University life had truly begun. The lecture halls were bigger, the professors stricter, and the crowd larger than anything Aria or Ethan had ever experienced before. Although they had different majors, both found ways to stay connected through small moments that meant the world to them.
Every morning, Ethan would message first — "Good morning, sleepyhead. Have a good class today." — to which Aria would always reply with a cute sticker or a sleepy selfie. Even on days when their schedules didn't match, they made sure not to go to bed without wishing each other good night.
They had both promised themselves that no matter how busy life got, they'd always find a little time for one another. Sometimes, if Ethan's lecture ended first, he would quietly wait for Aria outside her department gate, leaning against the pillar with his phone in hand. When she finally walked out, her tired face would light up instantly. Other times, Aria would show up outside Ethan's building, holding two cups of coffee with a smile. Those little gestures were what kept their bond strong amid the chaos of university life.
Days turned into weeks, and Aria was quickly becoming one of the most well-known faces on campus. Her kindness, confidence, and calm nature caught everyone's attention. It didn't take long before a few boys started approaching her — some with casual conversations, others with flowers, chocolates, or cute notes.
Aria always handled those moments politely but firmly. She had Ethan, and that was all she needed. But sometimes, situations got tricky — like the day a guy from the engineering department stopped her near the library with a box of chocolates in hand.
"Hey, Aria! I, um, just wanted to give this to you," he said nervously.
Aria smiled awkwardly. "That's sweet, but you really didn't have to."
"Can I at least get your number or Instagram ID?" he asked, scratching his neck shyly.
Aria sighed. She remembered what Rachel — her roommate — had told her a few days back: "Next time some random guy asks for your Insta, just give him mine. I'll handle him."
So, Aria smiled and said, "Sure. It's rachel_arts23."
The boy grinned, thanked her, and walked away happily. Aria chuckled to herself, shaking her head at Rachel's strange sense of humor, and continued toward the library, completely unaware that a pair of sharp eyes had been watching her from a distance.
Ethan had just come out of his class when he saw the entire scene unfold. He couldn't hear what was said, but the sight of another guy handing Aria a gift — and her smiling at him — was enough to make his blood boil. His jaw tightened, and his hands curled into fists.
By the time Aria reached the library, Ethan's anger had built up like a storm. He followed her silently through the quiet aisles, his footsteps blending with the faint rustle of turning pages. Aria stopped near the literature section, searching for a reference book, unaware that someone was standing right behind her.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her wrist firmly and pulled her behind the row of tall bookshelves.
"Ethan!" she gasped, startled. "What— what are you doing?"
He didn't answer immediately. His eyes burned with restrained anger, his breathing slightly uneven. "Do you even know what you just did?" he finally said, his tone low but intense.
Aria blinked, confused. "What do you mean? I was just getting a book—"
"Not that," Ethan interrupted. "That guy outside — you smiled at him and gave him your Instagram ID."
Aria's mouth fell open slightly. "Wait, are you serious? Ethan, it's not what you think—"
Before she will say something ,ethan kissed her at her neck.Aria froze for a moment ,then she realized that it was in anger leaving a mark on her neck,then ethan pulled himself back.
A moment of silence lingered between them after that. Aria's cheeks were slightly flushed, both from surprise and from the intensity in Ethan's eyes. Ethan finally took a deep breath and stepped back, running his hand through his hair as if trying to calm down.
"I shouldn't have gotten so angry," he said quietly, his voice softening. "It's just… I saw him give you something, and it just— I don't know. I lost it for a moment."
Aria smiled gently and touched his arm. "You're silly, Ethan. I gave him Rachel's ID, not mine. She told me to do it if anyone ever asked."
Ethan blinked in surprise, the realization hitting him immediately. His face softened with guilt. "Wait… you mean— you didn't actually—"
"No," Aria said with a teasing smile. "I wouldn't do that. You should trust me more, Mr. Jealous."
Ethan exhaled and gave a sheepish grin. "You're right. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you — or scared you like that."
Aria shook her head, still smiling. "It's okay. You just care too much. But next time, ask before you jump to conclusions, okay?"
"Deal," he said, reaching out his pinky finger. Aria laughed softly and locked hers with his — a silent promise of trust and forgiveness.
The rest of the evening went by quietly. They walked together to the dormitory area, the air between them lighter now, filled with soft glances and unspoken affection. As they reached the fork in the path that split toward their separate dorms, Ethan stopped and turned toward her.
"You know," he said, scratching his neck awkwardly, "you look really pretty when you're angry."
Aria giggled, rolling her eyes. "Smooth recovery, Mr. Cross."
He smiled. "Had to try."
She looked at him for a moment longer, the moonlight reflecting in her eyes. "Good night, Ethan."
"Good night, Aria," he replied, his voice warm.
As she walked away, Ethan stood there for a while, watching her disappear into the dorm building. The faintest smile tugged at his lips. He was still a little embarrassed about what happened earlier — but deep down, he knew one thing for sure: his feelings for Aria were real, stronger than any misunderstanding or jealousy could ever break.
Later that night, as Aria lay in bed, she couldn't help but smile remembering Ethan's face — angry, jealous, then guilty and soft again. She touched the place on her wrist where he had held her, her heart fluttering.
Rachel peeked from her bed and teased, "You're smiling like a lovesick puppy again, aren't you?"
Aria blushed and threw a pillow at her. "Go to sleep, Rachel!"
Rachel laughed. "Okay, okay! But next time your 'angry boyfriend' shows up, tell him not to glare at every guy on campus, alright?"
Aria hid her smile under the blanket, whispering softly to herself, "He's impossible… but he's mine."