Hearts in Bloom

Chapter 14

As the morning sunlight shone bright and clear, Aria found herself standing at the train station, bags packed, with the familiar faces of her family, Mia's family, Jaxon and Tobias surrounding her. It felt surreal. The memories of last night-the raw, emotional conversation with Tobias-still lingered in her mind, but now the world was pulling her forward. University awaited. And she had to go today.

Mia was standing beside her, bubbling with excitement. As usual, Jaxon was trying to lighten the mood with jokes while Aria's parents and Mia's parents chatted animatedly. Tobias, though quieter, was there too, standing near the edge of the platform, his hands in his pockets, watching them with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Aria glanced over at him, her heart giving a slight pang. She still hadn't fully processed what had happened between them the night before. She had wanted more time with Tobias-to talk, to understand-but the clock was ticking, and the train was pulling into the station.

Mia's mom was the first to move forward, wrapping Mia and Aria in a tight hug. "You girls are going to have so much fun. Just don't forget to study once in a while, okay?"

Mia laughed, hugging her back. "I promise, Mom."

Aria's mother followed, pulling both of them into a hug that was both comforting and bittersweet. "We're so proud of you both. You guys going to do amazing things in university."

Aria smiled, though it felt fragile around the edges. "Thanks, Mom. I'll make sure to call."

Jaxon was next, wrapping both Mia and Aria in a huge bear hug. "Don't go causing too much trouble, alright? Save some fun for when I visit."

Mia rolled her eyes, and Aria laughed softly, feeling the tension ease slightly. Then she turned to Tobias, who stood a little apart from the others. She noticed that his ears were red.

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the noise of the station fading into the background. Then, without a word, Tobias stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Aria blinked in surprise, the closeness catching her off guard. It wasn't the same as last night or the other times they hugged, but it held the same kind of comfort and warmth.

"Take care of yourself," Tobias murmured into her hair, his voice barely audible.

"I will," Aria whispered back, her heart clenching a little. She pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, feeling a sense of finality but also something else-a promise of the future. "You too."

With one last lingering look, Tobias stepped back and gave a hug to Mia. Tobias pulled back and said, "Take care you guys. Also update me about everything that happens. I'm gonna miss you both very much."

Aria knew it was time. The train's whistle blew, and Mia tugged on her arm.

"Come on, Aria! Our new adventure awaits!"

Aria smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. She gave Tobias one last wave, then turned and followed Mia onto the train.

---

The ride to university was filled with Mia's excited chatter, but Aria found herself drifting in and out of the conversation, her mind still lingering on Tobias. It felt strange to be leaving him behind, even though she knew they would stay in touch. There was a part of her that already missed him, but she pushed the feeling down. University was supposed to be a fresh start, a new beginning.

By the time they arrived on campus, Mia's energy had fully rubbed off on her. The sprawling university grounds stretched out before them, full of towering buildings, wide-open lawns, and students rushing in every direction. It was both overwhelming and exhilarating.