Running into Love

Chapter 2: Winter Blossoms

The days grew shorter as winter settled over the campus, painting the world in shades of gray and white. The trees stood bare against the cold sky, their branches swaying in the icy breeze. Carl and Sofia found themselves wrapped in the season's chill, yet warmed by the growing bond between them. What had started as a casual invitation to coffee had quickly become something more—something neither of them had expected, yet both of them welcomed with open hearts.

December

The first time Carl took Sofia on a date, he kept it simple. They met at a cozy little café just off campus, a place known for its rich hot chocolate and the best baklava outside of Greece. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of coffee and cinnamon as they settled into a corner booth, away from the noise of the main room.

Sofia sipped her hot chocolate, savoring the warmth that spread through her. She couldn't help but notice how at ease Carl seemed, how natural it was to talk to him about anything and everything. They laughed about their shared experiences in Greece, reminiscing about summers spent on the islands and the rich culture that had shaped them both.

"I never thought I'd find someone who understands the things I miss about home," Sofia admitted, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. "It's comforting, in a way."

Carl smiled, his brown eyes soft as they met hers. "I feel the same. Being here, so far from everything familiar, it's easy to feel disconnected. But with you, it feels like... like I have a piece of home with me."

Sofia's heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the hot chocolate. They spent hours in that café, talking until the sky outside turned dark and the first snowflakes of the season began to fall.

Afterward, Carl insisted on walking Sofia back to her dorm, despite the cold. They strolled through the snowy campus, their breath visible in the frigid air. The ground was dusted with a thin layer of snow, the world around them hushed and serene.

"I had a great time tonight," Sofia said as they reached her dorm. She looked up at Carl, her hazel eyes catching the light from the nearby streetlamp.

"Me too," Carl replied, his voice soft. He hesitated for a moment, then leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Goodnight, Sofia."

Sofia blushed, her cheeks warming despite the cold. "Goodnight, Carl."

As she watched him walk away, his tall figure disappearing into the night, Sofia realized that this was just the beginning. There was something special between them, something that felt real and full of potential.

January

The winter deepened, and so did their connection. Carl and Sofia spent more and more time together, their days filled with moments that would become treasured memories. They went ice skating at the campus rink, where Carl, ever the athlete, glided across the ice with ease, while Sofia clung to his arm, laughing as she tried to keep her balance.

One Saturday, Carl surprised Sofia by taking her to a local holiday market. They wandered through the stalls, sipping mulled cider and admiring the handcrafted ornaments and festive decorations. Carl bought Sofia a delicate silver necklace with a small, intricately designed snowflake pendant, which she wore every day after that.

"I want you to have something to remember this winter by," Carl had said as he fastened the necklace around her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin. The simple gesture sent a shiver down Sofia's spine, a mix of the cold air and the warmth of his touch.

One of their favorite spots became the campus library, where they would meet after their classes or practices. Sofia would spread out her engineering notes, working on complex problems, while Carl focused on his coursework. Sometimes, they would take breaks to study each other's work—Carl marveling at the intricacies of Sofia's designs, and Sofia listening intently as Carl talked about his training and goals.