By the time I left the student center, my thoughts were a complete mess.
My coffee felt too hot in my hands, my chest still tight from that short conversation with Ethan.
You disappeared for a while.
The way he said it kept replaying in my head.
Not because it meant anything.
But because he noticed.
I walked faster across campus, trying to clear my thoughts before I reached the dorm.
The evening air was cool, and students moved around me in groups like always, talking loudly about assignments, parties, weekend plans.
I kept my eyes on the ground until someone suddenly stepped slightly into my path.
“Hey—sorry.”
I looked up quickly.
A guy stood there holding a notebook and looking mildly embarrassed.
“I wasn’t paying attention,” he said with a small laugh.
“Oh,” I said quietly.
