They didn't text that night.
Pond noticed it sometime after getting home, when the quiet of his apartment settled in around him. His phone stayed face-down on the desk while he changed clothes, while he washed his hands, while he told himself it didn't mean anything. Exchanging numbers wasn't a promise. It was just a possibility. Still, the absence of a message lingered longer than he expected.
The following days slipped back into routine. Classes, editing, long hours in the studio. The gala slowly faded into the background, reduced to a distant memory that occasionally resurfaced when Pond wasn't paying attention.
Thursday afternoon, the department building was unusually calm. Pond was walking past the lockers, camera bag slung over his shoulder, when he noticed someone sitting on the floor with a notebook open on their knees.
Light looked up as Pond slowed his steps.
—Hey.
He met Pond's eyes, recognition flashing across his face before he stood up, brushing his hands lightly against his pants.
—Pond —he said, the name slipping out in a softer, almost unconsciously cute tone.
Pond paused.
Black hoodie, comfy pants. Pond didn't even have to look twice. It was obviously him.
—Hey —Pond replied.
They stood there for a second, neither of them rushing to speak, the hallway suddenly feeling quieter than before.
—You disappeared after the gala —Light said eventually.
—So did you.
Light shrugged.
—I figured you were busy.
—I was.
The answer wasn't defensive. Just honest.
Light closed his notebook, fingers lingering on the cover.
—I kept thinking about what you said.
—About showing me more of your photos.
Pond adjusted the strap of his bag.
—I meant it.
Light nodded, like he'd hoped that would be the answer.
—I have some time before my next class.
Pond hesitated only briefly.
—The studio's free right now.
They walked there together, side by side but not close enough to brush against each other. The studio greeted them with soft afternoon light filtering through tall windows, dust floating lazily in the air. No professors. No critiques pinned to the walls. Just quiet.
Pond set his bag down and opened a folder on his computer.
—These aren't exhibition pieces —he said.
—Some of them never leave this room.
Light stepped closer, careful, attentive.
He didn't speak right away.
—They feel unfinished —he said finally.
—That's fair.
—It's not a bad thing —Light added—.
—They feel honest.
The word settled between them.
They continued looking through the photos slowly, sometimes talking, sometimes not. At one point, their shoulders brushed as they leaned toward the screen. Neither said anything.
_________________________________________
Some weeks passed, slowly at first, then all at once.
The campus shifted with them. Mornings grew warmer, shadows shorter. The courtyard where they had first talked became a place they crossed without thinking, but Pond always noticed when Light cut through it instead of taking the shorter path around the building. Light noticed how Pond started leaving class a minute later than usual, just enough to fall into step beside him.
They were becoming friends ?
Light was reading on his phone when a tray slid onto the table in front of him.
The sound was soft but deliberate, plastic against plastic, close enough to break his focus. He blinked, thumb pausing mid-scroll, then slowly lifted his gaze.
Pond stood there, one hand still resting on the edge of the tray, the other holding his own. His camera bag hung from his shoulder like it always did, familiar enough now to feel expected. For a second, he didn't say anything, just watched Light like he was checking whether the seat was taken or if he'd imagined the invitation.
Light straightened slightly, pushing his phone aside.
-You're late
he said, not accusing, just stating it. While take a spoonful of his own food
Pond shrugged as he sat down across from him
-Professor wouldn't stop talking.
Light hummed in response, eyes briefly dropping to the tray before flicking back up
-Is it a coincidence
He asked ,tone casual, almost distracting,-or your eating the same thing as me?
Pond followed his gaze, glanced down at his own tray, then at Light's.
-coincidence -he said after a beat -the cafeteria has limited imagination
Light let out a quiet breath that might've been a laugh
-Oh..I understand then-he said as he continued eating-You're gonna help me with the camera today, right?-Light said, finally looking up properly now, expectation casual but clear.
Pond paused just long enough to consider it, then nodded.
-Yeah,after class.