Something about you

Everything in place

AMY’S POV

By the time my last lecture ends, the hallway feels heavier. Not in a bad way, just full. Full of voices, footsteps, lockers slamming shut, the kind of noise that tells you the day is officially over. I stand in front of my locker, sliding my books inside slowly, taking my time. I’m fixing my bag strap when familiar voices cut through the noise.

“Look at her,” Sophia says. “Miss Political Genius herself.” I smile before I even turn around. Lila appears beside her, eyes bright. “Do you know people are already talking about you?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Talking about what exactly?”

Sophia leans closer, lowering her voice dramatically. “About how you topped Felix Carter today, duh.”

I laugh. “Well that's the wrong way to put it.”

“You know what I mean,” Lila says quickly. “The debate. Apparently some guy in the back said he’d never seen anyone shut him up like that before.”

I shake my head, heat moving slowly up my neck. “I didn’t shut anyone up, i just spoke.”

Sophia grins. “Oh Miss political genius you spoke very well.”

I close my locker and face them. “It wasn’t a competition.”

“You know, that's what the winners always say,” Lila replies.

We laugh together, the easy kind of laughter that doesn’t need explaining. Being with them always feels natural, like breathing, no pressure and no one pretending. After a while, we start walking toward the exit, the crowd becoming fewer as people head home or off campus. Outside, the sun is already starting to dip, painting everything in soft orange light.

“I’m heading to the cafe,” I say.

Sophia nudges me with her elbow. “Of course you are.”

Lila smiles knowingly. “Say hi to hubby for us.” she teases. We split up at the corner, waving as we went our separate ways. I walk the familiar route toward the cafe, my steps light, my thoughts already ahead of me, Craig. The thought of him alone makes my chest feel so warm. We haven’t been together long. Not long enough for things to feel boring or routine. Every part of it still feels new, fragile in the best way. He is kind in ways that don’t feel forced. He listens to me, he remembers small things about me, he never makes me feel like I owe him anything. He just makes time for me someway somehow, he gives me enough attention, and a gentleness I didn’t even know I needed.

The bell above the cafe door rings softly as I step inside. The smell of coffee and sugar wraps around me instantly. It’s busy but calm, the usual hum of quiet conversations and clinking cups. Then I see him. Craig stands behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, focused on making a drink. His hair falls slightly into his eyes, and without thinking, oh sweet Jesus he's so damn sexy. He looks up, his face changes the second our eyes meet. His lips curve into a smile that feels like it’s only meant for me. Something inside my chest tightens, and I have to look away before my red face gives me away.

I tie my apron and join him behind the counter. We work side by side, moving around each other with ease. Every now and then, I feel his eyes on me. When I look back, he catches me smiling, and he smiles too, like it’s a shared secret. I almost mess up an order because I’m thinking about him too much.

At one point, he leans closer and murmurs, “You okay?”

I nod quickly. “Yeah. Just tired.”

He doesn’t push, he never does. Our shifts pass in a blur. When we finally clock out, the cafe is quiet, chairs stacked, lights dimmed low. We step outside together, the night air cool against my skin.

“I’ll walk you home,” he says, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I nod, slipping my hand into his without thinking, I keep blushing and my face only gets redder with each second that passes by, f**k. His fingers close around mine, warm and steady. We talk about our day as we walk. About my classes, about the debate. He listens, he's genuinely interested, asking questions, laughing at the parts I laugh at. The sound of his laugh literally melts my heart to a pulp.

“You always talk like you know exactly what you’re saying,” he tells me.

I shrug. “I just say what makes sense.”

He smiles. “That’s what I like about you.”

I feel my cheeks heat up again and I look away with embarrassment. He notices and lets out a small laugh. He tells me about his own day at his college, about a boring lecture and a group project he doesn’t care about. I listen, loving the sound of his voice more than the words themselves.

By the time we reach my apartment building, my heart feels full in a way that scares me a little. We stop at the door. The street is quiet, the moment stretches, it's so soft. Craig steps closer, my heart begins to bang like crazy it almost hurts. He lifts his hand to my face, brushing his thumb gently against my cheek. I forget how to breathe. He kisses me slowly, carefully, like he has all the time in the world. The world and the sound that comes with it seems to slowly fade, leaving only the warmth of him, the closeness, the feeling of being chosen by him. When he pulls back, my head feels light and woozy.

“Goodnight, Amy,” he says softly.

“Goodnight,” I whisper.

I watch him walk away before unlocking my door. Inside, my apartment is quiet and familiar. I drop my bag, kick off my shoes, and fall onto my bed with a sigh. I stare up at the ceiling, smiling to myself, replaying every moment of the day, especially the last three minutes. The debate, my friends, the cafe with a steady pay, Craig’s smile and most importantly his kiss. My life feels perfect.