Chapter 87: Colliding Paths
382 Words
Maria kept her head down as she left the lecture hall, clutching her books like they could shield her from the storm inside her chest. The memory of Daniel’s gaze in class still lingered—steady, proud, almost too genuine. It was easier when he was the arrogant boy everyone whispered about. Easier when she could hate him without question.
But now? Now, he was messing with her balance.
She had barely taken three steps outside when a familiar voice called after her.
“Maria!”
Her body stiffened. She knew that voice too well. Slowly, she turned, only to see Daniel jogging up, his hair tousled by the breeze, his usual smirk nowhere in sight.
“You’ve been avoiding me again,” he said, not accusingly, but like it was simply the truth.
Maria shifted uncomfortably. “Maybe that should tell you something.”
Daniel stopped in front of her, eyes searching hers. “It tells me you’re scared. But I’m not giving up just because you keep running.”
Her breath caught. Why did he have to say things like that, things that made her heart flutter even as her mind screamed danger?
Before she could answer, Emeka popped up between them like a whirlwind. “Ah, lovebirds! Finally caught together without me acting as referee.” He wiggled his brows, grinning mischievously.
Maria rolled her eyes. “Emeka, please—”
But Daniel only smirked faintly. “Not now, Emeka.”
Something in his tone made Maria glance at him sharply. There was seriousness there, something rare. For a moment, the world around them blurred—the noise of students, the sun beating down, even Emeka’s teasing grin. It was just the two of them, caught in a fragile silence.
Maria broke it first. “Daniel… this can’t work. People will never understand.”
His jaw tightened, but he leaned closer, voice low. “Let me worry about people. You just need to decide if you’ll let me in.”
Her heart stumbled at his words. She wanted to push him away, to remind him of the gossip, the risks, the shadows of the past. But deep inside, she knew the truth: part of her wanted nothing more than to say yes.
And that terrified her most of all.
- Writer
