23

petal's pov

The room was thick with tension as I tried to explain everything. My words tumbled out hurriedly, almost in a whisper, “My English lecturer gave us an assignment and paired us into groups of two. I got to college late today, so I just took the first seat I saw that was empty. I didn’t know we’d end up being partners for the assignment.” I paused, trying to catch my breath, my emotions swirling. “When the class ended, everyone left with their assigned partners. Jake suggested we go to the park to discuss the project, but I didn’t feel comfortable going alone. That’s why I asked Samy to come with me. While we were returning... we got caught in the rain, and then you showed up.”

Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes, and my voice broke. Before I could stop myself, they began to fall. His grip on my hands loosened. I looked up to see his gaze softening, and in one fluid motion, he reached out and wiped away my tears with his thumb.