CHAPTER 12: Seen

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Chapter 12: Seen

Lina

Daisy never said much—but Lina noticed the changes.

The softer tone in her texts. The sudden silences when Calvin's name came up. The way she looked away when asked directly—like holding a truth that didn't quite have a label yet.

"You're different," Lina said one afternoon as they studied in the common room.

Daisy shrugged. "Maybe."

"It's him, isn't it?"

Daisy didn't answer right away. Then, quietly: "He sees me. And doesn't run."

Lina smiled. "That's a good sign. Just don't lose yourself trying to keep him."

"I think I'm starting to find myself… because of him."

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Marcus

Calvin was humming. Not loudly—just under his breath while washing dishes.

Marcus raised a brow. "You're either in love or in denial."

Calvin laughed. "Maybe both."

"Don't mess this up," Marcus said seriously. "She's rare. And you—you're finally showing who you are."

Calvin paused. "You think I was hiding?"

"I think we all do, until the right person comes along and says, 'You're safe now.'"

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Daisy's Parents

Grace Akello noticed the way Daisy lingered on her phone these days. The half-smiles. The softening.

One evening, while folding laundry, she said quietly, "You're letting someone in, aren't you?"

Daisy blinked. "You never ask."

"I was afraid of the answers," her mother admitted. "But I want better for you than I had. You don't have to settle for silence."

Daisy swallowed hard. "I don't think I am."

Her father didn't say much, but when he caught a glimpse of Calvin's name on her screen, he only nodded. Not approval—but not resistance either.

A small step.

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Later That Week

Calvin and Daisy sat under the tree near the psychology building, watching students pass.

"No one's asked if we're... anything," Daisy said.

Calvin smiled. "Maybe they already know."

"And you?"

He took her hand.

"I'm not going anywhere. Even if there's no label. I'm here."

She didn't reply with words. Just let her fingers tighten around his.

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