The next morning, Isabella arrived at school a little earlier than usual, hoping to settle into her new routine. The hallways were still quiet, filled only with the soft echo of footsteps and lockers opening and closing.
She tried to blend in, keeping her head down as she walked to her classroom. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about Ethan. His calm presence and those warm, mysterious eyes from yesterday lingered in her mind like a quiet whisper.
As she entered the classroom, she noticed him already seated at his usual spot, his notebook open but his gaze occasionally wandering around the room. He seemed completely at ease, unlike her, whose heart still beat with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity.
When Isabella took her seat, she noticed Ethan subtly glance in her direction. He didn't speak, but the smallest smile played on his lips, a silent acknowledgment that made her feel… seen.
Later that day, during a break, she found herself in the library, seeking refuge among the rows of books. To her surprise, she noticed Ethan there as well, quietly reading in a corner. She hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to approach him, and then, driven by a mixture of curiosity and something she couldn't name, she walked closer.
"Hi," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Ethan looked up, his smile gentle. "Hi, Isabella," he said. His voice was calm, steady, like a reassuring anchor in the storm of her thoughts.
They didn't talk long that day, only exchanged a few simple words about books and classes. But for Isabella, it was enough. Enough to feel a small spark of comfort and connection, something she hadn't felt in a long time.
As the school bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Isabella left with a strange warmth in her chest. Something about Ethan made her feel safe, almost as if he could understand her without words. And deep down, she sensed that their paths crossing was only the beginning of something she couldn't yet imagine—but might just change everything.