here to do was spit poison, find someone else to impress.”

“Cass–”

“No.” I cut her off. “You don’t get to speak about her like that. You don’t know what she’s been through. You don’t want to know. And the fact that you’re using some leaked video to tear her down says everything I need to know about you.”

Her face changed slightly, her eyes squinted.

“You’ll regret choosing her,” she said coldly.

“I already regret ever entertaining you,” I said without hesitation.

I turned and walked off without looking back. My fists were clenched, my heart pounding and my wolf was happier than ever.

I didn’t need anyone’s approval to stand by Drasa. Even though I wonder why I am supportive of Drasa and I am this soft, I won't entertain anyone talking so down at her.