**Chapter 93**
**Claire’s POV**
I kept my gaze locked onto him, absorbing the way the vibrant blue of his irises seemed to glow under the soft illumination of the healer’s office.
They were undeniably beautiful—almost distractingly so. I found myself grappling with the inexplicable reaction of my heart, which raced at the mere sight of him.
For just a fleeting moment, his eyes flickered down to my mouth, and everything within me came to a sudden, jarring halt. Then, without warning, he leaned in closer. My breath hitched in my throat, a soft gasp escaping my lips, and in that instant, all thoughts of fainting, the upcoming presentation, or my neglected medication vanished from my mind. I didn’t pull away; instead, every fiber of my being went still, as if waiting for something monumental to happen.
His nose brushed against mine, a feather-light contact that sent my heart thundering against my ribs, while a warm sensation settled low in my stomach, igniting a spark of something new and thrilling.
Suddenly, the door swung open with a loud creak.
Both of us jerked apart, startled. Elijah quickly shifted his hand from my cheek to my hair, clearing his throat with an exaggerated sound, as he lifted a strand that wasn’t even out of place.
“There was… lint,” he declared, his tone dripping with faux seriousness.
The dramatic nature of his voice caught me off guard, and a small laugh bubbled up from within me before I could stifle it. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but the sound of my laughter eased the tension that had been thick in the air just moments before.
The nurse entered, holding a small packet and a paper in her hands. Thankfully, she seemed oblivious to the charged atmosphere. “These are the prescriptions Dr. Adrian just wrote,” she said, placing them carefully on the bedside table. “Claire, please make sure you take your medication properly. Missing even a single dosage can put unnecessary strain on your heart. You cannot afford that.”
“I know,” I replied softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m really sorry. I won’t forget again.”
She gave me a brief nod of acknowledgment before turning her attention to Elijah. “Make sure she rests a bit before heading back to class. And no stress today.
None.”
Elijah didn’t respond verbally, but the tense set of his jaw communicated his agreement, a silent promise that he would take her words to heart.
After gathering our belongings, we stepped out into the hallway. The air felt refreshingly cooler outside the healer’s office, and I inhaled deeply, relishing the sensation for the first time since waking up. Elijah remained by my side, our arms brushing against each other with every few steps, a comforting reminder of our closeness.
As we entered our classroom, a few heads turned in our direction. I offered a quick smile, then made my way to my seat. I attempted to focus on my notes and the table in front of me, anything to distract from the growing unease in my chest, but my gaze inevitably drifted to the far corner where Naomi sat.
This time, she wasn’t looking at me. Her eyes were glued to her book, her shoulders tense and her lips pressed tightly together. The sight of her posture stirred a question within me that I couldn’t shake off.
What kind of friend had I truly been to her before the accident? And why did she seem so distant now?
Especially with Elijah’s warning echoing in my mind, urging me to keep my distance from her.
Especially after the stunt she pulled during the presentation.
It was all so confusing.
Before I could spiral into overthinking, Leo burst into the room, hurrying straight toward me. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were wide, the kind of look one gets after sprinting through a crowded hallway. “You’re okay?” he asked, leaning in close, concern etched on his face.
I lifted my hand and made the universal okay sign, and relief washed over him as he exhaled, shoulders dropping dramatically.
“Good,” he said, his voice tinged with relief. “Because that whole thing scared the hell out of me.”
I offered him a small smile, hoping to reassure him. “I’m fine. I promise.”
“Alright. But if you faint again, I’m catching you this time,” he whispered, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Elijah can’t hog all the heroic moments.”
The playful banter made me snort softly, and Leo grinned, clearly satisfied with himself as he slid into his seat just before the teacher arrived.
I pulled out my books, settling in for the rest of the day, pushing my swirling questions aside for now.
When the final bell rang, the school’s PA system crackled to life. The principal’s voice echoed through the halls, commanding attention.

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