In the heart of Harvard, Alessia Gilmore is ready to embrace her second year and the independence it brings. After a summer spent reconnecting with friends and discovering herself, she's determined to step out of her twin sister Rory's shadow and ca...
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It was the weekend, and Logan's apartment had that warm, lived-in feel Alessia had grown fond of. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft golden glow over the mismatched furniture and the stacks of old books that lined the shelves. Alessia was curled up on his couch, one of his old sweatshirts draped over her like a blanket. After a long week, it felt perfect to just sit there, unwinding as the afternoon melted into evening.
Logan emerged from the kitchen with two mugs of tea, handing one to her before settling next to her, stretching an arm along the back of the couch. "So," he said, a playful grin tugging at his lips, "Tell me, is your weekend all booked up with library marathons and film club meetings, or do I actually get to see you?"
Alessia laughed, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. "Well, let's see, my wild plans included tackling a mountain of reading I've been ignoring, maybe sorting through some notes I can't even read anymore... But I suppose I could be persuaded to stay."
He arched an eyebrow, his grin widening as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a mock-conspiratorial whisper. "Guess I'll have to pull out all the stops, then."
She rolled her eyes, smirking as she settled more comfortably against his side. "Very mysterious, Logan. What, exactly, are these big plans of yours?"
He placed a hand to his chest in mock offense. "You doubt my ability to entertain? Harvard, I'm hurt."
"Yale, please," she quipped back. "I'll believe it when I see it."
Logan's expression softened, his eyes lingering on her face. And before she could come up with another teasing remark, he leaned in and kissed her. It was slow, warm, and unhurried-the kind of kiss that made her heart skip, the world around them fading to nothing. When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his hand still cradling the side of her face.
"Convinced yet?" he asked softly.
She tilted her head, her smile mischievous. "Hmm... still not sure."
He chuckled, sliding his hand to the small of her back as he leaned in again, this time with a bit more intent. She met him halfway, their kiss deepening as they both sank into the moment, forgetting everything outside his apartment. His hand traced gentle circles along her back, pulling her closer, and she felt a thrill at how perfectly they seemed to fit, as if the rest of the world had disappeared and they were all that was left.
When they finally broke apart, breathless and grinning, Logan brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, his gaze warm. "Now?"
Alessia laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Okay, maybe you've convinced me."
