HEARTBEATS

Summer and Kingsley settled into a comfortable silence, focusing on their studies.

As they worked, Summer couldn't help sneaking glances at Kingsley.

His brow furrowed in concentration, eyes scanning pages.

Summer's heart flustered

---

Hours passed, and Kingsley's eyelids drooped.

He leaned against Summer's shoulder, his head nodding.

Summer's pulse quickened.

Kingsley's soft breathing warmed her skin.

She gently shifted, letting him rest against her.

Summer admired Kingsley's peaceful face:

Chiseled features relaxed, lips slightly parted.

His hand rested on her lap, warm and gentle.

Summer's thoughts wandered:

"How handsome he looks when he's sleeping."

"Those eyelashes are ridiculously long."

"That small smile...is he dreaming of me?"

Summer's cheeks flushed.

She smiled, feeling a deep connection.

---

Kingsley stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

Summer's heart skipped a beat.

Their gazes met, and Kingsley's face lit up.

"Sorry about that," Kingsley whispered.

Summer's voice barely registered:

"It's okay...you were tired."

Kingsley sat up, stretching.

Their shoulders brushed, sending shivers.

---

Kingsley's gaze locked onto Summer's, his eyes burning with intensity.

Without breaking eye contact, Kingsley leaned in, his lips brushing against Summer's.

Summer's heart raced, caught off guard.

For a moment, she surrendered to the kiss, feeling Kingsley's warmth.

But reality snapped her back.

She pulled away, her cheeks flushing.

"Kingsley, I—" Summer started.

Kingsley's expression turned apologetic.

"Summer, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cross boundaries."

Summer's voice trembled.

"It's okay...just surprised me."

Kingsley nodded, his eyes still locked onto hers.

"Can I drive you home? It's getting late."

Summer agreed, still reeling from the kiss.

As they packed up, Kingsley's hand brushed Summer's.

Electricity sparked.

In the car, silence filled the air.

Kingsley broke it.

"Summer, about that kiss...I promise it won't happen again unless you want it."

Summer's heart fluttered.

"We'll see," she whispered.

Kingsley smiled.

At Summer's apartment, Kingsley walked her to the door.

"Goodnight, Summer."

"Goodnight, Kingsley."

Their eyes met, and Summer felt that spark.

---

*Summer's Thoughts*

Summer stepped into the warm shower, letting the water soothe her thoughts.

As she lathered soap, her mind wandered to the kiss.

Kingsley's lips, soft and gentle.

The spark in his eyes.

Summer's cheeks flushed.

She couldn't help but smile.

"Am I developing feelings for him?" Summer wondered.

"Is this more than friendship?"

Summer's thoughts swirled:

"He's changed, genuinely trying."

"That kiss...electric."

"But what if he reverts?"

Summer's smile faltered.

As she rinsed off, Summer realized:

"I need to be cautious."

"But can I trust him?"

Summer stepped out, wrapping herself in a towel.

Nelly's peaceful sleep reassured Summer.

*Kingsley's Reflections*

Meanwhile, at Kingsley's apartment, Kyle and Kelvin lounged on the couch.

Kingsley paced, lost in thought.

"Dude, what's up?" Kyle asked.

Kingsley halted, a faraway gaze.

"That kiss with Summer..."

Kelvin's eyes lit up. "Details, man!"

Kingsley's smile spread.

"It was...electric."

Kyle and Kelvin exchanged a knowing look.

"Kingsley's hooked," Kyle whispered.

Kelvin chuckled. "About time someone tamed him."

Kingsley shook his head.

"I don't know, guys. I feel different."

Kyle and Kelvin exchanged concerned glances.

"Kingsley, you're not gonna screw it up, right?" Kyle asked.

Kingsley's expression turned determined.

"I'll prove myself to her."

As the night wore on, Kingsley's friends retreated to their rooms.

Kingsley remained awake, Summer's face etched in his mind.

---

Next morning, Summer woke to Nelly's cheerful humming.

"Morning!" Nelly chimed.

Summer smiled, sharing a warm hug.

Over breakfast, Nelly noticed Summer's distant gaze.

"Hey, what's up?" Nelly asked.

Summer hesitated.

"Kingsley kissed me last night."

Nelly's eyes widened.

"Spill!"

Summer recounted the library encounter, the kiss, and her mixed emotions.

Nelly listened attentively.

"I don't know, Nelly. I'm scared."

Nelly's expression softened.

"Summer, you deserve happiness. Maybe Kingsley's changed."

Summer nodded, feeling a sense of relief.

"I'll be cautious."

Nelly smiled.

"I'll be here for you."

---

Kingsley pulled up to Summer's apartment in his sleek, black Porsche 911.

Summer's eyes widened as she opened the door.

"Wow, you're driving this?" Summer asked.

Kingsley smiled. "Just thought I'd make an impression."

Nelly whistled. "That's one fancy ride."

"Want to ride with us?" Summer asked Nelly.

Nelly grinned. "Why not?"

As they arrived at school, heads turned.

Whispers spread: "Is that Kingsley's new car?"

The Porsche attracted a crowd.

Girls gathered, admiring the vehicle.

"Kingsley's single, right?" one girl whispered.

"Definitely," another replied.

The girls positioned themselves strategically.

When Kingsley stepped out, they flashed bright smiles.

But their faces fell as Kingsley opened the door for Summer.

Summer emerged, elegant in her simplicity.

Nelly followed, waving at the stunned onlookers.

Kingsley offered Summer his arm.

"Shall we?" he asked.

Summer took it, feeling a sense of pride.

As they walked away, the girls exchanged shocked glances.

"Who's that?" someone whispered.

"Summer," another replied. "Guess Kingsley's off the market."