At First Sight: A Love That Couldn't Last

Chapter 12: A Watchful Eye and Unspoken Desires

Ryan leaned against the railing of his hostel balcony, his eyes fixed on the girl across the courtyard. From this distance, she looked so peaceful, her long hair flowing with the soft breeze as she stood on her balcony, looking out at the horizon. Tiara had become his obsession, though he would never admit it openly. Every time she stepped out onto her hostel balcony, Ryan was there, watching silently from his side, his gaze locked on her as if she were the only thing that mattered in the world.

It had started innocently enough. Ryan would occasionally glance out of his window and see Tiara, sometimes reading a book, other times simply gazing up at the sky. But as the days went on, those glances turned into something more. He began to anticipate the moments she would appear, his eyes instinctively seeking her out whether in class or on her balcony.

The college program had only heightened his fascination with her. Tiara’s performance had been nothing short of magical, and while everyone applauded her talent, Ryan saw something deeper in her movements—something sad and beautiful that drew him in even more. Despite knowing about Robin, despite the unspoken rule of not pursuing someone already in a relationship, Ryan couldn’t help himself. There was something about Tiara that felt unfinished, like a story waiting to unfold, and he wanted to be a part of it.

From his balcony, Ryan watched as Tiara leaned against the railing, her eyes lost in thought. She seemed unaware of his presence, or perhaps she simply didn’t care. Either way, Ryan continued to watch her, his mind swirling with thoughts of what could be.

In class, it was no different. Ryan always found himself sitting where he could see Tiara clearly, catching her every movement, every expression. She hadn’t noticed him yet, at least not in the way he hoped, but that didn’t stop him. He was patient. He could wait.

But Robin wasn’t so blind. He had noticed the way Ryan’s eyes followed Tiara, and it gnawed at him. Ever since the college program, Robin’s jealousy had grown, though he tried to hide it. He trusted Tiara, but Ryan’s presence was starting to feel like a threat he couldn’t ignore.

One evening, as Tiara stepped out onto her balcony after a long day of classes, Ryan was already there, watching her from his usual spot. But this time, something felt different. Tiara’s face seemed more troubled than usual, her eyes clouded with thoughts she couldn’t escape. Ryan wondered if it had something to do with Robin. The rumors he had overheard about Robin’s family pressuring him into an arranged marriage had spread quickly through the campus. Ryan couldn’t help but think that maybe Tiara knew, maybe she was already feeling the weight of what was to come.

Just as he was lost in thought, Tiara glanced up and, for the first time, their eyes met. It was brief, just a fleeting moment, but it was enough to make Ryan’s heart skip a beat. Her gaze lingered on him for a second longer than usual before she looked away, her expression unreadable.

Ryan’s mind raced. Did she finally notice him? Did she see him watching her all this time? Or was it just a coincidence? He wanted to believe that their connection was growing, that maybe she was starting to see him the way he saw her. But deep down, he knew it wasn’t that simple.

The next day in class, Ryan couldn’t shake the memory of their brief encounter on the balcony. Tiara sat a few rows ahead of him, her attention focused on the lecture, but Ryan couldn’t stop himself from staring. He wondered what she was thinking, whether Robin had told her about his family’s plans, whether she was starting to feel the cracks in their relationship.

But Tiara remained silent, as always, her face a mask of calm. Even when she laughed with her friends or answered questions in class, there was a distance in her eyes that Ryan couldn’t quite place.

One afternoon, as Tiara gathered her things to leave after class, Ryan saw his chance. He hurriedly packed up and followed her out the door, his heart pounding in his chest. As they walked down the corridor, Ryan quickened his pace, finally catching up to her.

“Tiara,” he said, his voice softer than he intended.

She turned to him, surprised. “Ryan, right?”

He nodded, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside him. “I just… wanted to say you were amazing at the program. Your dance—it was incredible.”

Tiara smiled politely, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you.”

Ryan hesitated, unsure of what to say next. He wanted to ask her more, to tell her how much he admired her, but the words caught in his throat. Before he could continue, Tiara gave him a quick nod and walked away, leaving Ryan standing there, feeling both exhilarated and disappointed.

As she disappeared down the hall, Ryan knew one thing for sure—his feelings for Tiara were only growing stronger, and he wasn’t sure how long he could keep them hidden.