Hearts in Bloom

Chapter 4

The library was bustling with quiet activity as Aria wandered through the aisles. She loved this time of day, with the warm sunlight filtering through the tall windows and the calming scent of books surrounding her. It was a peaceful escape from the noise of school, but today, she wasn’t here to relax. She was on a mission.

“Where is it?” she muttered to herself, standing on her tiptoes, trying to reach a book on the highest shelf. No matter how much she stretched, the book remained just out of reach.

Tobias, who had been browsing a few rows away, noticed her struggle. He chuckled and without a word, he walked over, towering above her, and effortlessly grabbed the book from the shelf. His quiet presence always made her feel comfortable, though she never really thought much of it.

Noticing someone's presence behind her, Aria turned back and saw Tobias helping her to get the book. She was flustered noticing how close the distance between them was but didn’t say anything.

“Here you go,” he said, handing her the book. His deep voice had a calming effect, but his ears, as usual, were bright red.

Aria gave him a smile. “Thanks, Tobias. You’re always around when I need help, huh?”

“Yeah, well… it’s no problem,” he replied, looking down slightly, clearly flustered.

She tilted her head, noticing again how his ears turned red every time he spoke to her. It was funny, in a way—how he seemed so cool and calm with everyone else, but with her, he always got flustered. She didn’t understand why, but it amused her nonetheless.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she teased, watching him carefully. “Your ears don't seem like they are in the best condition.”

Tobias cleared his throat and nodded quickly. “I’m fine. Just… the library’s a bit stuffy, I guess.”

Aria laughed lightly but didn’t push him further. Despite being one year older, she was aware that Tobias was more mature in many ways. Still, she enjoyed teasing him whenever she could.

As they walked out of the library together, Aria’s thoughts drifted to Tobias. To her, he was still the shy, quiet boy she’d known since they were kids—someone who was always there, always dependable. She never questioned the ease with which they got along, not yet. But for Tobias, the dynamic was different. He had always admired her cheerful, outgoing personality. Even when they were kids, her energy drew him in, and over the years, that feeling had only grown stronger.

Now, in their final year of high school, he couldn’t deny the way his heart raced every time she was near. Aria didn’t know it yet, but for Tobias, the lines between friendship and something more had long since blurred.

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The bus stop was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Aria and Tobias stood waiting for their bus, their conversation drifting from books to plans for the weekend. Just as Tobias was about to say something, a boy from their school, Jason, approached Aria with a nervous look on his face.

"Uh, Aria?" Jason began, his hands fidgeting awkwardly. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Aria blinked, surprised, but nodded. "Sure, what's up?"

Jason glanced at Tobias, who shifted slightly, keeping his distance but listening intently. The tension in the air was palpable.

“I just wanted to say… I really like you,” Jason blurted out, his voice shaky but earnest. “I’ve liked you for a while now, and I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me sometime?”

For a moment, there was silence. Aria looked at Jason, then at Tobias, who was trying his best to appear unaffected, though his heart was racing. He felt an unfamiliar knot tighten in his stomach.

Aria smiled softly at Jason, her expression kind but clear. “That’s really sweet of you, Jason, and I’m flattered. But… I’m sorry, I don’t feel the same way. I hope we can still be friends, though?”

Jason's face fell, but he quickly forced a smile, nodding awkwardly. “Yeah, of course. No hard feelings,” he mumbled, backing away before turning and walking off.

Tobias exhaled slowly, not realizing he had been holding his breath. He didn’t know why, but a part of him felt relieved—relieved that Aria hadn’t said yes. But another part of him felt guilty for even thinking that way. She had the right to choose who she liked, after all.

"You okay?" Aria asked, glancing at him. “You’ve gone quiet.”

Tobias forced a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, just… surprised, I guess.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Surprised by what? That someone confessed to me?”

He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “I mean, no, but it just… I don’t know, it felt kind of sudden.”

Aria smiled, shaking her head. “Well, it happens. But don’t worry, I’m not interested in dating right now.”

Tobias nodded, but inside, his mind was racing. What if it had been someone else? Someone she liked? He wasn’t ready to face the reality of his feelings, but moments like this made it harder to ignore.

As the bus finally arrived, they both stepped on, Tobias still lost in thought. Aria seemed unfazed by the whole thing, but for him, that small moment at the bus stop felt like a shift—something had changed. He wasn’t sure what it was yet, but he knew one thing for certain: the more time he spent with her, the harder it became to hide how he truly felt.

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My Random Silly Thoughts:

The Lost Sock Mystery:
Mom: "Why are all your socks missing?"
Kid: "I think they went on vacation in the washing machine."
Mom: "Well, tell them to come back."
Kid: "I would, but they left no address."
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