For the next few days, I kept seeing Daniel around campus more often.
Sometimes outside class.
Sometimes near the library.
Sometimes just passing by on the walkways between buildings.
And every time, he smiled when he saw me.
Every time, he spoke first.
It was strange how quickly small interactions could become part of someone’s routine.
That afternoon, I was leaving the science building when I spotted him near the student center.
He stood near the stairs holding his phone while looking around like he was waiting for someone.
Before I could overthink it, I started walking toward him.
For once, I almost felt confident enough to approach first.
“Dan—”
The word barely left my mouth before someone else reached him first.
Chloe.
She walked up beside him naturally, smiling brightly
