---
The week moved in this slow, steady rhythm — classes, conversations, small moments that stitched themselves into something warm. Somewhere in the middle of it, Denzel and I started chatting more.
Not constantly.
Not intensely.
Just easily.
---
It started one evening when I texted him about the assignment he helped me with. It turned into something longer… something lighter.
We talked about movies first — how he liked old sci-fi films and I preferred anything with chaotic comedy and pretty cinematography. He teased me about my taste.
"You just like movies that look cute," he typed.
"Excuse me," I replied. "Visuals matter."
He sent a laughing emoji, then:
Denzel: So you wouldn't survive a horror movie night?
Me: Absolutely not.
Denzel: Tragic. Guess I can't invite you for a movie at my place then.
Me: At your place?? Since when do you have a place?
Denzel: I don't live in the dorm. I stay off-campus. Five minutes away.
Me: Oh… wow.
I stared at my screen longer than I should have.
I didn't know why it made me feel lighter, maybe because it meant he had a space — his own quiet world, his own routine. Something about that felt… stable. Not in a romantic way, just comforting to know.
Me: That must be nice. Quiet.
Denzel: It is. You can think clearly when you have your own space.
And I understood that more than he knew.
---
Our chat drifted to high school, then friendships.
I told him I didn't keep many friends back then — not because I didn't like people, but because too many heartbreaks made me cautious.
He didn't judge. Didn't make it a big deal. Just replied:
Denzel: Makes sense. Protecting your peace is important.
It was such a simple sentence, but it felt like something no one had ever told me.
---
The next evening, Lily barged into the room like a whirlwind.
"PARTY. TONIGHT. WE'RE GOING."
I blinked. "What?"
"No arguments, Maya. You've been too calm lately. We need noise."
Before I knew it, she was dragging out outfits, holding up jackets against me, spinning me around like I was a mannequin.
I barely had time to breathe before we were walking across campus toward the music and lights.
---
The dorm courtyard was already full — loud music, flickering lights, students everywhere. The air smelled like soda, perfume, and excitement.
Lily immediately ran into some friends and pulled me along.
At first it was fine — dancing, laughing, bumping into people we knew. But parties always had their little chaos, and tonight wasn't different.
Some girl started arguing with her ex near the drinks table.
Two guys were pushing each other over something stupid.
Someone spilled a whole cup on Lily's shoes (she almost cried).
And somewhere in that mess, I caught sight of Rav — watching me from a distance like he was checking if I was okay.
Not approaching.
Not interrupting.
Just… there.
And for some reason, that calmed me.
---
At one point I stepped aside, needing air. The noise was too loud, the lights too bright.
My phone buzzed. A message from Denzel.
Denzel: Are you at that party they're making noise about?
Me: Unfortunately, yes.
Denzel: Survive. I believe in you.
I smiled without meaning to.
Just a simple message.
But it made me feel grounded again.
---
When I got back to the dorm with Lily — exhausted, shoes hurting, makeup smudged — I felt strangely alive.
It wasn't a perfect night, but it reminded me of something I'd forgotten:
I could exist outside of heartbreak.
I could laugh.
I could breathe.
I could grow.
And life was slowly, quietly, moving again.