After the first day she spent with Ethan, Isabella couldn't stop thinking about him all night. There was something strange about his calm presence and that small smile that made her heart feel at ease, as if she was no longer alone in this unfamiliar place.
The next morning, she found herself heading to school a little earlier than usual, as if hoping to see Ethan again. The hallways were quiet before the students filled them, and everything seemed less intimidating than it had the day before.
As she entered the classroom, Ethan was sitting in his usual spot, and for the second time, she noticed him glancing at her with a gentle smile—free of pretense, only calm attention that made her feel comforted.
During class, students were assigned a group project, and to her surprise, Isabella was paired with him. She felt a bit nervous at first, but soon relaxed thanks to his quiet demeanor and the easy way he approached the work.
As they worked together, Isabella realized that Ethan truly listened to her, genuinely caring about her thoughts and encouraging her quietly without pressure. She laughed softly at one of his small jokes and felt, for the first time in a long while, that someone truly understood her.
Ethan said quietly,
"Isabella, I didn't expect you to be so thorough. I really liked your observation."
Her heart skipped a beat. Compliments had always felt strange or empty since the past incident, but this one carried sincerity and warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.
When class ended, Isabella felt a sudden desire to stay by his side a little longer, but time didn't allow it. Before leaving, Ethan turned to her with a soft smile:
"See you tomorrow."
Simple words, yet they left a deep mark on her heart. Walking home, Isabella felt the walls around her heart beginning to crumble slightly, and a strange feeling crept in: curiosity, anxiety, and excitement… about why he seemed so interested in her, and about the next moment she would see him.
Pausing on a small bridge on her way home, she couldn't stop thinking:
Will everything be as it seems? Or is there something the coming days will reveal?
And so, one question lingered in her mind with every step:
Who is this mysterious young man, really!?