The hallway smelled faintly of baked bread and rain, a scent that always reminded Aria of home even though she had no family nearby. She adjusted the strap of her bag and glanced downstairs, spotting Kade leaning against his doorframe, scrolling through his phone. His dark brown eyes lifted and caught hers almost immediately, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips.
"Hey," he said,voice low but warm.
"Hey," she replied, letting her green eyes meet his. That smile... it had this effect on her, like her chest had forgotten how to breathe properly.
It had started with small things borrowed books, exchanged playlists, quiet nods in the hallway. But now, months later, every interaction carried weight. Every shared glance seemed to say things words never could.
"You listening to the new playlist I sent? Kade asked, tilting his head gently.
"I am," Aria said honestly. "I didn't think... well, you know, I didn't think your music would match my taste exactly." She smiled shyly.
Maybe you just haven't heard the right song yet. His smile widened. "Come on, I'll show you."
Before she knew it, Kade was leaning out of his doorway, gesturing for her to follow. Aria's bare feet made quiet steps on the hallway carpet as she walked downstairs. She kept her hands tucked into the sleeves of her hoodie, trying to hide the nervous flutter in her chest.
When they reached his apartment door, Kade pressed play on his phone, letting the music fill the small space between them. It wasn't loud just enough to hear the lyrics and feel the rhythm.
Aria found herself laughing at a lyric he sang quietly under his breath, and suddenly, the hallway felt like the most private, perfect place in the world.
They sat on the small rug by his doorway, their knees almost touching, sharing headphones, and talking about everything school, dreams, favorite movies, even little secrets they wouldn't admit to anyone else.
Aria had never felt this close to anyone before. She trusted Kade in ways she didn't trust herself sometimes. And yet, there was a fear she couldn't shake that one day, this could all end. She shoved the thought aside, focusing on the warmth of his presence, the comfort of his voice.
As the sun dipped lower, spilling orange light across the hallway floor, Kade looked at her differently. Not just as a friend. Not just as a neighbor. Something softer, something deeper.
"Aria..." hestarted,hisvoiceslightlyhesitant.
She turned, holding her breath.
"I'm glad you're here," he said finally, letting his gaze linger. "I... I don't say it much, but you matter."
Her heart stuttered. She wanted to say the same, but the words felt too fragile, too loud to risk. Instead, she nodded, letting the moment stretch quietly between them.
It was simple. It was fleeting. But it was enough.
That night, as Aria climbed back to her apartment upstairs, she couldn't stop replaying it in her head the way Kade smiled, the brush of his hand when they passed something between them, the warmth in his eyes. For the first time in a long while, she felt seen, safe, and alive.
Little did she know, that connection was fragile. Strong as it felt, it was about to be tested in ways she hadn't imagined.