The next day, Kai walked into his European history lecture with little enthusiasm. History wasn't his favorite subject, but it was part of the curriculum. As he scanned the room, something caught his eye—a familiar figure sitting by the window, her posture elegant and poised. It was Camille.
She was wearing a simple white blouse, her wavy brown hair loosely pulled back. Camille had that effortless sophistication that seemed to follow her everywhere. She didn't appear to be paying attention to anyone in the room, her eyes focused on the view outside.
Kai's stomach twisted. He had met her once before at La Belle Vie, a French café, where they exchanged a few words about art and culture. Seeing her here, in class, felt different. He quickly found a seat a couple of rows behind her, trying to act normal. Yet, his mind raced.
Should I say something after class? Or would that seem weird?
Before he could settle on a decision, the professor entered, and the lecture began. But Kai wasn't paying much attention. His thoughts kept drifting back to Camille. Halfway through the lecture, she turned her head slightly and caught him looking.
Kai froze.
Camille smiled softly, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she turned back toward the front. That small gesture made Kai's heart race.
Did she just...?
Before he could dwell on it further, the professor's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Alright, that's all for today," the professor announced, dismissing the class.
As students began packing their things, Camille stood up, adjusting the strap of her bag. She lingered by the door, seemingly in no rush to leave. Kai hesitated for a moment but decided to approach her.
"Hey, Camille," he called, his voice sounding a little more awkward than he intended.
She turned, her face lighting up. "Kai, right? We met at La Belle Vie?"
"Yeah, that's me." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit shy. "I didn't know you were in this class."
"I didn't realize either." Camille's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Funny how we keep running into each other."
Kai chuckled softly. "Yeah, small world, I guess. How are you liking the class so far?"
Camille shrugged, glancing out the window again. "It's interesting, but I'm mostly here for the art history courses. History... well, let's just say it's not my first love."
Kai nodded, feeling more comfortable now. "I get that. Same here. I'm just getting through it because I have to."
She tilted her head, a curious smile on her lips. "What's your major?"
"I'm still figuring it out," Kai admitted. "But I've been taking some creative writing and marketing classes. I guess I'm trying a bit of everything."
"Creative writing?" Camille raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's interesting. Do you write often?"
Kai shrugged. "Sometimes. Mostly for myself. I don't share much."
"I'd love to read something of yours," she said, her tone genuine.
Kai felt his cheeks heat up slightly. "Maybe one day."
Camille glanced at the time on her phone and then back at him. "Do you have another class now?"
Kai shook his head. "Not for another hour. You?"
"I've got some time too," she said, her eyes playful. "Want to grab a coffee? There's a nice spot on campus that I think you'd like."
