The next morning, the entire university seemed to still be buzzing about the previous night's cultural festival. Everywhere Aria and Ethan walked, they heard whispers—some excited, some teasing, some downright jealous.
Aria tried to keep her head low as she walked beside Ethan through the corridor, but it was useless.
"Isn't she the girl who danced with Ethan last night?"
"They looked like a real couple."
"I swear, I've never seen a dance that perfect. They were literally glowing."
"Ugh, lucky girl…" someone muttered under their breath.
Aria's cheeks burned, and she pinched Ethan's sleeve lightly. "Why is everyone staring like that…?"
Ethan smirked. "Maybe because my partner was the most beautiful girl on stage yesterday."
"Ethan!" Aria hissed, face turning red again.
He only chuckled, enjoying how flustered she got. "I mean it."
They reached the classroom, and the moment they entered, their classmates burst into claps, whistles, and teasing cheers.
"Ethan, bro! You were so smooth yesterday!"
"Aria, seriously, where did you learn to dance like that?"
"You two were the highlight of the whole night!"
"Our unofficial couple of the department!"
Aria covered her face with both hands. Ethan gently patted her head, clearly amused.
Their class representative walked in with a mischievous smile. "So… since you two replaced our dancers last minute and literally stole the show, the teachers said they want both of you to perform again next month for the annual university fest."
Aria's eyes widened. "A-Again? But we only filled in—"
"Exactly," the rep grinned. "And you filled in too well."
Ethan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, looking completely unfazed. "If Aria's okay with it, I don't mind."
Aria turned to him. "Are you seriously okay with dancing again?"
He looked her straight in the eyes.
"With you? I don't mind at all."
Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away to hide her growing blush.
---
Later in the Day…
During lunch, Aria sat with her roommate Rachel, who looked like she was seconds away from bursting.
"Aria."
"Yes?"
"ARIA!"
"What—??"
Rachel grabbed her shoulders dramatically. "Tell me how on earth you managed to dance like THAT with a boy like THAT?"
Aria blinked. "Like… what?"
"Like a literal romantic movie scene! Girl, people are still replaying the video in the group chat!"
Aria internally screamed. "WHY is there a video?!"
"Of course there is! Half the students recorded it!"
Rachel leaned closer. "And, girl, when he lifted you… the whole crowd gasped."
Aria hid her face on the table. "This is too embarrassing…"
Rachel smirked. "Embarrassing? Or exciting?"
"Rachel!"
"Fine, fine," she laughed. "But let me tell you—Ethan looked at you as if you were the only person in the room. If that's not romantic tension, I don't know what is."
Aria's heart fluttered at the memory. She didn't want to admit it, but Ethan's gaze during the dance had felt… different. Warmer. Softer. Almost intimate.
But before she could think too much, her phone buzzed.
A message from Ethan.
"Are you done with lunch?"
She typed back quickly:
"Yes."
Another message came immediately.
"Let's walk to class together."
Her smile came naturally this time.
---
On the Way Back to Class
They met near the courtyard fountain. Ethan saw her first and waved lightly. When she reached him, he stared at her for a moment too long.
"What?" she asked, confused.
"You still look tired."
"I'm fine," she assured him.
He studied her face again, then gently took her hand.
"Come here."
Before she could ask what he was doing, he placed his hand on her head and pressed her forehead lightly with his own.
"Your temperature is normal," he said with a small smile. "Just checking."
Aria felt her heart explode. "W-Why would you check something like that?!"
"Because you're important," he replied calmly, walking ahead as if he hadn't said something that sent butterflies scattering in her stomach.
Aria stood speechless for a few seconds before catching up to him.
They walked side by side, their hands brushing occasionally. Ethan didn't hold her hand fully, but he didn't move away either. It felt… comfortable.
Warm.
---
Evening in the Dormitory
Later that night, Aria was studying when her phone buzzed again.
Ethan:
"Are you tired?"
Aria:
"A little."
Ethan:
"Then sleep early. You didn't rest well last night."
Aria blinked. How does he know?
She replied:
Aria:
"I rested fine."
He answered instantly.
Ethan:
"You had dark circles today. You must've slept late. Don't lie."
Aria felt heat rise to her cheeks. Was he observing her that closely?
She typed slowly.
Aria:
"Okay… I'll sleep early."
Ethan:
"Good. Good night."
Aria:
"Good night."
She placed her phone aside and stared at the ceiling, her heart thumping softly. Their dance, the stares, the praise, Ethan's warmth, his messages… everything replayed in her mind.
Their bond was getting deeper—softly, slowly, quietly—but surely.
She hugged her pillow and smiled to herself before drifting off to sleep, unaware that Ethan too was lying in his dorm bed, staring at his own ceiling…
thinking about her.