Ariana followed Kian through a narrow corridor she had never noticed before. It led to a small rooftop garden, hidden from the main campus paths. The air was fragrant with blooming jasmine, and lanterns hung delicately from the railing.
"This is… beautiful," Ariana whispered, awed by the secret space. 💚
"I come here when I need to think," Kian said softly, sketchbook tucked under his arm. "It's peaceful… and private."
She smiled. "I'm glad you shared it with me."
For a long moment, they simply stood side by side, letting the gentle breeze and scent of flowers fill the silence. Ariana noticed the way his shoulders relaxed, the slight softness in his eyes she rarely saw.
"Do you… trust me?" she asked quietly, almost afraid of his answer.
He didn't speak immediately. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I think I'm starting to."
Her heart tightened. In that rooftop garden, hidden from the world, Ariana realized that trust, even tentative, could feel like the most powerful connection. She wanted to be the person he could rely on, the one he could open his heart to. 💞
They sat on the edge of the railing, legs dangling, sharing quiet glances. The sun set behind them, painting the sky in soft shades of pink and gold. The world was vast, but in that moment, it felt like they were the only two people alive. 💝