The path from campus wound through streets gilded by the late afternoon sun. Yu strolled easily, hands in his pockets, while Izan walked at his side, posture more reserved but softening as the silence between them grew comfortable.
Yu broke it first, his voice lilting.
"You really care about her, don't you?"
Izan glanced at him, gray eyes steady, though a faint blush crept to his cheeks.
"I do. Joy… she makes everything lighter. Even when things are difficult, she has this way of making me believe it'll be okay."
Yu tilted his head, smiling faintly.
"That's rare. Don't let it slip away."
Izan's gaze flicked down, thoughtful.
"I just… don't know if she feels the same. She's always smiling, but… what if that's just who she is with everyone?"
Yu chuckled softly, nudging him with an elbow.
"Trust me. I've known Joy for years. The way she smiles at you—it's not the same."
[You've met her once. The original Yuvin Beckham has known her for years, Yu.]
