Alessia Russo Oneshot

Coffee and Chemistry- UNC Era

It was a crisp autumn morning at the University of North Carolina, the sun filtering through the golden leaves that framed the campus. The familiar scent of coffee and pastries wafted through the air as you stepped into the cozy little café near the library. This had become your and Alessia's favorite spot to study, a sanctuary of sorts amidst the whirlwind of university life.

You spotted Alessia Russo at a corner table, her blonde hair catching the sunlight as she bent over a textbook, her brow furrowed in concentration. A smile tugged at your lips as you walked over, your bag slung over one shoulder.

"Hey, Lessi," you greeted, sliding into the seat opposite her. "Already knee-deep in chemistry?"

Alessia looked up, her expression brightening at the sight of you. "Hey! Yeah, trying to make sense of these reaction mechanisms. How's your morning been?"

"Busy," you replied, pulling out your own textbooks and notebooks. "But better now that I'm here. What's got you stumped?"

She pushed her textbook toward you, a cascade of equations and diagrams filling the page. "This part here. I can't seem to wrap my head around it."

You leaned in, your shoulders brushing slightly as you both peered at the page. You explained the concept, breaking it down into simpler terms, and watched as understanding dawned in her eyes.

"You're a lifesaver," Alessia said, her smile making your heart skip a beat. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably ace it anyway," you teased. "But I'm glad to help."

You both settled into a comfortable rhythm, the occasional banter breaking the silence as you worked through your respective assignments. Every so often, you'd catch Alessia's eye and share a smile, a silent acknowledgment of the bond you'd forged over countless study sessions.

As the hours ticked by, the café began to fill up with other students seeking refuge from the chill outside. The background hum of conversation created a soothing backdrop to your work.

Alessia stretched, her fingers brushing against yours as she reached for her coffee cup. The touch sent a jolt of warmth through you, and you glanced up to find her looking at you with a curious expression.

"What's up?" you asked, trying to ignore the fluttering in your stomach.

"Nothing," she said, though her eyes sparkled with something unspoken. "Just thinking how nice this is. Us, studying together."

You nodded, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. "Yeah, it is. I like spending time with you."

Alessia's smile widened, and for a moment, the world outside the café seemed to fade away. It was just the two of you, a connection growing stronger with each shared glance and touch.

"Do you want to take a break?" Alessia suggested. "Maybe go for a walk? The weather's perfect."

"Sure," you agreed, packing up your things. "A walk sounds nice."

You both left the café, stepping out into the crisp autumn air. The campus was alive with color, the trees a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows. As you strolled along the paths, your conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from classes to future plans.

As you walked, Alessia's hand brushed against yours again, and this time, neither of you pulled away. Instead, she intertwined her fingers with yours, a simple gesture that felt incredibly right.

"I've been wanting to tell you something," Alessia said softly, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.

"What's that?" you asked, your heart beating faster.

She stopped and turned to face you, her eyes filled with a mix of nervousness and determination. "I like you. More than just a friend."

The world seemed to stand still for a moment as you processed her words. Then, a smile spread across your face, and you squeezed her hand gently.

"I like you too, Lessi. A lot."

Her face lit up with a radiant smile, and before you knew it, she was leaning in, her lips brushing against yours in a tender, sweet kiss. It was brief, but it spoke volumes, a promise of something beautiful blossoming between you.

When you finally pulled away, you both laughed, the sound filled with joy and relief. Hand in hand, you continued your walk, knowing that this was just the beginning of something wonderful. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, you knew you'd face them together.