Between Two Heartbeats

Chapter 3

*One Month Ago*

Kathy stirred her coffee absentmindedly, the sunlight streaming through the café windows painting soft stripes on the table. She thought about Nelson, her lips curving into a small smile. Memories of their first kiss crept in, warm and vivid.

It had been a late afternoon by the library steps. Her friends had been teasing them, nudging her to make the move. Her heart had been hammering in her chest as Nelson leaned closer.

“Are you sure?” she had whispered.

“About what?” he asked softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

“This… us… the kiss.”

Nelson smiled, cupping her cheek gently. “Only if you’re ready.”

The first touch of his lips had been hesitant, shy. Her fingers had curled into his shirt, holding on as if letting go would break her. It had been sweet, thrilling, and terrifying all at once.

Shaking the memory away, she checked her phone. A message from Nelson:

“Breakfast done? Don’t skip it, I worry.”

She typed back quickly: “Done. Miss you.”

The safety, the love — it was comforting. Nelson had been nothing but steady and attentive for months, even with long-distance.

Next morning

By late morning, Kathy wandered the campus gardens, stretching her legs. Xavier appeared, leaning against a tree with a casual grin.

“You’re finally walking outside,” he teased.

“I needed air,” she said, adjusting her bag. “Plus… I’m still not done with my readings.”

“Perfect timing,” he said. “I could use a break too. Let’s walk together.”

They strolled slowly, talking about classes, music, favorite foods, and the small campus dramas. The laughter came easy. Xavier’s charm wasn’t overwhelming; it was subtle, playful, and comforting in its own way.

For Kathy, it was a welcome distraction — nothing more. She wasn’t confused, yet. Just… enjoying the conversation.

That evening, alone in her room, she thought of Nelson again. Another memory surfaced: the quiet campus garden, a soft breeze in the air, the second time she had allowed herself to kiss him.

Her friends had teased them relentlessly, but in that moment, it was just the two of them. Hesitant at first, tentative, then deepening as longing won over fear. Fingers curling into shirts, hearts racing, whispers exchanged — the memory was tender and electrifying.

She smiled softly, feeling warmth in her chest. Nelson had her heart. There was no question about that.

*Lecture hall*

Across campus, Jordan Brooks, Elena Cruz, and Ryan Cole noticed Kathy walking toward the lecture hall.

“She’s been smiling more lately,” Jordan commented.

Elena smirked. “Yeah… must be that boyfriend of hers.”

Ryan leaned back, grinning. “Maybe. She has been smiling non-stop since morning. Someone is in love.”

Kathy's cheeks turned bright red as her friends teased her.

Meanwhile, in another corner, Melissa Carter, Vanessa King, and Priya Nair whispered amongst themselves.

“Did you see Kathy this morning before she left the dorm?” Melissa said, grinning.

“I didn't” Vanessa replied

“That lovesick girl” Melissa said, eyes sparkling mischievously.

Priya rolled her eyes. “She’s loyal. No way she’ll cross any lines.”

Back in the hostel that evening, the girls crowded around Kathy.

“Spill,” Vanessa demanded. “Where are you always rushing off to early morning?”

“Nothing!” Kathy said, though she couldn’t hide the slight blush.

Melissa nudged her. “Don’t lie. I see you are always in call with your boyfriend, talking all the time…?”

Priya shook her head. “Honestly, I think she’s just enjoying the company of her boyfriend. It is almost impossible for long distance relationship to last. Hopefully theirs lasts long.”

Kathy nodded quickly, trying to convince herself. She wasn’t going to look at the bad side of a long distance relationship, that was all.

*School library*

Later that week, Kathy and Jordan ended up in the library.

“You’re really focused,” Jordan said, peeking at her notes.

“Someone has to study,” Kathy replied, keeping her tone firm but playful.

“You make it look easy,” he teased. “I don’t know how you do it.”

“I just… do it.” She smiled faintly.

Jordan opened a chocolate pack and kept it in her mouth.”

Kathy laughed softly. “ Thanks hun. She said as she licked the chocolate in her mouth”

“Nope. You are always reading all the time, and you tell me you just do it. I have to catch up with you this semester.”

They laughed, walked to another section, exchanged music recommendations — simple, easy interactions and other class gossips.

Later that evening, Ryan texted:

“Hi Kat. Can I get some of the notes from the class today. Strangely I kind of enjoyed the topic”

Kathy stared at the screen, surprised at the person who sent the message.

“Hi, please is this Ryan on the other end, or was the phone stolen.” She typed finally.

Ryan replied back with a laughing emoji convincing her he is the one.

"I wanted to be sure. I will send it now" Kathy replied back.

Then her phone rang.

Nelson.

“Hey,” he said warmly.

“Hi,” Kathy replied softly.

“How was your day?”

“Busy… but good,” she said.

“I was thinking about you,” he said quietly. “Just wanted to hear your voice.”

Her chest tightened. The warmth, the love, the steady rhythm — it calmed her. She ended the call with a soft, genuine “I love you.

Kathy lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

She was caught in comfort and curiosity.

Also a bit scared about the long distance relationship, but she was too scared to talk about

it, so she just decided to bury that fear and think of the better days.