For a moment, there was silence.
Clara and Eliza exchanged glances, their surprise evident.
Then Clara reached across the table and placed a hand on Ariana's forehead, her brow furrowed.
"Are you feeling okay, Ari?
You've never talked like this before.
Especially not about Noah."
Eliza leaned closer, joining in.
"Yeah, are you sure you're not coming down with something?"
She asked, her tone a mix of teasing and concern.
Ariana swatted their hands away, her cheeks flushing a soft pink.
"I'm fine!"
She insisted, though her voice wavered slightly.
Clara narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Wait a second… Is Noah threatening you?
Did he force you to say these things about him?"
Eliza gasped in mock horror.
"That has to be it!
It's the only explanation!"
Ariana's face turned redder as she shook her head vigorously.
"N-no! It's nothing like that! I just…
