𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭

forty six

Delphine

The evening air was crisp, the sky darkening into deep shades of purple as I made my way down the quiet path.

The stress of the day felt lighter out here, with only the sounds of my footsteps and the occasional rustling of leaves in the trees.

I was used to these walks being solitary, so I almost didn't notice someone approaching until his voice broke the silence.

"Hey, Delphine."

I looked up, surprised to see Kaiden standing there with his hands tucked into his pockets, his usual easy grin softened. There was something careful in his expression, something that didn't match his usual swagger.

"Kaiden," I replied with a raised eyebrow. "What are you doing out here?"

He gave a little shrug, glancing around before his gaze landed back on me. "Just... needed to clear my head, I guess. And I guess I was hoping I'd bump into you."

I kept my face neutral, though my curiosity was piqued. "So you were 'hoping' to just... wander around campus and magically find me?"

"Okay, fine. Maybe I figured you'd be out here," he admitted, a faint smile breaking through his careful expression. He took a breath, as if steadying himself. "Actually, I wanted to talk about... you know, the other night."

I sighed, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Yeah, what about it?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking down for a moment. "I know we were both... not exactly ourselves. And I've been thinking... I should probably tell you that I don't regret it."

I blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. This wasn't the flippant Kaiden I was used to. He looked at me, his gaze steady but gentle.

"I don't know if that's what you were expecting me to say," he continued, "but I thought you should know. I don't want you thinking it was just... something I'd forget about."

I crossed my arms, studying him. "Why would you think I'd assume that?"

He let out a small laugh, his eyes meeting mine with that familiar glint of confidence. "I don't know, I just... I guess I don't want you thinking I'm that guy. That it was just another thing to brush off."

I softened slightly, though I kept my tone dry. "Well, you do have that reputation."

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, and I could see a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "Fair enough. I guess what I'm saying is... I wish it hadn't been like that. Not that it happened, just that it could've happened when we were both—I don't know, actually present?"

It was strange seeing him like this—vulnerable and unguarded, and for once, without the usual hint of smugness. I tilted my head, my voice gentler. "You don't have to apologize, Kaiden. I get it."

"Good," he replied, his voice quiet but relieved. Then, as if a weight lifted off his shoulders, he relaxed, his grin returning. "Because I was also kind of hoping I could make it up to you... by doing it right. You know, a real date. Something we both choose."

I gave him a long look, letting the moment stretch out just enough to watch him shift a bit. It wasn't often Kaiden looked even remotely uncertain.

"So that's what this whole speech was leading up to?" I teased. "You've got this whole grand setup just to ask me on a date?"

He chuckled, finally dropping his hands from his pockets, his grin widening. "What, you didn't like my approach?"

"It was... something," I replied, letting a faint smile slip through. "I'll give you that."

He seemed encouraged by my reaction, a spark of his usual confidence flashing in his eyes. "So... how about it? Are you up for an actual date, no excuses?"

I sighed dramatically, pretending to mull it over. "Well, since you went through all this effort, I suppose I could consider it."

"Just consider?" he shot back, an eyebrow raised, his grin growing.

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone as nonchalant as possible. "I don't want to make it too easy for you."

He laughed, shaking his head, and I felt a flutter of excitement I hadn't expected. There was something strangely thrilling about letting down my guard around him, even just a little.

And judging by the way he looked at me, like he was actually seeing me, I wondered if he felt it too.