The tension between them only grew over the following days. Everything felt deeper, stronger, more fragile. 😬
One evening, as Ariana packed her bag after class, Kian approached her.
"You're leaving already?" he asked quietly.
"I was going to study a little more."
He hesitated.
"Can I walk you?"
She nodded.
On their way out of the building, she stumbled slightly on the uneven step.
Kian reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to steady her;
but he didn't let go.
Their fingers intertwined naturally, instinctively.
Ariana looked up at him.
"Kian?"
He met her gaze, eyes full of quiet emotion.
"I can't seem to stop reaching for you," he murmured.
Her heart melted.
"Then don't stop."
His thumb brushed lightly against her knuckles;
slow, soft, lingering.
A touch that felt like more than affection.
A touch that felt like a question.
Ariana squeezed back.
And in that simple squeeze, Kian found an answer he had been searching for. 👦