Daylight - Paige Bueckers

i really really like you

June 28th, 2023

Alex's POV:

The sun is just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long golden shadows across the quad as I make my way to Paige's dorm. The campus is buzzing with that unique energy that always comes at the end of a summer session—athletes packing up, friends saying goodbye, and the anticipation of what's to come hanging in the air. But for me, there's a bittersweet note to it all. Tomorrow, Paige and I will be heading in different directions for the break, and I can't shake the feeling that I want to make every moment count before we have to say goodbye.

I reach her building and take the stairs two at a time, my heart beating a little faster with each step. When I get to her door, I pause for a second, just long enough to take a deep breath and collect myself. I knock twice, and a moment later, the door swings open to reveal Paige standing there, a wide smile already on her face.

"Hey, you," she says, pulling me into a hug before I can even say anything.

"Hey yourself," I murmur into her shoulder, closing my eyes as I breathe her in. This feels so good, so right, and I don't want to let go.

She finally steps back, her hands lingering on my arms as she looks me over. "Ready for our last day together?"

I nod, trying to ignore the little pang in my chest at her words. "Yeah."

Paige grabs her bag, and we head out, walking side by side through the quieting campus. The plan is to grab dinner and then just spend the rest of the evening together, nothing too crazy, but exactly what we need before we both leave.

"So," she starts as we make our way to the restaurant, "what's on your mind?"

I glance over at her, catching the way her eyes soften when she looks at me. "Honestly? I'm kind of bummed we won't see each other for a while."

Paige's expression shifts, something tender flickering in her gaze. "Me too. But it's not that long, right? We'll be back before we know it."

"Yeah, I guess," I reply, trying to sound more positive. "But I'm gonna miss you."

She nudges me playfully with her elbow. "Miss me already? We haven't even left yet."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "You know what I mean."

Paige laughs softly, and the sound wraps around me, making everything else fade away for a moment. "I know. I'm gonna miss you too, Alex. A lot."

We walk in comfortable silence for a while, our hands brushing occasionally but not quite linking together. There's something comforting about just being near her, knowing that we're sharing this time before we have to say goodbye.

When we reach the restaurant, we're seated at a cozy booth by the window. The sun is setting now, and the light streaming through the glass bathes the room in a warm, amber glow. Paige looks stunning in this light, and I find myself getting lost in her eyes as we look over the menus.

"What are you thinking of getting?" she asks, glancing up from her menu.

"Honestly, I'm not even that hungry," I admit, closing mine and setting it aside. "I just wanted to spend time with you."