Evette steps out of the library, clutching a few issued yearbooks against her chest as the cool evening air greets her. The towering bookshelves and the faint scent of old paper fade behind her as she walks toward her dorm. Tomorrow is Saturday, but the thought doesn't bring her any relief. Her mind is already occupied with the looming exams, and an anxious knot tightens in her stomach.
As she walks, her purse vibrates, the soft hum breaking the silence of the dimly lit path. Her fingers tense around the strap, and for a moment, dread creeps into her chest. Is it another message from the unknown number? Her breath catches as she pulls out her phone, her heart pounding against her ribs.
But when she looks at the screen, relief floods through her, quickly followed by unease. It's from Evan. "Meet me at the café."
Evette stares at the message, her grip tightening on her phone. The last time he had asked her to meet him, she had been kidnapped.
Evette locks her phone without responding, slipping it back into her purse as she quickens her pace toward her dorm. She tells herself there's nothing to worry about—Evan wouldn't let anything happen to her. He had always been there, looking out for her, even when she didn't realize it.
But still, unease lingers. Maybe he just wants to talk.
Her thoughts drift to the kiss, the way it had happened so suddenly, how, for a brief moment, everything had felt different. But after that day, Evan had gone back to being his usual self, never bringing it up, never treating her any differently. A part of her wonders if she should be relieved or frustrated.
Did he regret it? Did he even care? Or was it just something that happened in the heat of the moment?
She shakes her head, pushing the thoughts away. Now isn't the time to think about that.
Evette exhales sharply, deciding there's no point in overthinking. If Evan wants to meet, she might as well go.
Without wasting another second, she turns around and strides toward the campus gates. The towering brown gates stand open, letting in the cool October breeze as she steps onto the sidewalk. She glances up at the cloudy sky, feeling the crispness of the air settle on her skin.
Reaching into her purse, she pulls out her phone and dials for a taxi. As she waits, her fingers drum against the strap of her bag. The streets are quieter than usual, with only a few students lingering near the entrance, chatting in small groups.
Moments later, a yellow taxi pulls up in front of her with a slight screech of the tires. She hesitates for only a second before pulling open the door and sliding inside.
After about 2 minutes, the taxi slows to a stop in front of the café, the soft hum of the engine fading as Evette reaches into her purse. She pulls out a single dollar bill and hands it to the driver, offering a quick nod before stepping out onto the pavement. The crisp autumn air greets her as she closes the door behind her, the taxi pulling away into the evening traffic.
Her gaze immediately finds Evan standing by the entrance. He's dressed casually—just a simple T-shirt and jeans, but there's something about the way he carries himself that makes him stand out. His blond hair is slightly tousled, and his eyes, sharp as ever, flicker toward her the moment she arrives.
It's then that she notices the small gift bag in his hand. The matte black paper crinkles slightly as his fingers shift around the handles, and Evette's heart skips. Is it for her?
She swallows down the thought before it can linger and walks toward him, trying to ignore the sudden flutter of nerves building in her chest.
Evan's lips curl into a soft smile as he lifts the small gift bag, extending it toward her. His voice is gentle but firm as he says, "For everything you've been through, Evette. I'm sorry."
Before she can respond, he steps closer, his warmth surrounding her, and in one swift motion, he pulls her into him. Then, his lips press against hers.
For a moment, Evette freezes, her heart hammering against her ribs. But then instinct takes over. Her fingers tighten around his shirt as she grabs him, kissing him back without hesitation.
The world around them fades, the quiet chatter of café customers, the clinking of coffee cups, the faint autumn breeze. She knows people are staring, but for the first time, she doesn't care.