The school day had ended, but Aiko lingered in the empty classroom, organizing her notebook and doodling in the margins. The soft light from the late afternoon sun spilled across the desks, casting a warm glow.
Ren appeared at the doorway, holding a couple of notebooks. "Mind if I join you?" he asked softly.
Aiko looked up, smiling. "Not at all."
He pulled up a chair beside her, and they began reviewing notes together. It was quiet, peaceful, and comforting—just the two of them after the rush of the day.
At one point, Aiko struggled with a tricky sentence in English. Ren leaned closer, pointing gently at her notebook. "See? If you break it down like this, it's easier."
Aiko's hand brushed his as she followed his explanation, and a warm flutter ran through her chest. She looked up, cheeks pink, and met his gaze. Ren's eyes softened, as if he knew exactly what she was feeling.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Ren smiled faintly. "Anytime. I like helping you."
They continued working side by side, sharing small laughs over silly mistakes and quietly celebrating the parts they understood. The room felt like their own little world—a place where nothing else mattered but their shared moments.
As the sun dipped lower, Ren gathered his things to leave. "See you tomorrow?" he asked, a hint of warmth in his voice.
Aiko nodded, her heart full. "Definitely."
Walking home, Aiko thought about the simple, quiet moments like today. The way Ren explained things patiently, the small touches, the soft smiles—they all added up to something she cherished deeply.
And she realized that love didn't always need grand gestures. Sometimes, it was in the quiet moments, the soft glances, and the comfort of simply being together.