The sun was low, casting amber light across the university courtyard. Ariana hurried across the stone path, books clutched tightly, when she noticed Kian walking in the same direction. 🌇
He glanced up and caught her eyes. "Going home?" he asked.
"Yes," she said softly, surprised by the coincidence. "You?"
"Same," he replied, tilting his head slightly.
Neither spoke as they walked together. The air was crisp, and fallen leaves crunched softly beneath their feet. Ariana felt the warmth of his presence beside her, a silent comfort she couldn't describe.
"You always seem… calm," she said eventually, breaking the quiet.
"I try," he said. "But you notice everything, don't you?"
She laughed lightly. "Sometimes. I notice what's worth noticing." đź‘©
Kian's lips curved faintly. "And am I… worth noticing?"
Her chest tightened. She hesitated, then smiled. "You already know the answer."
For the next few minutes, they walked in companionable silence, side by side. No words were needed. The golden light bathed the path, and Ariana realized that these moments—the quiet walks, the unspoken understanding—were becoming the most important parts of her day.
As they reached the gate, they paused. Kian's gaze lingered on her longer than usual, and Ariana felt her heartbeat spike.
"See you tomorrow?" he asked softly.
She nodded, heart fluttering. "Tomorrow."
He walked ahead, and she watched him disappear into the evening light, already missing his presence. đź’—