It began like any ordinary morning.
Sunlight spilled gently through the trees lining the university campus, dappled gold flickering across cobblestone paths. Students filled the courtyard, chattering, rushing to classes, or laughing under the cool breeze of a new day. In the middle of it all, Eira stood near the main fountain, notebook clutched tightly to her chest.
She had woken up early, straightened her hair twice, and even put on lip gloss—something she rarely did. Her heart fluttered with an odd mixture of excitement and dread. Today wasn't just any day. Today, she would tell Auren.
Not in words. Not yet. But she would spend the day with him—alone, finally. And maybe, if her courage didn't fail her, she'd tell him everything by nightfall.
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Morning Classes & Hidden Glances
Eira sat in her usual spot in Literature class, diagonally behind Auren. Every few minutes, her eyes would drift toward him: the way his messy black hair slightly curled at the ends, the way he twirled his pen absentmindedly when he was lost in thought.
She didn't hear a word of the lecture.
After class, Ryan and Loira waved as they passed by. Cristina followed, arms full of brochures for the charity event they were planning.
"We still on for that hangout today?" Ryan asked.
Auren nodded. "Yeah. After classes, right?"
Eira smiled, trying to act normal.
But as fate would have it, one by one, the others dropped out.
Cristina had to meet with a book distributor. Loira had an emergency at her internship. Ryan's younger sister had fallen ill. They all apologized, promised a reschedule, and left Eira and Auren standing in the cafeteria hallway.
"So..." Auren said, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Guess it's just us."
"Guess so," Eira murmured, her cheeks warming.
---
An Accidental Date
They wandered the city.
First, they visited an old bookstore Eira loved. Auren picked up a fantasy novel and mock-read the most dramatic lines with theatrical flair, making her laugh so hard she snorted. Embarrassed, she tried to cover it up with a cough, but he only grinned.
Then, they stopped by a café. It was small, quiet, filled with the smell of coffee beans and vanilla. They sat by the window, the soft hum of music playing in the background. For a while, they talked about silly things—books, music, food. But beneath it all, there was a tension neither could name.
When the waitress brought them a heart-shaped dessert by accident, they both froze. Eira blinked.
"Uh... this isn't ours—"
"Actually," Auren interrupted, smiling at the waitress, "we'll take it."
Eira stared at him.
He shrugged. "Looks good."
---
A Side Story: The Paper Swan
On their way out, they passed by a street performer—a middle-aged woman with greying hair and kind eyes who made origami for donations.
Auren paid her double the price for a paper swan.
"For you," he said, offering it to Eira.
She hesitated. "Why a swan?"
"They mate for life," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Eira stared at him, words caught in her throat.
He wasn't being serious. Was he?
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A Walk Through Memories
The sky began to turn orange as the sun dipped low. They wandered through the park, the air turning cool and golden. Auren led the way to the old stone bridge where they first spoke more than a few words.
Eira clutched the paper swan tightly.
She remembered it all: the way she'd dropped her novel, the way he'd picked it up and commented on her writing like it was already published. That moment had felt like the beginning of something big.
She didn't want to wait anymore.
"Auren," she whispered.
He turned to her, curious.
She looked up, trembling. "I need to say something."
---
Auren's Eyes
They stood in silence. The world around them seemed to blur—people walking by, dogs barking, leaves rustling—all of it faded into nothingness.
"I've liked you for a long time," she said softly. "Maybe since the day you picked up my book. I didn't know it then, but now... I'm sure."
Auren's expression didn't change at first. But his shoulders stiffened.
"I think of you when I wake up. I wonder if you've eaten. I rewrite scenes in my novel just to imagine us instead of the characters."
She smiled faintly, eyes watery. "So, Auren... I like you. I really do. Would you... maybe... be with me?"
---
The Silence That Broke Her
He stared at her.
Seconds ticked by like hours.
Then, quietly, he said, "I can't."
Her heart cracked.
"I'm sorry," he added, his voice hoarse. "It's not that I don't care. I do. Maybe too much. But I can't let you waste your love on me."
"Why?"
He looked away. "Because I won't be here long."
Eira froze.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm sick, Eira," he said. "I've known for a while. It's serious. There's... a chance I won't survive it. And I don't want to pull you into this mess."
---
Tears, But Not Goodbye
Eira shook her head, stepping closer. "You don't get to decide how I feel. Or how much I'm willing to stay."
But he turned.
"I do," he said gently. "Because I'd rather see you smile again, even if it's without me."
She reached for his hand. He stepped back.
And just like that, he walked away.
The street lights flickered on.
Eira stood alone on the bridge, her fingers still holding the paper swan.
It had begun to rain.
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