[Fanfic 12 chòm sao] Under the Blessing stars _ SaMa

Chapter XVIII: English Version

Author note: I just checked, this story has been going on since 2015 :) Isn't it kinda crazy?

---

They went to the museum for their first date. Ophiuchus has planned this date for so long, and he finally has the chance to go for it.

Aquarius tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she walked beside Ophiuchus, her steps echoing softly through the wide, marble-floored halls of the campus museum. She glanced up at the tall windows, sunlight filtering through them, casting warm patches of light across the polished floor. The calm stillness of the museum, with its whispers of history and art, made her feel at ease. It was the perfect place for her—a quiet haven, filled with inspiration but free from the buzz of crowds.

Ophiuchus walked beside her, close but not too close, his hands in his pockets as he admired the pieces around them. Every now and then, he'd glance over at her, his gaze lingering just a second longer than necessary. Aquarius felt the weight of those looks, and each time she caught his eye, she had to fight the heat rising to her cheeks.

They stopped in front of a large abstract painting, a mess of swirls and jagged lines, its meaning hidden somewhere beneath layers of chaotic brushstrokes.

"Think you could recreate that?" Aquarius teased, tilting her head toward Ophiuchus with a sly grin.

He laughed softly, leaning a little closer as if sharing a secret. "Give me a couple of years. Maybe."

Aquarius chuckled, nudging his arm playfully. "I don't think I can wait that long."

Her words hung in the air, light but with a deeper undertone that neither of them could ignore. Ophiuchus glanced at her, his smile softening, and for a moment, the museum faded away. They stood there, in the middle of swirling art and gentle silence, connected by something unspoken.

As they moved through the exhibits, Aquarius felt herself relax even more. Ophiuchus was easy to be around—he wasn't the type to push or pry, which made their quiet moments feel natural. Yet, there was a spark between them she couldn't deny. She caught herself stealing glances at him, wondering if he felt it too.

When they finally stepped outside, the afternoon sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting everything in a golden glow. Ophiuchus suggested they take a walk to the nearby park, and Aquarius agreed, feeling like the day had been a perfect escape so far. The world outside was soft and peaceful, and as they strolled along the tree-lined path, Aquarius found herself speaking more freely.

"You know," she began, her voice thoughtful, "I wasn't sure about joining that club at first. I mean, I liked keeping to myself. But... you made it hard to say no."

Ophiuchus gave her a sidelong glance, curiosity in his eyes. "Hard to say no? Is that a good thing?"

Aquarius smiled, a hint of cheekiness in her expression. "I guess I'm saying you're a little too good at getting what you want."

He laughed again, the sound warm and genuine. "I'll take that as a compliment."

They wandered through the park, the conversation flowing easily between them. Aquarius felt herself opening up, not just about photography but about her thoughts, her ideas, and even her uncertainties. Ophiuchus listened attentively, as if every word mattered, and she found comfort in that. For once, it didn't feel like she was performing or trying to prove herself—he just got her.

As they neared a bench shaded by a large oak tree, Ophiuchus slowed his pace and gestured for them to sit. They settled down, side by side, the world quieting around them. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The soft rustle of leaves overhead and the distant hum of life around them filled the silence.