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For the first time in what felt like forever, Thora felt free. The weight of Reneo’s rejection no longer sat heavy on her chest; the sting of his indifference had dulled to a memory she was slowly leaving behind. She focused on her studies, spent time with her friends, and even found herself laughing more easily, no longer haunted by the ache of unrequited love.
It was during this shift, as she rebuilt herself piece by piece, that she started noticing someone she’d overlooked before—Lucas. He was a quiet, thoughtful guy she’d known casually through her classes, always kind but never one to draw attention to himself. They shared a few mutual friends, and he’d often been around in group settings, though she had been too preoccupied with Reneo to notice his presence.
But now, without Reneo constantly clouding her mind, she saw Lucas in a new light.
One evening, as Thora was heading out of the library, weighed down with textbooks and a weary sigh, she spotted Lucas standing by the entrance. He seemed to be waiting for someone, and when his gaze landed on her, he broke into a shy smile.
“Hey, Thora,” he said, stepping forward. “Need a hand?”
She hesitated, then laughed, grateful for the offer. “Actually, yes. I feel like I’m carrying a mini library in here.”
He chuckled, taking a few of the books from her. “Guess that’s what happens when you’re top of the class, right?”
She blushed, shrugging modestly. “I just… like to be prepared.”
They walked together in companionable silence, the cool evening breeze brushing past them. Lucas was easy to be around—steady, grounded, with a quiet humor that put her at ease. She felt herself relaxing in his presence, a welcome change from the tension and longing she had always felt around Reneo.
As they reached the campus gates, Lucas paused, glancing at her. “You know… I’ve actually been meaning to ask if you’d like to grab coffee with me sometime. Maybe this weekend?”
Thora looked up at him, surprised by the warmth in his gaze. She had always thought of Lucas as a friend, a quiet presence in the background, but now, there was something in his eyes—a softness, a warmth that hinted at something deeper. She felt her heart skip a beat.
“Coffee?” she repeated, a smile creeping onto her face. “I’d like that.”
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That weekend, they met at a cozy café on the edge of campus. Thora felt a mix of nerves and excitement, her heart fluttering in a way she hadn’t experienced in a long time. With Lucas, there was no pretense, no pressure. He asked about her interests, her dreams, and listened to her stories with genuine interest, laughing at her jokes and making her feel seen in a way Reneo never had.
As they sat by the window, the sunlight casting a soft glow over them, Thora realized how much she had been missing out on. Lucas wasn’t flashy or intense, but there was a quiet strength to him, a kindness that felt like a balm to her wounded heart.
They spent hours together, talking about everything from their favorite books to their ambitions for the future. And as they walked out of the café, Lucas reached for her hand, his touch warm and reassuring.
“I don’t know if this is the right time to say it,” he murmured, his gaze sincere, “but I’ve actually liked you for a while now, Thora. I just… never knew how to tell you.”
Thora’s heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words settling over her like a gentle warmth. She had spent so long believing she was invisible, that her feelings were unworthy, but here was Lucas—seeing her, appreciating her, in a way that felt genuine and true.
She smiled, squeezing his hand softly. “I think… this is exactly the right time.”
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In the weeks that followed, Thora found herself growing closer to Lucas. He became a steady presence in her life, always supportive, always there to lift her up when she doubted herself. He encouraged her to pursue her dreams, to see her own worth, and in his presence, she felt a confidence blossoming within her, a resilience she hadn’t known she possessed.
Reneo was no longer a shadow in her life, no longer the person she looked for in a crowded room. She had let go of the pain, the longing, and the hurt, replacing it with the quiet joy she found in Lucas’s companionship.
And as they walked together, hand in hand, Thora felt a new sense of hope for the future—a future filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of love that was finally, truly hers.
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YOU ARE READING
Reaching You, My Reneo
Roman d'amourThis story is all about a woman who fell deeply in love with the man who couldn't even take a glance to her. This story is for fun only, don't take it seriously.
