Chapter 12: A Moment Too Close
Saturday afternoon.
Sunlight streamed lazily through the window, casting warm patterns on the floor.
I was sitting at the desk, trying to organize my notes, when Alex appeared with a small stack of books.
"Here… thought you might need these," he said, placing them beside me.
"Thanks," I murmured, brushing my fingers against his as I took the top book.
A tiny spark ran through me, and I froze.
He didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned slightly closer, his shoulder brushing mine.
Just enough to make my chest tighten.
"I… I didn't realize it was this crowded here," I said, my voice unsteady.
Alex tilted his head, eyes soft.
"Maybe it's not the space… maybe it's just us," he whispered.
My heart skipped a beat.
I wanted to laugh, to push away, to act normal… but every instinct kept me still.
He shifted slightly, letting his hand brush the back of mine as he reached for a book.
Not holding. Not grabbing.
Just enough contact to make me aware of him, of us, of something growing between us.
I looked away, trying to focus on my notes, but my thoughts betrayed me.
Every movement, every breath, every soft glance reminded me that I couldn't ignore him.
For a long moment, we stayed like that—close, quiet, aware of the tension building between us.
A tension neither of us wanted to name, yet both of us felt.
Finally, I gathered my courage and spoke softly,
"I… don't know what this means."
Alex smiled faintly, leaning back just enough to meet my gaze.
"Maybe it doesn't matter… for now," he said.
"And maybe it's enough that we feel it."
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