Unraveling Feelings and Unexpected Moments

Elara sat in the university library, her eyes scanning the open textbook in front of her. But her mind? Completely elsewhere. No matter how hard she tried to focus, she kept replaying her conversation with Caleb from earlier. His words had settled into her thoughts like a puzzle she couldn't solve.

"Hey, space cadet."

A soft nudge on her shoulder made her blink out of her daze. She looked up to find Theo sitting across from her, his laptop open and an amused smirk on his face.

"You've been staring at that same page for the past five minutes," he noted. "Either you've mastered speed reading through osmosis, or you're distracted."

Elara sighed and rubbed her temples. "Maybe a little distracted."

Theo's smirk turned into a knowing smile. "Lemme guess. Boy trouble?"

Elara shot him a glare. "Why does everyone assume that whenever I'm lost in thought, it has to be about a guy?"

"Because," Theo said, leaning back in his chair, "you're Elara. You never let schoolwork stress you out this much. So, it has to be something personal."

She narrowed her eyes. "That's not true. I do stress over school."

He tilted his head. "Sure, but not like this."

Elara sighed, tapping her pen against her notebook. She wasn't about to confess what was really on her mind. The last thing she needed was Theo teasing her over her tangled thoughts about Caleb—or worse, Damien.

"You're impossible," she muttered.

Theo chuckled. "And you're avoiding the question."

Before she could retort, her phone vibrated on the table. She glanced at it.

New Event Triggered: Coffee Break with Damien.

Her stomach did a little flip. She had almost forgotten about that. Theo, noticing her reaction, raised an eyebrow. "What's with the face?"

Elara quickly locked her screen. "Nothing. Just… a reminder."

"Uh-huh." Theo clearly didn't believe her, but he let it slide. "Well, if you need an actual break, I was gonna grab a snack. Join me?"

She hesitated. "I, uh… already have plans."

Theo's gaze sharpened, and for a split second, something unreadable flickered across his face. "Oh?"

"Yeah," she said quickly, gathering her things. "I should get going. See you later?"

Theo nodded, but as she walked away, she could feel his eyes on her back. There was something about the way he had looked at her just now—something different. But she didn't have time to dwell on it.

When Elara arrived at the café, Damien was already there, casually leaning against the counter. He looked effortlessly cool, dressed in a dark hoodie and ripped jeans, his usual air of quiet confidence surrounding him.

"Right on time," he remarked as she approached.

"I try," she replied, shifting on her feet.

The barista handed him his drink, and Damien turned to her. "What do you want?"

"Oh, I—"

"Hazelnut latte, right?" he cut in smoothly.

Elara blinked. "How do you—?"

Damien shrugged. "I pay attention."

She stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. "That's kinda scary."

"Or maybe you're just predictable."

She scoffed. "You know, most people would just say they have a good memory."

He smirked, handing her the drink after paying. "Where's the fun in that?"

She took the cup, trying to ignore the warmth spreading in her chest. They found a small table near the window, and for a moment, neither spoke. It wasn't awkward, though. It was… comfortable.

"So," Damien finally said, swirling his coffee. "Are you gonna tell me what's been on your mind, or do I have to guess?"

Elara raised an eyebrow. "Who says anything's on my mind?"

Damien gave her a pointed look. "Come on, Elara. You fidget when you overthink. You've been tapping your fingers against the cup for the last two minutes."

Elara paused, realizing he was right. She hadn't even noticed.

"I just…" She exhaled. "Things are getting complicated."

Damien hummed. "Complicated how?"

She hesitated. "I feel like… like I'm being pulled in different directions. And I don't know which way to go."

Damien studied her, his gaze unreadable. "Then don't let anyone pull you. Just walk."

She frowned. "That's not how it works."

"Why not?" He leaned forward slightly. "You're acting like you need to have everything figured out now. You don't. Take your time."

She stared at him, slightly thrown off by his words. "I didn't expect you to be so… wise."

Damien smirked. "You assume too much about me."

She sipped her coffee, glancing at him over the rim. "Maybe."

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, but something had shifted. Elara couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was a weight to Damien's words that stuck with her.

Maybe he was right.

Maybe she just needed to walk.