Their eyes met.
It wasn't sudden.
It wasn't dramatic.
It just… happened.
Like the world slowed for half a second — long enough for Lily to feel her breath forget how to move.
His gaze didn't rush away.
It softened.
Not curiosity but His eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Lily felt it immediately — a warm, trembling pull in her chest.
Why is he looking at me like that…? Does he remember me?
Her fingers curled tightly into the hem of her sleeve, hiding her hands the way she always did when her heart felt too loud.
Don't stare. Don't imagine. Don't make meaning where there is none.
But even when she looked down, she could still feel him.
Like his attention hadn't moved.
"Ah—finally!"
Mira's voice burst through the silence, bright and dramatic as ever.
"You two took forever."
She turned suddenly toward Lily, eyes glowing.
"Oh!" she said happily.
"This is my new friend , Lily. "
Lily's name landed in the air — light, fragile.
Mira leaned closer to the boys and added playfully,
"She's really quiet. And really adorable. Like a puppy that looks scared but still wants to be loved."
Lily's face burned instantly.
"M-Mira—" she whispered, panicking.
She tried to shrink.Shoulders curling inward.
Chin dipping down.
That's when he stepped forward.
Just one step.
Not close enough to invade her space —close enough to be noticed.
He held out his hand.
"I'm Aiden," he said gently.
"Aiden Hawthorne."
His voice was calm. Low. Gentle in a way that didn't demand anything.
Lily hesitated.
Her eyes lifted before she could stop them.
And that's when it happened.
She didn't speak well with words —but her eyes spoke before her mouth.
They widened slightly. Softened. Flickered with something shy and honest and unguarded.
Something passed between them.
She saw it then —the subtle change in his gaze.
It wasn't intense.
It warmed.
Like he had recognized something fragile and decided — quietly — to be careful with it.
Lily placed her hand in his.
His fingers paused for a fraction of a second.
Not pulling away.
Just… steadying.
Warmth traveled up her arm, straight into her chest.
"I'm… Lily Winslow," she said softly.
Her voice was barely there.
Their hands separated.
She swallowed.
"Aiden," she repeated, quieter this time.
The name felt strange on her tongue.
Too intimate. Too close.
A small smile touched his lips — not wide, not obvious.
Just enough.
Before the moment could grow heavier—
"Ohhh," a cheerful voice cut in.
"Now this is cute."
The boy beside him leaned forward, a playful spark in his eyes.
"I'm Jake Carter" he said easily.
"And wow… you are adorable, huh?"
Lily froze, unable to process what she'd just heard.
Her cheeks flamed, clutching her bag strap like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
Jake chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction.
"Relax," he teased.
"I won't bite. Probably."
She didn't know where to look.
Her gaze slipped away —
and landed, accidentally, on Aiden.
He wasn't laughing.
His eyes followed her gently, steady and calm, like he was seeing her fully without needing to react.
That made her heart stumble harder than Jake's flirting ever could.
Mira noticed immediately.
She grabbed Lily's arm and tugged her gently closer.
"Jake," she scolded dramatically,
"stop flirting. You're going to scare her away."
Jake raised his hands in surrender.
"Can't help it," he said lightly, "I'm just admiring beauty."
Mira rolled her eyes.
"You appreciate everything."
Lily let out a tiny laugh before she could stop herself.
Soft. Breathless.
Her dimple popped out before she even realized it.She pressed her fingers lightly to her mouth, cheeks warming in an instant.
Aiden's gaze lingered a fraction longer, softer now, like he'd caught that little slip too.
Her chest skipped a beat. Heat pooled there, sharp and sudden.
This is too much. Too close. Too fast.
"I—I need to go to the washroom," Lily whispered suddenly.
Her voice trembled.
"Oh!" Mira said at once.
"I'll come with you."
Lily stood quickly, head lowered.
Lily didn't wait.
The moment Mira said she'd come with her, Lily was already moving — quick steps, head down, heart pounding too loudly in her chest.
The washroom door closed behind her with a soft click.
She leaned against it.
And breathed.
Once. Twice.
Then her knees felt weak.
She pressed her palms to her face, feeling the warmth still there — the heat that hadn't faded since his hand touched hers.
Aiden…
Not bus boy anymore.
A real name.A real voice.
A real person who had looked at her.
Her lips curved upward before she could stop them.
A small, helpless smile.
She covered her mouth quickly, as if embarrassed by her own happiness.
He looked at me. Not past me. Not through me.
At me.
Her heart fluttered again — light, bright, almost painful.
She stepped closer to the mirror.
The girl staring back looked different.
Eyes shining. Cheeks flushed. Breathing uneven.
I don't have to look for him anymore, she thought, a soft warmth spreading in her chest.
He's close now.
The thought made her chest tighten — not from sadness.
From fear.
Because closeness had always scared her.
Her smile faded just a little.
It's just a crush, she told herself again, the same one she'd carried for months.
Seeing him—that alone—was enough.Nothing more. Nothing she wanted.
A smile, a glance, the way he moved through the world—she didn't need anything beyond that.
It hurt sometimes, quietly, like a soft weight in her chest, but it was ordinary, harmless, part of her days.That was enough.It always had been.
She nodded at her reflection, as if making a promise.
Friendly is okay. Nothing else.
Her heart slowed slightly.
Outside, Mira stood near the wall, arms crossed loosely, her bright expression quieter now.
She replayed the moment in her head.
Lily running off. Her face pale. Eyes wide.
Did I push too hard? Mira wondered.
She leaned her head back against the wall.
Lily was delicate — not weak,she just… careful with everything.
Like someone who felt everything too deeply.
Mira sighed softly.
I should apologize.
The door opened.
Lily stepped out.
Her movements were calm now — slower, softer — like she had put her heart back into place.
Mira turned instantly.
"Mm, Lily…" she said gently.
"Are you okay?
Lily nodded quickly.
"Yes," she said softly like always.
"I'm okay. Really."
Mira searched her face.
Her cheeks were still flushed, a gentle warmth spreading across her face, soft and persistent.
Her skin seemed to glow faintly, catching the light in a way that made her feel exposed, yet steady.
But not breaking.
"Sorry if I overwhelmed you," Mira said, voice quieter than usual.
"I get… loud sometimes."
Lily shook her head.
"No," she said quickly.
"It's not you. It's just… me, But I'm okay Mira… don't worry"
Mira smiled a little.
They began walking back toward the cafeteria side by side.
The noise grew louder. Voices blended. Plates clinked.
Lily felt her heart stir again — but she kept her eyes forward.
Mira glanced at her playfully.
"So," she said, lowering her voice,
"what do you think of them?"
Lily blinked.
"Th-the boys?"
Mira nodded.
Lily hesitated.
"They're…" she searched for the right word,
"different."
Mira laughed softly.
"That's one way to say it."
She leaned closer.
"Jake talks too much," Mira added.
"And Aiden…" she paused, thoughtful.
"He's quieter. Observes more."
Lily's fingers curled slightly.
Aiden.
She said nothing.
Mira smiled knowingly but didn't tease.
"They're not bad people," she continued.
"Just… a little chaotic."
Lily smiled faintly.
"I think… they're kind," she said.
Mira looked at her, surprised.
Then her smile softened.
"Yeah," she agreed.
"They are."
They reached the table again.
Lily took her seat slowly.
Her heart was still racing — but now it wasn't fear alone.
It was something gentler.
Something hopeful.
She didn't look at him.
Not yet.
But she felt him there.
And for now…
That was enough.
End of chapter 7