The café was warm, soft music humming in the background, light pouring through the window of cafe.
Inside cafe was filled with people and on corner sit Mary Jane cupped her warm latte between her palms, eyes flicking toward Arin again and again.
He sat across from her, calm as ever, sipping his black coffee like nothing unusual had happened.
MJ finally broke the silence.
"Arin… can I ask you something?"
He looked up, his gaze steady and gentle.
"Of course."
She hesitated—just a second—before speaking.
"You've been in my class for almost a year now, but… you never talk to anyone. You never hang out with people. You don't even stay after school."
She gave a tiny smile.
"You're like a ghost who shows up, gets perfect grades, and disappears."
Arin didn't flinch.
"That's just who I am," he said quietly.
MJ leaned forward.
"But why?"
He paused.
This was the first moment he had to choose what kind of person Arin Aether would appear to be in this world. He didn't want to lie completely… but he couldn't reveal the truth either.
So he spoke with half-truths—soft, honest, and a bit vulnerable.
"I grew up… mostly alone," he said. "Life was a little harsh. Hard to trust people. Hard to open up."
MJ's expression softened instantly.
"Arin…"
He looked down at his cup.
"I didn't really have family here. I was on my own for a long time. Being quiet felt… safer."
MJ's heart tightened.
She had expected an answer, but not one that hurt.
She reached across the table and gently touched his hand.
"I'm sorry… I didn't know."
Arin blinked at her touch, surprised—but didn't pull away.
Her palm was warm and Soft.
And for the first time in this life, someone touched him with genuine care.
MJ continued in a gentle whisper:
"You're not alone now."
Arin glanced at her, the corners of his eyes relaxing for the first time today.
"Thank you," he said softly—really softly.
Mary Jane smiled with warm smile.
"I'm serious," she said, her voice brightening. "If you ever want to talk to someone… or just hang out… or even study together… I'm here."
Arin tilted his head slightly.
"You want to hang out with me?"
She laughed lightly, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Yes Arin, I am your friend now "
She said cheerfully
Arin look at her for a while before saying
"Thank you "
Her cheeks flushed, heart fluttering.
"Good," she whispered.
For a moment they just sat there, looking at each other .
Then MJ asked softly:
"Arin… do you have anyone special in your life?"
He shook his head.
"No. Not yet."
Her heart skipped.
Not yet.
She took a slow breath, steadying her racing pulse.
"Maybe," she said quietly, "you won't be alone for long."
"I hope so," Arin murmured.
MJ smiled again, that was full warm.
Soon both finish their drinks
and stepped out together. The city felt calmer now — or maybe it was just Mary Jane's smile that made everything feel lighter.
They walked slowly, side by side
Enjoying each other accompany.
MJ tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear and looked up at him.
"Hey… Arin?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I… have your number?"
Arin blinked.
"…My number?"
She let out a tiny nervous laugh.
"Yeah. I mean, we're classmates and… well… I'd like to talk to you more."
Arin took out his phone.
"Sure."
MJ stepped closer — much closer than before — as they exchanged phones. Her fingers brushed his lightly when she typed her contact name into his phone.
Mary Jane ❤️
Arin raised an eyebrow at the heart.
She blushed instantly.
"I–It's just so you remember it's me!"
He didn't say anything, but his faint smile made her cheeks burn even more.
They started walking again, MJ holding her drink with both hands while sneaking glances at Arin.
After a minute, he asked:
"Where do you live? I'll walk you home."
MJ blinked, surprised.
"You… want to walk me home?"
He nodded calmly.
"It's safer that way."
Her heart melted at the simple, sincere statement.
"…Okay," she whispered softly. "I'd really appreciate that."
They walked through streets filled people. MJ talked about school, acting dreams, her favorite music. Arin just silently listen her.
Walking with him, she felt safer and felt happy which she didn't know about.
Soon they reached her neighborhood — a modest apartment building with a small garden patch in front.
They stopped at the entrance.
MJ turned to him, holding her bag against her chest.
"So… this is my home"
Arin gave a small nod.
"Get home safe. And… call me if anything happens."
MJ stared at him — really stared — her green eyes tracing his calm expression, gentle eyes, and soft black hair.
"You know…" she whispered, stepping closer, "you're really… caring."
Arin blinked once, unsure what she was about to do—
And then MJ rose on her toes, leaned forward, and kissed him.
Soft.
Warm.
filled with Strawberry flavor .
Arin's eyes widened in surprise — for a moment he simply froze.
MJ pulled back slightly, breath trembling.
"I… I just… wanted to say thank you."
But something in her gaze, something bright and trembling and hopeful, stirred something warm inside him.
Arin raised a hand gently to her cheek.
"Mary Jane…"
She swallowed, looking up at him.
And this time — Arin leaned in.
Then, slowly, he placed a hand on her waist… the other on her cheek… and pulled her closer.
MJ let out a quiet breath against his lips as the kiss deepened.
Their lips pressed harder, more eagerly.
Her fingers slid into his black hair, gently pulling him in.
Arin responded with a unmistakably passionate intensity.
A deeper kiss followed — warm, intimate, hungry for a moment that felt overdue.
MJ parted her lips slightly… invitingly.
Arin accepted.
Their kiss grew deeper, more connected, their breaths mixing together.
When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless.
MJ pressed a hand to her lips, cheeks flushed, eyes glowing.
"Wow…" she whispered, touching her lips. "You're… really good at that."
Arin gave her a rare, gentle smile.
"I just followed your lead."
MJ laughed softly, almost breathless.
"see you tomorrow and good night " she said, stepping back toward her door.
"Good night " Arin replied
Before going inside, she gave him one last lingering look — full of warmth, interest, and something beginning to bloom.
Then she disappeared behind the door, leaving Arin standing under the dark sky.