The city was half asleep, but the terrace of the Grand Skyline Hotel still shimmered under faint golden lights.
Maya stood quietly, leaning against the railing, her hair fluttering in the breeze.
The echoes of laughter and applause from the gala still lingered in her ears, but her heart was anything but calm.
She felt him before she heard him.
Adrian's quiet, steady footsteps reached her first — confident, yet hesitant.
> "Still awake?"
His voice was low, rough around the edges.
Maya didn't turn. "Couldn't sleep. My mind's too noisy."
Adrian moved closer, his hands in his pockets. "Mine too."
He stood beside her, both of them looking out at the glittering skyline.
---
A long silence stretched between them — not awkward, just heavy.
"Congratulations," he said finally. "You did well tonight."
Maya smiled faintly. "For someone you once called 'too soft for this industry,' that's a big compliment."
Adrian's lips curved slightly. "Maybe I was wrong."
"Or maybe you've changed," she replied, her tone teasing but soft.
He turned to her, his gaze holding something deeper now — guilt, pride, and something he couldn't name.
"I misjudged you, Maya. I let my anger decide who you were before I ever tried to know you."Her eyes widened, surprise flashing through her.
"Adrian…"
He sighed, looking away. "You challenged me in ways no one else dared. You made me question things I thought I'd already figured out."
Maya's chest tightened. "You don't have to say this—"
"I do," he interrupted quietly. "Because if I don't, I'll never sleep."
---
The air between them grew warm, heavy with unspoken things.
Their eyes met — a moment that felt fragile, like glass.
Adrian took a step closer, close enough for her to feel his breath.
But before either could speak —
a loud clap of thunder broke the quiet. The drizzle turned into sudden rain.
Maya gasped as raindrops splashed over them.
Adrian chuckled softly. "Perfect timing."
She laughed, spinning slightly in the rain. "It feels… free."
Adrian watched her — her eyes closed, her face lifted toward the sky — and for the first time in years, he smiled without restraint.
---
When she finally turned back, soaked and glowing, he handed her his jacket.
"You'll catch a cold," he murmured.
"And you'll catch one too," she replied, draping it over his shoulders instead.
Their fingers brushed — a small, electric touch.
Neither moved away.
For a moment, they stood under the rain, closer than they had ever been — two hearts that wanted to speak but didn't know how.Inside the hotel café, another story was beginning.
Lila sat at a corner table, swirling her coffee absentmindedly.
Professor Max entered, adjusting his glasses and offering a small smile.
> "Mind if I join you?"
"Only if you're not going to lecture me about caffeine," she teased.
He chuckled. "No lectures tonight. Just… company."
As they talked, the thunder faded outside.
Their laughter grew warmer, softer — two souls unknowingly stepping into their own quiet beginning.