Unexpected Love

【X】【I】【V】

(Kylie's version)

Seeing Malia again was like feeling a wave of emotions hit me at once. The moment I heard her voice, my heart raced, and for a moment, I thought I was dreaming. It was surreal to have her there, in my college, after so long. I didn't know what to say, or what to feel.

When she suggested that we talk, my first instinct was to run away. The breakup was still an open wound, a mixture of hurt and longing that I avoided facing head-on. But, at the same time, there was something in her eyes, in the way she looked at me, that made me want to stay. So, we went to a quieter place, away from the curious eyes, and we sat down to talk.

While listening to Malia, I felt my heart tighten.

Her sincerity, the vulnerability in her voice, made the barrier I had built over the months begin to collapse. I wanted to be strong, I wanted to protect my heart from more pain, but I realized that I missed her greater than I had allowed myself to remember.

When she said she was still thinking about me, I felt a timid hope grow inside me. But there was also a persistent fear - the fear of getting lost again. However, when she suggested we try slowly, without haste, I felt a kind of relief, as if the weight of months of uncertainty had finally been taken off my shoulders.

•Kylie: Maybe we can... - I murmured, feeling her fingers squeeze mine.

For a moment, we stood there, just breathing the same air, looking at each other, as if time had stopped. I knew there was a lot to be said, many difficult conversations still to come, but at that moment, being by her side again was enough. So, I decided to allow myself to feel, without worrying about tomorrow.

•Kylie: Why don't you stay a little? - I suggested, breaking the silence. - We can take a walk around the campus, have a coffee... and maybe even find

Joshua He will be surprised to see you.

She laughed, a soft sound that made my heart warm.

•Malia: I would love to. - she said, smiling, looking more relaxed than when she arrived.

{TIME SKIP}

While we were walking, I pointed out some of my favorite places on campus. Malia seemed genuinely interested, her eyes shining with curiosity. It was strange, but comforting, to have her there, in my space, in a part of my life that she still didn't know. In a way, it was as if she was getting to know me again, the Kylie who had changed in recent months.

•Malia: And how are you, really? - she asked suddenly, her eyes looking for mine.

I stopped, taking a deep breath before answering.

•Kylie: I'm... well, I think. You know, college is intense, a lot to deal with. - I smiled, a little nervous. - But it's also good. I feel like I'm finding myself, somehow.

She nodded, and I realized that she was really listening, that she cared. It was comforting, and I realized how much I missed this connection, this kind of silent understanding we always had.

Shortly after, we arrived at the campus cafe, where I knew that Joshua always spent his afternoons studying. When we entered, I immediately saw him, sitting near the window with an open book in front of him. When he saw us, he looked up and, for a moment, seemed confused. But then he saw Malia next to me, and her expression lit up with surprise and joy.

•Joshua: Malia! - he exclaimed, getting up with a wide smile.

Malia smiled back, and the two hugged each other warmly. It was good to see them like that, like in the old days, before everything got complicated.

•Malia: Hi, Josh! - she said, laughing. - Surprise!

•Joshua: A lot! - he replied, still smiling. - What are you doing here? I mean, not that I'm complaining, but... it's a long journey!

Malia glanced at me, as if looking for support.

•Malia: I needed to see you. I needed to see Kylie...

- she started, hesitantly. - I needed to understand what happened, and see if there was still something to save.

Joshua looked at me, and I saw the understanding in his eyes. He always knew how much I was suffering after the breakup, even when I didn't talk directly about it. He gave me a slight nod of support, before turning to Malia.

•Joshua: I'm very happy that you're here, Malia.

The truth is that... we missed you. - He said sincerely.

I didn't know what to expect from this reunion, but seeing Malia and Joshua interact as before, I felt a sense of normality, as if everything could go back to the way it was. As if there was still a chance for us.

•Kylie: Shall we sit down? - I suggested, pointing to Joshua's table. - We can talk, get something to drink...

We sat down, and soon started talking about the last few months, trying to fill the empty space left by the silence. It was strange and familiar at the same time, like rediscovering a path already traveled, but with new details and nuances.

For a moment, while laughing at a story Joshua told, I looked at Malia next to me and felt a heat in my chest. Maybe there was still hope.

Maybe, even with everything that happened, we could still find our way back to each other.

But I knew it would take time. And, for now, all I wanted was to enjoy the moment and see where he would take us.