The next morning felt… strange.
Not awkward.
Not normal either.
I noticed it the moment I woke up—how aware I was of everything. The sound of movement in the room. The way my heart jumped when Xavier shifted in his sleep. The memory of that brief, accidental moment replaying when I least expected it.
I sat up quietly.
Xavier was already awake again—why was he always awake before me?—standing by the window, staring outside like he was trying to organize his thoughts.
"Morning," I said softly.
He turned. "Morning."
There it was again. That pause. That look that lasted a second too long.
We didn't mention the kiss.
At breakfast, Calvin was unbearable.
"So," he said loudly, dropping into his seat, "anyone want to talk about last night's incident?"
Mira kicked his foot under the table. "Eat your food."
"I'm just saying," Calvin continued, grinning, "hallways are dangerous."
I buried my face in my cup. Xavier cleared his throat and changed the subject so smoothly it almost impressed me.
The day passed with small, careful moments.
When the group walked together, Xavier stayed near me—but not too near. When our hands brushed, we both noticed… and neither of us pulled away too fast.
During an activity, I tripped slightly on uneven ground. Xavier caught my wrist instinctively.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said, steadying myself. "Thanks."
He didn't let go right away.
Just long enough for my heart to race.
That night, the dorm was quiet again. Calvin and Mira whispered and laughed softly, their voices fading as sleep took over.
I lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
After a while, Xavier spoke, his voice low in the dark.
"Hinata?"
"Yes?"
"About yesterday…" He paused. "If it bothered you, I'm sorry."
I turned onto my side so I could see him. "It didn't bother me."
Another pause.
"Good," he said quietly.
Neither of us said anything else.
But in the silence, I felt it—something settling between us. Not a label. Not a promise.
Just understanding.
Whatever that moment had been, we were choosing not to rush it…
but not to erase it either.
And somehow, that made it feel even more important than a confession ever could.