His Accidental Catch

Chapter 15: The Walk Back

The walk back across the campus quad under the sprawling canopy of oak trees felt entirely different than the walk there. The cool evening breeze rustled the falling leaves, but Maya barely felt the chill, still wrapped in the lingering warmth of the moment by the lake.

Leo walked closely beside her, his hand sliding casually into hers. His fingers intertwined with hers naturally, as if they had been doing it for months rather than just discovering this new, uncharted territory between them. Every step felt lighter, the usual heavy weight of her academic stress temporarily lifted from her shoulders.

"So," Leo began, a teasing glint returning to his eyes as they approached the steps of her residence hall, "does this mean I get to officially take you out on a real date this weekend? No art shows, no studying distractions—just proper dinner."

Maya felt a flutter in her stomach, a mix of nervous excitement and happiness. She stopped at the bottom of the steps, turning to face him with a playful smile. "I suppose you earned that much, Sterling. But only if you promise not to critique the food the entire time."

Leo laughed, raising his free hand in a mock surrender. "Deal. It's a promise."

As she climbed the steps and pushed open the heavy glass doors of her dorm, Maya looked back one last time to see him standing there watching her with a fond smile. Her heart did a happy flip. Her accidental catch was turning out to be anything but a mistake.

By Jane

#Vote#