The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the university corridor, casting soft golden streaks across the polished floors. Students hurried in every direction, some clutching books and notes, others chatting animatedly about upcoming assignments or weekend plans. The hum of life around the campus was comforting, and for a moment, Aria felt a rare sense of calm.
She walked beside Ethan, their shoulders brushing occasionally as they strolled toward the library. Their little routine had become a comforting rhythm — shared walks in the morning, soft teasing, casual conversations about classes, assignments, and the small joys of university life.
"Are you really okay with dancing again next month?" Aria asked, trying to keep her tone casual, though a small flutter in her chest betrayed her nerves. "I mean… we only filled in last time."
Ethan smirked, brushing a stray lock of hair behind his ear. "With you? Of course. I've got nothing to worry about. You're amazing, Aria." His words made her blush, and she quickly looked away, focusing on the corridor ahead.
She could feel the warmth of his presence beside her, and though their hands weren't holding, the occasional brush against her fingers sent little sparks of electricity through her. She smiled inwardly, happy with the quiet, unspoken closeness they shared.
But as they turned a corner near the notice board, a pair of sharp eyes caught them. Kiara Malhotra leaned casually against the wall, flipping through a notebook but watching them intently. Her perfectly styled hair glimmered under the sunlight, and her posture exuded confidence — almost arrogance. She had joined the department only a few days ago, but already, people were whispering about her beauty, wealth, and bold personality.
Kiara's gaze never left Ethan. She had spent the last two days studying his patterns: when he left classes, who he walked with, how he interacted with others. And now, watching him stroll beside Aria, laughing softly at something she said, something inside Kiara tightened with irritation.
Her lips curved into a faint, calculated smile. She had been subtle so far, waiting for the perfect moment. And now… it was time.
Aria stopped near the cafeteria, adjusting her bag. "I'll grab a quick snack. Want anything?" she asked, glancing up at Ethan.
"I'll pass," Ethan replied, his eyes still focused on her. He wasn't hungry; he was too busy noticing her — the way her hair fell softly over her shoulders, the delicate crease of her smile, the gentle sway of her movements. He felt protective of her in a way he hadn't realized until now.
Before Aria could take a step toward the cafeteria, Kiara emerged from behind the corner, her presence impossible to ignore. She stepped in front of Ethan with perfect timing, a sweet smile plastered across her face. "Ethan! Fancy seeing you here," she said, her voice laced with calculated charm.
Ethan's gaze flicked toward her. "Kiara. Morning," he said, keeping his tone neutral. There was no warmth in his voice, no hint of surprise. Just polite acknowledgment.
Kiara's smile widened as she shifted her weight slightly, letting the sunlight catch the gold highlights in her hair. "I just wanted to say hi… and maybe meet your girlfriend?" She tilted her head, giving Aria a long, appraising look.
Aria stiffened, feeling an instinctive chill run down her spine. She squared her shoulders and met Kiara's gaze. "Hello, Kiara. Nice to meet you. I'm Aria," she said politely, her voice calm, though her heart thumped loudly in her chest.
Kiara's eyes flicked back to Ethan, and she leaned in just slightly, her tone soft, almost conspiratorial. "Wow… I see why you like her," she said. The words were coated with a sweetness that didn't reach her eyes. "She seems… perfect."
Ethan's jaw tightened, his body stiffening. He glanced at Aria, who remained composed, her fingers clutching the strap of her bag lightly. Then he turned back to Kiara, his tone low, firm, and laced with warning. "We're fine," he said.
Kiara's smile didn't falter. Instead, it grew more calculating. She took a step closer, careful to keep her posture casual. "For now," she murmured, letting the words linger like a faint threat. The faint trail of her perfume brushed past Ethan and Aria, sweet and sharp, leaving an invisible mark in the air.
Aria felt a slight shiver, but Ethan immediately noticed. Without a word, he placed a protective hand lightly on her back, just enough to let her know he was there. "She's not a threat," he said quietly, his voice calm but carrying an unshakable firmness.
Kiara smirked, stepping back with a graceful turn, letting the shadows of the corridor partially hide her retreating figure. "We'll see," she whispered, almost inaudibly, before disappearing down another hallway.
Aria exhaled, trying to steady her racing heart. "She's… intense," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan's gaze softened immediately, and he leaned closer, his tone warm. "And I'll make sure she knows she can't touch you," he said, his words carrying both promise and subtle possessiveness.
Aria's cheeks flushed, a mix of warmth and worry flooding her senses. "Thank you," she murmured softly, her fingers brushing lightly over his as they walked toward the library. The protective barrier he offered made her feel safe, but the tension of Kiara's presence lingered in the back of her mind.
They walked in silence for a few steps, Ethan's attention never leaving her. It was a quiet, intimate understanding — the kind that didn't need words. Every glance, every small gesture, reinforced the bond that was growing stronger by the day.
When they reached the library entrance, Ethan's hand lingered on hers for just a moment longer than usual. He whispered quietly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You looked beautiful today."
Aria's heart skipped a beat. "W-What?" she stammered, cheeks burning.
"Just saying it before someone else does," he added smoothly, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement.
She smiled faintly, warmth spreading through her chest. The rest of the day felt lighter somehow, even with the subtle tension of Kiara lurking in the background. Aria knew one thing for certain — no matter what obstacles came their way, Ethan would always be by her side, quietly protective, and completely hers.
And Kiara? She was just the shadow on the periphery of their lives — for now.