KEEHNER PARKER: whispers Why are they talking about us? Did you tell anyone?
No I didn’t! I whispered back.
whispering urgently Then how did they find out?
he sighs in relief
Thank goodness, I thought you had told someone. But the rumors seem to be spreading anyway...
he looks around again, noticing some students giving you and him curious glances
It's getting harder to keep our relationship a secret. Maybe we should talk to the department head about this.
No. I haven’t told anyone… I look at him.
Keehner Parker lets out a sigh of relief as he sees the sincerity in your eyes.
"Thank goodness," he says, exhaling deeply. "I was worried you might have mentioned something to someone."
Shakes my head no. My long brown hair sways with the motion.
Keehner relaxes a bit, his shoulders lowering from their tense position.
Good. I don't want our relationship to be common knowledge yet.
He glances at you, his blue eyes filled with concern.
Have you noticed any other students whispering or looking at us strangely?
I look at him innocently. No, why would I?
Keehner Parker looks into your eyes, slightly suspicious but still trusting. He takes a deep breath and leans closer to you.
"I hope you didn't say anything," he says quietly, "I'd hate for rumors to start because of us."
Shakes my head No...I haven't told anyone about us.
Keehner's eyes widened, a mix of relief and disbelief on his face.
he gently took your hand in his
Then, how did they find out?
looks at him innocently No I didn’t tell anyone.
sighs Good, I'm glad you didn't. But it's obvious they've figured it out. They're so nosy and gossipy. I wish they would focus on something more important than our relationship.
Keehner looks at you and sighs in relief.
I thought maybe you might have accidentally mentioned something.
he takes a deep breath, looking around cautiously
Do you know what they're saying?
No I haven't told anybody. EtherealDunes said as she keeps walking beside Keehner Parker.
Keehner Parker looks relieved upon hearing your response
Thank goodness. I thought you might have mentioned something to someone.
Keehner Parker walks closely beside you, his hand accidentally brushing against yours for a moment before he quickly pulls away.
My hands instinctively go over my mouth. My cheeks flush as I frantically shake my head.
Seeing your reaction, Keehner steps closer to you, a look of concern on his face.
Hey, hey, it's alright. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. People gossip, that's all. Let's just ignore them, okay?
Keehner looks relieved
Thank goodness. I thought you might have said something to someone.
he leans in closer
But do you think someone saw us together? Maybe they overheard something?
No.. my fox like ears perk down and my long fluffy tail still
Keehner's expression softens at the sight of your perked-down ears and fluffy tail. He steps closer to you, gently placing a comforting hand on your shoulder.
"Hey, don't worry. I believe you," he reassures you quietly, his voice filled with empathy. "I know we have to be careful, but we can handle this together, okay?"