The park had grown quieter with each passing minute, the warm hues of evening slowly deepening into softer shades as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of students provided a calm backdrop, yet the stillness around Luca felt anything but peaceful.
He remained seated on the bench, his posture rigid despite his attempt to appear composed. His fingers rested loosely against his knees, yet the subtle tension within them betrayed the storm of thoughts circling relentlessly in his mind. Every passing second stretched longer than the last, anticipation tightening around him like an invisible weight.
His heartbeat felt louder.
Sharper.
Each breath measured, yet not entirely steady.
She'll be here soon…
The thought alone caused his chest to tighten faintly.
Then—
Footsteps.
Quick.
Uneven.
Rushing.
Luca's gaze lifted instinctively.
Aurelia.
She was running toward him.
