After a heated discussion in the Arlech University Library, he ended up at Leo’s Café, staring into a half-finished cup of coffee. His mind was spinning, replaying the sharp words from earlier. The sun was setting outside, casting a warm glow across the quiet street, but he barely noticed.

Then the door opened.

Claire Elowen walked in—known across campus for her beauty, silence, and distant nature. She usually kept to herself, never approaching anyone. But today, something was different.

She walked toward him slowly, her hands clasped tightly, a faint blush on her pale face.

“Hey,” she said softly.

He looked up, surprised. “Claire?”

She gave a small nod, not meeting his eyes, and quietly sat down across from him. Her fingers brushed the edge of his cup, a nervous gesture.

For a few seconds, neither of them spoke. Claire had always been quiet, reserved, like she was protecting something deep inside. After a painful betrayal in the past, she stopped letting anyone in.

Until him.

At first, she treated him like everyone else—short replies, no emotion, always keeping her distance. But he didn’t give up. He listened. He noticed the little things: the sadness in her eyes, the tension in her hands when she was uncomfortable, the strength she showed even in silence.

Slowly, she changed.

She started to sit near him in class. She’d wait after conversations, linger a bit longer. She even laughed once—quietly, but it meant something. Now, here she was, more nervous than he had ever seen her.

“Hello,” she began, staring at him nervously. “Is there something wrong?”