𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 ( 𝐀 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬)

•3•

Chapter 3: Unexpected Help

With each step she took towards her university, Nia felt as if her energy was slipping away. The world around her seemed to blur, making it difficult to keep her eyes open. Breathing became a struggle, and the weight of exhaustion pressed down on her like a leaden blanket.

As she inhaled desperately through her mouth, her vision grew hazy, and she didn't even notice herself teetering on the verge of collapsing to the ground. It was at this critical moment that a firm hand reached out and steadied her, preventing the impending fall.

"Are you okay!?" a concerned voice asked as the stranger lifted her gently into his arms and carried her to a nearby bench.

Laying her down gently, he retrieved a bottle of water from his bag and offered it to Nia, who was still recovering from her momentary lapse. She hesitated, then politely declined the offer, trying to regain her composure.

"You don't look fine, though," he remarked, concern etched on his face. "Why don't you remove your mask? It might help you feel better."

Nia hesitated, her gaze drifting downwards. "I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable showing my face to anyone," she replied softly.

The stranger, understanding her discomfort, nodded. "I understand. If you want, I can close my eyes, but please, do drink the water," he suggested.

With a slight nod, Nia carefully removed her mask, taking the bottle of water from his outstretched hand. She didn't want to expose her face, but the water was a welcome relief for her parched throat. She gulped it down, the cool liquid soothing her empty stomach.

"I'm done. You can turn around now," Nia said after finishing the water. She quickly donned her mask, regaining her sense of privacy.

The stranger obliged, turning his body in the opposite direction and closing his eyes to ensure he wouldn't inadvertently glimpse her face.

"Are you feeling alright now?" he inquired when he turned back around.

"I'm feeling better than before," Nia replied gratefully. "Thank you for helping me."

"I'm glad I could assist. By the way, I didn't get your name," he noted.

"I'm Nia Lee, and it's nice to meet you," Nia introduced herself, shaking his outstretched hand. "But I need to get going. I have classes."

"I'm Seojun," he whispered as he watched Nia walk away.

As Nia continued her journey, she couldn't help but think about the stranger who had come to her aid. Seojun's unexpected kindness had brightened her day, offering a glimmer of hope in a world that often seemed dark and unforgiving. She knew that this chance encounter would linger in her thoughts for days to come, and perhaps it was a sign of better things to come in her new university life.

Nia felt a tiny spark of warmth in her heart, a stark contrast to the coldness she had grown accustomed to in her own home.

Despite the fatigue that still clung to her, Nia arrived at her university, determined not to let anything deter her from her classes. As she navigated the bustling campus, she couldn't help but wonder about Seojun. Who was he? What had prompted his act of kindness? These questions swirled in her mind like a gentle breeze amid the chaos of her daily life.

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