Episode 18: Almost a Kiss
791 Words
"We're lost."
Amara tried to sound disappointed.
She failed.
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Kael folded the clue and slipped it back into the envelope.
"I don't get lost."
"Oh?"
"I merely... take longer routes."
She laughed.
"So this is a scenic route?"
"Exactly."
"I'm impressed by your confidence."
"I've had years of practice."
For the first time that evening, neither of them cared about the treasure hunt.
They simply wandered through the quiet campus together.
---
The gala music drifted faintly through the cool night air.
Fairy lights glowed between ancient oak trees.
Somewhere in the distance, students laughed as they searched for the remaining clues.
"This campus is beautiful at night," Amara said.
"I've never really noticed."
"You've never walked around after dark?"
"I've always been working... or studying."
She glanced at him.
"And you?"
Kael smiled faintly.
"I usually avoid crowds."
She looked genuinely surprised.
"You?"
"I know."
"Everyone thinks I enjoy being in the spotlight."
"You don't?"
"I prefer quiet."
He looked toward the moonlit gardens.
"It's easier to hear yourself think."
Amara nodded.
"I understand that."
---
They reached a small gazebo overlooking the university lake.
It was empty.
A gentle breeze stirred the flowers climbing its white pillars.
Amara sat on the wooden bench.
"My feet are officially protesting."
Kael looked down at her heels.
"They're new."
"Is it that obvious?"
"You've been pretending they don't hurt."
She laughed.
"Was I that bad at hiding it?"
"You limped three times."
"I did not."
"You did."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Were you watching me all evening?"
The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Kael didn't look away.
"Yes."
Her heartbeat stumbled.
"...Why?"
He was quiet for several seconds.
"Because I wanted to make sure you were enjoying yourself."
His answer was so simple.
So sincere.
That she didn't know what to say.
---
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Not awkward.
Just... peaceful.
Amara looked up at the stars.
"My mom used to say that whenever you feel lost..."
"...look at the sky."
"Why?"
"Because no matter where you are..."
"...you're standing beneath the same stars as the people who love you."
Kael looked at her.
"You miss her."
She smiled sadly.
"Every day."
"My parents died when I was sixteen."
The words came softly.
"I still catch myself wanting to call them."
Kael sat beside her.
"I'm sorry."
She shrugged gently.
"I've learned to live with it."
"But some days are harder than others."
Without thinking...
Kael covered her hand with his.
"I'm here."
Three simple words.
Yet somehow...
They meant everything.
Amara looked down at their hands.
Neither of them moved.
---
Back inside the Grand Hall...
The treasure hunt officially ended.
Ronan scanned the crowd.
"Has anyone seen Kael?"
Lily's eyes widened.
"...He's still with Amara."
Ronan laughed quietly.
"So much for not caring about treasure hunts."
---
Back at the gazebo, Amara smiled.
"I think we lost."
"We definitely lost."
"I hope Lily isn't too disappointed."
Kael looked at their unopened clue.
"I suppose we should head back."
Neither of them stood.
Neither wanted the evening to end.
A gust of wind swept through the gazebo.
Amara shivered.
Without a word, Kael removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
She looked up.
"You'll be cold."
"I'll survive."
"It smells like you."
The moment the words left her mouth, she wished she could take them back.
Her cheeks turned bright pink.
Kael smiled.
"I hope that's a good thing."
She laughed nervously.
"It is."
Their eyes met.
The world around them seemed to disappear.
Slowly...
Almost without realizing it...
They leaned toward each other.
Their faces were only inches apart.
Amara could hear his breathing.
Kael's gaze fell to her lips.
His heart pounded.
One more inch...
Just one...
"President Vale!"
A loud voice shattered the moment.
They immediately pulled apart.
A Student Council volunteer came running toward them.
"There you are!"
"We've been looking everywhere."
"The Chancellor is about to announce the treasure hunt winners."
Kael stood and cleared his throat.
"We're coming."
The volunteer hurried back toward the hall.
Amara laughed softly.
"I think we almost forgot where we were."
Kael smiled.
"I think we did."
---
As they walked back toward the ballroom, neither noticed the folded piece of paper that had slipped from the volunteer's pocket.
A shadow emerged from behind a nearby tree and picked it up.
The stranger unfolded it.
Inside was a photograph.
Kael holding Amara beside the Reflection Pond.
Across the bottom, someone had written in red ink:
"Send these to the Council... and to the press."
The hooded figure smiled.
"So..."
"Let's see how long the perfect Student Council President can keep his image spotless."
- Writer
