The Echo of Us

Chapter Three: Quiet Feelings

Ethan began to appear more often.

Sometimes he borrowed books, sometimes he just stopped by to talk. Elara never admitted it, but she started waiting for the sound of the library door opening, hoping it was him.

One rainy afternoon, Ethan arrived carrying an umbrella dripping with water. His hair was damp, and his jacket smelled faintly of rain.

“You’ll get sick walking in this weather,” Elara scolded lightly.

He grinned. “Then maybe you should tell me to stay here longer. Safe and dry.”

Her lips pressed into a smile she tried to hide. “You can stay. But only if you keep quiet—I’m working.”

“Deal,” he said, slipping into a chair by the window. He opened the book she had recommended last time and read silently, though Elara noticed he kept glancing up at her when he thought she wasn’t looking.

Later that week, Liam, her coworker at the library, walked beside her as she stacked returned books.

“You’ve been smiling a lot lately,” he said casually.

Elara blinked, caught off guard. “Have I?”

Liam nodded, his eyes curious. “Must be someone special.”

Before she could answer, Ethan appeared at the end of the aisle, smiling warmly. “Elara, ready to go?”

Liam raised an eyebrow, then smirked knowingly. “Ah. That explains it.”

Elara’s cheeks warmed. She grabbed the stack of books in her arms, mumbling, “Don’t jump to conclusions.”

But her heart was already racing.

That night, Noah wouldn’t let her rest.

“He walked you home again?” Noah asked, eyes wide.

“Yes,” Elara said softly.

“And you’re telling me nothing happened? No hand brushing, no sudden kiss in the rain, no dramatic confession?” Noah groaned.

“What is wrong with straight men?”

Elara laughed, shaking her head. “We’re just friends.”

Noah narrowed his eyes. “Friends don’t look at each other like that. Trust me, honey—I see things.”

Elara rolled her eyes, but deep inside, she wondered if Noah was right.