Between the lecture halls

Chapter 6: The accidental meeting

Zara was walking across campus, clutching her notes, when she collided literally with someone.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, looking up to see… Liam.

He grinned, shaking his head. “It’s okay. I should’ve been paying more attention too.”

They laughed, a little awkwardly, as the notes scattered across the walkway. Liam bent down to help her gather them, brushing his fingers against hers in the process. A small shock ran through her, and she quickly looked away.

“You’re always in a rush, aren’t you?” he teased, handing her the last sheet.

“I have classes, meetings… life,” she replied, trying to sound casual.

“And yet somehow, life keeps bringing us together,” he said, eyes sparkling with amusement.

Her cheeks warmed. “Maybe it’s fate,” she muttered, a small smile playing on her lips.

For a moment, the world felt suspended—leaves drifting in the autumn air, distant students chatting, but nothing else mattered except the quiet energy between them.

“I like these accidental meetings,” Liam said softly. “They feel… real.”

Zara felt her pulse quicken. “I… do too,” she admitted, almost surprised by her own honesty.

As they parted ways, neither could deny the pull growing stronger. Their professional boundaries blurred with each encounter, and Zara realized she was no longer sure where caution ended and desire began.

And deep down, she welcomed it.