The hallway felt narrower than usual.
Students streamed past, lockers slamming, shoes squeaking, people laughing too loudly — but all Velithra could focus on was the heat of Kai walking beside her.
He didn't talk much.He never did.But today, he kept glancing at her like he was checking if she was still there.
And every time their hands brushed by accident, her breath stuttered.
He didn't move away.
Inside the classroom, their desks were only a few seats apart, but Kai hesitated beside her row before sitting.
"Velithra."
She turned. "Yeah?"
Kai opened his mouth… then shut it again, irritated with himself.
"…Never mind. Later."
She frowned. "Why not now?"
Before he could answer, the teacher walked in, calling the class to settle.
Kai reluctantly slid into his seat, but his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer — warm, searching, like he was trying to say something without saying it.
Velithra faced forward, but she wasn't hearing a single word of the lesson.
Her mind was stuck on him.
On the way he said her name.On the way his voice softened only for her.On the way he looked like he was fighting something he didn't understand yet.
Halfway through class, a folded piece of paper landed on her desk.
Her heart jumped.
She unfolded it slowly.
Come to the rooftop after class.Just you.—Kai
A small shock ran through her chest — excitement, nerves, something warm and sharp all at once.
She glanced sideways.
Kai was already staring at her.
Not in a teasing way.Not in a casual way.In a way that made her stomach flip — intense, steady, like he was memorizing her reaction.
She mouthed, "Okay."
The corner of his mouth twitched. Not a smile — just something close.
The rest of the period dragged painfully slow.
When the bell rang, Kai stood instantly.Not waiting for anyone.But he waited for her.
They walked up the stairs in silence, the air between them thick with something unspoken.Velithra's hands felt too warm.Kai's steps were too quiet.
When they reached the rooftop door, Kai paused, his back to her.
"Before we go out there," he said, voice low, "just… don't freak out."
She blinked. "About what?"
Kai turned to her.
His expression was different — serious, vulnerable, like he was stripping out every wall he had.
"…You."
Her breath hitched.
Kai opened the door and stepped out onto the rooftop, not looking back, almost like he was afraid he'd lose his nerve if he did.
Velithra followed, heart pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat.
The rooftop was empty.Quiet.Wind brushing past.
Kai finally faced her fully.
No defense.No smirk.No distance.
Just him.
Raw.
Real.
"I wanted you to come," he said, voice quiet but steady, "because I can't keep pretending nothing's happening between us."
Velithra's pulse raced.
Something was happening.
It had been for a while.
She swallowed hard. "Kai… what are you trying to say?"
He stepped closer — slowly, giving her time to pull back if she wanted.
She didn't.
"Velithra."He said her name like it was a confession by itself.
"I'm starting to… like you. Too much."
Her knees almost gave out.
Kai let out a slow breath, like saying it cost him something.
"And I don't know what to do with that."
Velithra stared at him — stunned, overwhelmed, and more alive than she'd felt in years.
"Kai…" she whispered.
He waited.
For her.Only her.
Velithra stepped toward him until they were inches apart.
"I don't know what to do either," she said honestly. "But I don't… hate it."
Kai's shoulders relaxed — only a little — but enough to show her how much he'd been holding in.
Their fingers brushed.
This time, neither of them pulled away.
The tension between them tightened like a held breath.
"Kai," she whispered.
"Yeah?"
"…What happens now?"
Kai looked at her like she was the only real thing in the world.
"I don't know."His voice dropped."But I want to find out. With you."