"Why not just say no if you're not interested?"
Encouraged by their reaction, Linda stood taller, basking in their moral approval.
"George, let's go," she said again, flicking her eyes toward him. "This girl isn't worth your attention."
But George didn't move. His frown had deepened, and for a moment, he just stared at her. Then he looked at Nnenna, still calm, quiet, and surprisingly composed despite the scene around her.
"Linda," he said finally, his voice low and firm. "I don't see how this is your business."
She blinked, shocked. "George?"
"I said, I believe her. And that's what matters."
The hallway fell into sudden silence. No one had expected that. Not from George, their class rep, their pride.
Linda's lips parted as if to argue, but nothing came out. Her face turned red, a mix of confusion and humiliation.
George looked at Nnenna again. She was watching him, surprised, more than surprised. She looked… almost moved.
He believes me? Just like that?
