By the time they left the bridge, the sun had already begun to dip below the clouds.The air had turned cool again, and the streets were nearly empty — just the sound of their shoes against the damp concrete and the distant hum of cars from the main road.
Kai walked beside Velithra in silence, his hands tucked in his pockets.Every so often, their arms brushed, and each time it happened, she swore her heart skipped.
Neither of them said much, but the quiet didn't feel heavy this time. It felt… peaceful.
When they reached the corner near her street, Velithra slowed down."This is me," she said softly.
Kai stopped too, glancing at the small path that led toward her house.He nodded once, but didn't move to leave.
For a moment, they just stood there — the golden evening light fading into that soft gray between day and night.
Velithra shifted her bag on her shoulder, trying to sound casual. "You don't usually walk people home."
Kai smirked faintly, looking down at the sidewalk. "You don't usually let people walk you home."
She smiled a little. "Touché."
Then silence again — but this time, it lingered differently.It wasn't awkward. It was full.
Kai's eyes lifted, meeting hers. "I meant what I said earlier," he said quietly. "About trying."
Velithra nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know."
He hesitated. Then, as if debating whether to take the risk, he reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. His fingers brushed her skin — just for a second, but long enough to make her forget how to breathe.
Velithra's eyes widened slightly.Kai pulled his hand back, a small, uncertain smile flickering at the corner of his mouth. "Sorry. Habit."
She shook her head quickly. "No, it's—" She stopped, catching herself before the word okay could escape, because it was more than okay. It was something she couldn't even name.
He chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I'm worse at this than I thought."
Velithra looked at him — the faint pink at the edge of his ears, the way his usual calm cracked just enough to show something honest. She smiled, and it wasn't forced this time.
"You're doing fine," she said.
Kai's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than they should have. Then he took a slow step back. "Goodnight, Velithra."
She nodded. "Goodnight, Kai."
He turned to go, but halfway down the street, he glanced back once — just a quick look — and she was still there, standing where he left her, hands clasped in front of her like she was holding onto the moment.
For the first time in a long time, both of them went home smiling.