Asher’s POV There was something different about Kael.
It wasn’t obvious.
Most people wouldn’t have noticed.
But I did.
He smiled more often.
Not big smiles.
Just tiny ones.
The kind that disappeared the moment he realized someone was looking.
Especially me.
And somehow…
That made me want to make him smile again.
— The next morning…
I was already waiting outside Dormitory C.
A paper bag hung loosely from my hand.
When Kael stepped outside, he blinked in surprise.
“…You’re here.” “I told you yesterday I’d walk with you.” “…You didn’t have to wait.” “I know.” His cheeks flushed faintly.
“…Good morning.” “Morning.” For a second…
Neither of us moved.
Then I held out the paper bag.
“I bought too much.” Kael looked inside.
A warm ham-and-cheese sandwich.
A carton of strawberry milk.
And a small packet of biscuits.
He looked up at me.
“…This isn’t ‘too much.'” “You caught me.” “…You bought them for me.” I shrugged.
“Maybe.” Kael lowered his head, trying to hide the smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“…Thank you.” Those two words…
They were becoming less painful for him to say.
— The cafeteria buzzed with students.
Liam waved us over dramatically.
“There they are!” “The old married couple!” Half the cafeteria turned to look.
Kael immediately stopped walking.
His smile disappeared.
I sighed.
“Liam.” “What?” “You know I’m right.” Noah kicked Liam’s chair.
“Eat your food.” Liam rubbed his shin.
“Worth it.” I looked at Kael.
“…Ignore him.” He nodded.
But his grip tightened around his tray.
I noticed.
I always noticed.
— That afternoon…
Professor Hargrove assigned a campus photography project.
“Each pair must submit photographs that represent university life.” Liam groaned loudly.
“I didn’t sign up to become a photographer.” The professor smiled.
“Neither did I.” The class laughed.
“Your partners remain the same.” I looked at Kael.
He was already writing ideas in his notebook.
“…Any suggestions?” He hesitated.
Then quietly answered, “…The lake.” “The library.” “…The oak trees.” I smiled.
“You’ve thought about this.” “I like quiet places.” “I know.” — The campus lake was almost empty by sunset.
Golden light danced across the water.
Kael stood near the edge, camera in hand.
He looked…
peaceful.
I quietly lifted my own camera.
Click.
The shutter echoed softly.
Kael turned.
“…Did you just take a picture of me?” “Maybe.” “…The assignment isn’t about me.” “No.” I looked at the preview on the screen.
“But it should’ve been.” Kael stared at me.
“…Why?” I smiled.
“Because every picture looks better when you’re in it.” Silence.
Complete silence.
His face slowly turned red.
“…You’re teasing me.” “A little.” “…You’re terrible.” “But you’re smiling.” He sighed.
“…You always notice.” “I do.” — As we continued walking around the lake…
The wooden bridge ahead was crowded with students.
Without thinking…
Kael reached for my sleeve.
Just like he always did when crowds made him nervous.
This time…
He didn’t realize he’d done it.
His small fingers curled gently around the fabric.
Holding on.
Trusting me.
I looked down.
Then back at him.
“…Comfortable?” He blinked.
“…Hm?” “You’ve been holding onto me.” Kael looked down.
His eyes widened.
He immediately let go.
“I—” I caught his wrist before he could pull away.
Not tightly.
Just enough to stop him.
“It’s okay.” He looked at me.
“You don’t have to let go every time.” For a long moment…
He simply stared.
Then…
Very slowly…
He nodded.
“…Okay.” Instead of grabbing my sleeve again…
His little finger cautiously hooked around mine.
Barely touching.
Like he was asking for permission.
I looked at our hands.
Then smiled.
Without saying a word…
I gently intertwined my little finger with his.
Not quite holding hands.
Just…
A promise.
A silent reassurance.
“I’m here.” Kael’s heartbeat raced.
Mine wasn’t much better.
— That evening…
As we returned to the dorm…
We had no idea someone had been watching us.
Across the courtyard…
A second-year student lowered his phone.
On the screen…
Was a photo.
Me.
And Kael.
Our little fingers linked together.
The student smirked.
“…Well…” “This should be interesting.” He tapped Post.
— To Be Continued…