The sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, painting warm streaks across Aria's face. She turned in bed, the soft sheet tangled around her legs. For a moment, she didn't want to wake up—her dreams had been far too vivid. Her eyes opened slowly, and as soon as she remembered that dream, heat rushed to her cheeks.
She sat up instantly, covering her face with her palms. "Oh my god," she whispered, mortified at herself.
"Why did I dream that? About him?"
Her heart still beat a little faster whenever she thought of Ethan's face leaning close. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "It was just a dream, Aria. Calm down," she muttered, sliding out of bed and heading to the bathroom.
When she came out, fresh and ready for the day, her phone buzzed.
Ethan: "Morning sleepyhead, ready for class?"
She typed back quickly, "Yep! Be there in five."
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a second longer before she deleted what she almost added — I dreamed about you.
By the time she met Ethan outside, her heart was racing again. He looked effortlessly calm in a casual white shirt, hair slightly messy in a way that made her stomach flutter. He smiled when he saw her. "You're actually on time today," he teased.
Aria rolled her eyes. "Don't start this early in the morning."
He chuckled, falling into step beside her. "I missed our morning bickering."
As they walked toward campus, she tried to focus on the trees swaying lightly in the morning breeze, on the chatter of other students, on anything but the flash of her dream that kept sneaking into her mind.
When they reached the main building, the entrance was buzzing with excitement. Banners fluttered overhead, announcing in bold, colorful letters:
"Welcome to the Annual University Club Fest!"
Aria's eyes widened. "Oh! I didn't know it was today."
"Yeah," Ethan said, reading the notice board. "It's a week-long fest. We can join clubs, participate in competitions… basically chaos for everyone."
"Sounds fun," she said with a grin.
The courtyard was filled with booths — art clubs with vibrant canvases, music clubs with guitars and microphones, drama clubs with costumed seniors calling out for auditions. It was like a carnival of creativity.
"Where are you thinking of joining?" Ethan asked, scanning the list.
Aria smiled softly. "Maybe Literature and Arts. I love writing and painting… you know that."
He nodded. "Figures. I'm thinking Sports and Management. They need people for the inter-college tournament."
"Of course," she said playfully. "Mr. Perfect Athlete."
"Hey, someone has to keep the college trophy cabinet full," he replied, smirking.
After filling their forms, they split off into their respective orientations. Aria's group gathered in a bright classroom where seniors introduced the club activities. She found herself instantly drawn to the art section — brushes, colors, and laughter surrounded her.
Her roommate Rachel waved from a corner. "Hey! Over here!"
Aria joined her, chatting about the upcoming "Talent Showcase," a collaboration between clubs where students could perform or present creative work.
When the meeting ended, Aria stepped out, balancing a few papers in her hands, when someone bumped into her. The papers scattered across the hallway.
"I'm so sorry!" A tall boy with tousled brown hair bent down to help. "I didn't see you there."
"It's okay," Aria said, smiling as they picked up the sheets.
"I'm Aaron," he said, handing them back. "From the Music Club. You're Aria, right? Ethan's girlfriend?"
Her cheeks warmed slightly. "Yeah. That's me."
"I saw you perform in the debate last semester. You were great," Aaron said with a grin that was a little too charming.
Aria laughed awkwardly. "Thanks."
Before she could say anything else, a familiar voice called from behind her.
"Aria."
She turned. Ethan was standing a few steps away, his expression unreadable. She could feel the tension even from that distance.
"Oh, Ethan!" she said quickly. "This is Aaron—he's from the Music Club."
Aaron smiled politely. "Hey, man."
Ethan gave a short nod. "Hey." His voice was calm, but his eyes flicked briefly to where Aaron was standing just a bit too close.
Aria sensed the shift immediately. "We were just talking about the showcase," she explained, but Ethan only hummed in response.
"Anyway," Aaron said, sensing the vibe, "I should get going. See you at practice, Aria."
When he left, Ethan looked at her with raised eyebrows. "You've got fans now?"
She sighed. "He was just being nice. Don't start."
He chuckled, the edge softening. "I'm not jealous. Just… cautious."
"Sure," she said sarcastically, and they both laughed.
Over the next few days, the campus was filled with energy. Aria spent her evenings painting banners and helping with decorations, while Ethan's team prepared for the sports tournament. Sometimes they barely saw each other, but every stolen moment felt special — a quick coffee, a walk between classes, a teasing text during late-night study sessions.
One evening, after a long day of practice, Ethan showed up near the art room where Aria was working on a mural. She didn't notice him at first — strands of hair fell over her face as she painted, completely absorbed in her work.
He leaned against the doorframe, watching her quietly. The soft glow from the setting sun lit her face, and he couldn't help but smile.
When she finally noticed him, she jumped. "Ethan! How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to see you talking to your paintbrush," he teased.
Aria rolled her eyes. "I wasn't—okay, maybe a little."
He walked closer, glancing at the half-finished mural — a swirl of colors forming the night sky. "It's beautiful."
"Thank you," she said softly, dipping her brush again. "It's called Dreams in Starlight."
For a moment, he didn't say anything — just watched her. The silence between them was warm, comforting. When she looked up again, his gaze made her heart skip.
She smiled to break the tension. "You should go rest. You look tired."
"Only if you promise to eat something before you pass out here," he replied.
Later, they walked back to their dorms under the soft glow of campus lights. The path was quiet, lined with blooming jasmine that filled the air with a faint sweetness.
Aria yawned. "I can't believe the showcase is just two days away."
Ethan nodded. "You'll do great. You always do."
She smiled. "And you'll win that tournament, right?"
He grinned. "Of course. I've got to impress my girlfriend somehow."
Her cheeks warmed again. "You already do," she murmured softly, looking down.
When they reached the point where their paths split, Ethan squeezed her hand gently. "Good night, Aria."
"Good night," she said, smiling back.
As she walked toward her dorm, she glanced back once. Ethan was still standing there, watching her with that quiet, protective look that always made her heart flutter. And in that moment, Aria knew — no matter how busy life got, no matter how many new people came around — what they shared was still the most certain thing in her world.