The sunlight spilled over the campus as Michelle and Steve walked side by side down the main path. The morning breeze was cool, but Steve's hand in hers was warm—steadfast. It felt unreal.
She glanced at their hands, fingers interlocked. It was the first time.
The first time in public.
Steve caught her looking and squeezed gently. "You okay?"
"I think so," she said softly. "A little nervous."
"You don't have to be," he said. "They'll deal with it."
"They?"
He tilted his head. "Everyone."
She smiled, despite herself. "I like that you don't care."
"I care," he corrected. "But not in the way that would ever stop me from doing this."
He brought their joined hands up to his lips and kissed the back of hers—right there, on the walkway. In front of a few early students walking by. Michelle's cheeks turned pink.
And still… she didn't let go.
When they entered the building, Michelle peeled off her hoodie and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. The hallways buzzed with voices, locker doors slamming, footsteps echoing.
Steve walked her to her class. He stopped by the door, glanced around—and then leaned in for a quick kiss on her cheek.
"See you at lunch?"
"Yeah."
"Good." He smiled and walked off, hands casually in his pockets.
She turned to step inside the classroom when someone stopped her.
"Wait," said a voice. It was Alina, a girl from her literature class. "Was that… Steve?" Her eyebrows were raised in playful disbelief.
Michelle felt her stomach flutter. "Um. Yeah."
Alina grinned. "Are you together together?"
Michelle hesitated—and then nodded. "Yeah. We are."
"Oh my God," Alina whispered. "I mean—I saw the way he looked at you last week, but I thought I was imagining things."
Michelle raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah," Alina laughed. "He had that 'I'd punch a guy for her' look. And you were glowing like someone who knows exactly what kind of kiss she's going to get later."
Michelle blushed so hard she had to look away, giggling.
"Don't worry," Alina added. "I'm rooting for you two."
Michelle walked into class with a quiet, growing confidence. Her heart was racing—but for the first time, not from fear. From something that felt a lot like joy.