**Chapter 13: Secrets and Consequences**

"Are we gonna keep our relationship a secret?" Kenzy asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she broke the silence that had fallen between them. She couldn't help but think about the rumors that had been circulating around school, about how much she and Alex hated each other. Alex's eyes narrowed, his gaze searching hers as if trying to read her thoughts. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and cautious. Kenzy shrugged, her shoulders rising and falling in a gentle motion. "The whole school thinks we hate each other," she said, her voice laced with frustration. "Do we really want to keep it that way?" Alex's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes clouding over with concern. "I don't know," he said, his voice measured. "I've kind of liked being able to keep things to ourselves. It's been...easier." Kenzy frowned, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Easier?" she repeated, her voice incredulous. "You think it's easier to pretend we don't care about each other, when really...we do?" Alex's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. "I guess I just didn't want to deal with the drama," he said, his voice low and husky. "The rumors, the gossip...it's all just so...high school." Kenzy sighed, feeling a sense of resignation wash over her. "I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But can't we just be honest about how we feel? Can't we just be ourselves?" Alex's expression softened, his eyes filling with understanding. "I want to," he said, his voice full of conviction. "I really do. But are you prepared for the consequences?" Kenzy's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. She knew what he was talking about - the potential fallout with their friends, the drama that would inevitably ensue. But she also knew that she couldn't keep pretending to hate him, not when her feelings for him were so strong. "I'm willing to take that risk," she said, her voice firm. Alex's eyes searched hers, as if trying to read her thoughts. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Okay," he said, his voice low and husky. "Let's do it. Let's be honest about how we feel." Kenzy's heart soared as she smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and trepidation. She knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one that would be filled with challenges and uncertainties. But she was ready to face them head-on, as long as Alex was by her side.