Invisible To Her Bully (Jessa and Noah) novel Chapter 175

**Hearts Written in Silent Rain by Ava Bloomfield**

**Chapter 175**

Jackson

The hallway felt like it was still waking up, a sleepy giant stretching its limbs. Half the lights flickered uncertainly, casting an erratic glow over the scene. Students shuffled through the corridor, yawning into their sleeves like they were trying to hide the remnants of sleep. Lockers slammed open with a metallic clang, echoing like thunder in the early morning air. By the time I reached my locker, I was still only half-awake, my mind hazy and my body craving caffeine. I fumbled with the combination, my fingers moving out of sheer muscle memory.

Another morning that felt almost ordinary.

Or… whatever “ordinary” meant in this new chapter of my life.

As I was shoving a textbook onto the top shelf, I suddenly felt a presence behind me — a hand slipping around my waist, fingers curling in a way that sent my thoughts spiraling into chaos.

I turned around, already knowing who it was before I even looked.

Mariah.

She leaned against me with an effortless grace, her lips forming a slow, unapologetic smile that was both disarming and intoxicating. “Good morning, QB,” she said, her voice light and teasing.

For a brief moment, my brain short-circuited.

Because, yeah…

This was my life now.

Mariah Morales casually wrapping herself around me at my locker as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Uh… hey,” I managed to stammer, instantly regretting how dumb I sounded.

She laughed, a soft, warm sound that felt far too beautiful for a mere seven-thirty in the morning. Her hand lingered on my waist for a heartbeat longer before she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, her movements fluid and confident.

“I figured I’d start your day off right,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Yeah, well… mission accomplished,” I mumbled, my cheeks flushing in a way I would vehemently deny if anyone ever asked me about it.

She noticed, of course — how could she not? The grin she flashed at me could have powered the entire school’s electrical system.

“Relax, Jackson,” she said, playfully tapping my chest with her finger. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“I’m not,” I lied, though my voice wavered slightly under her gaze.

She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “Mhm.”

I exhaled deeply, leaning against the locker behind me, finally allowing myself to take her in. There was an easy confidence radiating from her, a sparkle in her eyes that made my heart race. The way she fit against me felt so natural, as if this was a scene we had rehearsed a thousand times before.

And damn… things had really changed.

Just a week ago, Mariah was nothing more than my sister’s loud, dramatic best friend who pilfered our snacks and borrowed my hoodies without a second thought. Now she was—

…whatever this was.

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