The next day at university, something was different.
Kian was quieter.
More distant.
More guarded.
During their art project meeting, he barely looked at her.
Did I do something wrong? Ariana finally asked. đ
No, he replied, not looking up from his book.
But you're avoiding me.
He sighed. Ariana, you don't really know me.
I'm trying to get to know you.
That's the thing.
Her heart started racing. Why is that a problem?
Kian finally looked up,his expression tense, conflicted.
"Because I don't want to pull anyone into my world," he said softly. "It's⊠messy."
Ariana stepped closer, unable to stop herself. "I don't care if it's messy. I'm not scared."
He stared at her, silent.
Then...
For the first time since she met himâŠ
Kian looked away.
Not because he didn't hear her.
But because he felt what she said.
Deeply.
And didn't know what to do with it.
Ariana stood there, heart trembling, realizing something:
The quiet stranger she met on the busâŠ
was beginning to break.
And she wanted to be the person who understood why. đ