Through the Lens of Love

Chapter three

"I didn't realize it at first, but I do" Mia finally admitted, voice trembling slightly.

Fletcher's eyes widened in disbelief. "You do?"

Mia nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of the lips. "Yeah, I do."

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the weight of their confessions hanging in the air between them. Then, slowly, a smile spread across Fletcher's face, relief and slight excitement could be seen on his face.

"I'm glad I finally said something," Fletcher said, his voice lighter now.

"Me too," Mia replied, a smile growing.

After that, things changed between them, but in the best possible way. They still worked together on their project, but now there was excitement in their interactions, a shared understanding that something had shifted.

The following Saturday, Fletcher asked Mia out on a date. They decided to keep it simple-dinner at a cozy little Italian place near campus. It was the kind of restaurant where the lighting was soft and the music was low, the atmosphere perfect for getting lost in conversation.

As they sat across from each other, the tension that had once filled their interactions had melted away, replaced by an easy comfort with and underlay of a buzzing feeling that neither really new what to call. They talked about everything-photography, their families, their dreams for the future. And as the evening went on, Fletcher found himself relaxing more and more.

After dinner, they took a walk through the city streets, the night air cool and crisp. The conversation flowed effortlessly, with laughter and shared stories filling the spaces between their steps.

Eventually, they found themselves at a small park, the same one where they had spent so many afternoons working on their project. They sat on a bench, the sounds of the city fading into the background as they focused on each other.

Fletcher turned to Mia, a thoughtful look on his face. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Mia raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What's that?"

He hesitated for a moment, then chuckled softly. "what's your name? I mean, what is Mia short for?"

Mia's eyes darkened slightly but a smile was plastered across the face that Fletcher couldn't stop thinking about. But the eyes, Fletcher couldn't quite pin point it, it almost came across as worry.
Mia looked away from the intense eye contact and cleared the throat before speaking
"Michael." came the soft response

Fletcher blinked, processing the revelation. "Michael? Really?" he repeated, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his voice.

Michael nodded, eyes still averted. There was a vulnerability in that moment, an uncertainty that hung in the air, and Fletcher could feel it.

But instead of hesitating, Fletcher smiled, warmth and sincerity shining in his eyes. "Michael," he said softly, as if testing the name on his tongue. "I like it. And you know what? I like you, Michael. I like you for who you are."

Michael finally looked up, relief and disbelief washing over his face. It was as if a weight he had been carrying for too long had suddenly been lifted. Fletcher's acceptance, his genuine care, meant more than words could express. Without thinking, Michael leaned in, wrapping his arms around Fletcher in a tight embrace.

Fletcher returned the hug without hesitation, holding Michael close, the connection between them feeling stronger than ever. They sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, the sounds of the city fading into the background, replaced by the steady rhythm of their breathing.

Time seemed to slow as they remained in that embrace, just enjoying each other's presence. The night growing cooler around them, but neither of them minded.

Eventually, they pulled back slightly, but their hands remained intertwined. Michael looked at Fletcher, his eyes shining with gratitude and something deeper-something that some people might even call love.

"Thank you," Michael whispered,pushing as much sincerity into his voice as he could.

Fletcher just smiled, giving Michael's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm just glad we're finally being honest with each other. I wouldn't want it any other way."

They eventually rose from the bench and began walking back to campus, their hands still linked, they both knew that this was just the start of their journey together-a journey they were eager to explore, side by side.