A chilly autumn evening settled over the campus. Ariana walked toward the dorms, balancing her books. She didn't notice Kian approaching from the opposite direction.
"Hey," he said softly.
"Hi…" she replied, heart skipping.
They walked together, the air crisp, the leaves rustling beneath their feet. The campus was quiet, almost private, like it belonged to them alone.
Suddenly, a gust of wind scattered her papers. She bent to gather them, struggling as the wind whipped past. Without thinking, Kian grabbed her hand—firm, protective.🤝
Her chest tightened. Their fingers intertwined naturally, comfortably. She looked up, meeting his gaze, which held a mix of warmth, surprise, and something deeper—something unspoken.
"You're… careful," she whispered.
"So are you," he replied softly. "With me."
Her heart fluttered uncontrollably. That handhold was simple, fleeting, yet it carried more meaning than words could express. It was trust. It was comfort. It was the first tangible proof that their connection had grown beyond friendship.
They continued walking, hands still brushing together, savoring the small intimacy. Neither spoke. They didn't need to. The soft glow of the lamplights, the crisp evening air, and the shared hand were enough to make them feel like they were exactly where they were meant to be. 😍