Late one evening, Ariana returned to the study hall for extra preparation. She found Kian already there, his books spread across the table, a single candle flickering between them.
"You're late," he said softly, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. đđ
"I wanted to finish an assignment first," she replied, smiling nervously.
They studied together in silence, only the candlelight casting soft shadows. Occasionally, their elbows brushed, sending warmth and subtle electricity through Ariana's body.
At one point, she looked up and caught him watching her. "What?" she asked, heart racing.
"Nothing," he said, voice low. "Just⊠I like seeing you focus."
She felt her cheeks warm. His words were small, gentle, but they carried weight. She realized that every glance, every soft comment, was a thread weaving them closer together.
Hours passed unnoticed. When they finally packed up, neither wanted to break the quiet intimacy. Ariana felt a longing to say something, to bridge the gap, but words failed her. Instead, they left together, shoulders nearly touching, hearts quietly racing. đ