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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Outside, the campus was bright with sunlight, students buzzing around them as Alessia and Logan strolled down the brick pathways of Harvard, coffee cups warming their hands. The familiar comfort of his arm around her waist made Alessia relax, even if she couldn't quite shake the amused disbelief at his sudden appearance.
"So, what's next?" Alessia asked, glancing sideways at him. "Going to start sneaking into Harvard classes now?"
Logan laughed, taking a sip of his coffee. "Please, like I'd subject myself to more lectures. I think this heroic act of freeing you from boredom should be enough for one day."
Alessia rolled her eyes but felt a smile pulling at her lips. "Heroic, right. Because I'd be lost without you."
"See, you get it." Logan grinned, giving her waist a gentle squeeze as they strolled through campus together. The autumn air was crisp, and the usual rush of students had slowed down, leaving a peaceful hum around them.
She glanced up at him, taking in the rare sight of Logan here at Harvard. "So, really—what brings you all the way to enemy territory?"
He shrugged, looking down at her with a smirk. "Maybe I just wanted a change of scenery. Yale can be a bit... predictable."
"Oh, poor Logan," she teased, reaching out to smooth the collar of his jacket. "Stuck in a world of pretentious parties and endless alumni connections. How will you ever survive?"
Logan chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Hey, give me some credit. Not all of us are obsessed with schmoozing. Sometimes, we just want a coffee with our girl."
Alessia softened, the hint of sarcasm giving way to something warmer. "Well, lucky me, I guess."
He led her to a coffee cart on the edge of the courtyard, where he ordered two lattes and handed one to her, his hand lingering on hers for a moment. They continued their walk, sipping their coffee, falling into the comfortable rhythm that had always come so naturally to them.
After a few quiet steps, Logan broke the silence, glancing at her sideways. "So, anything new in your world? Or just the usual whirlwind of film critiques and sarcasm?"
She shrugged, feeling an odd ease in the quiet between them. "Not much. Just classes and Riley's hockey games keeping things interesting. Campus life."
"Sounds thrilling," he teased. They fell into an easy pace, the afternoon stretching ahead of them. "So, how've things been? Besides all the thrilling film lectures, of course."
"Busy," she admitted, her expression softening. "Classes, Riley's games, roommate chaos—life in the fast lane, really."
"Ah, so exactly like I pictured. Except maybe the roommate part." He shot her a curious look. "Still just you and Riley against the world?"
"Always," she said with a small laugh, feeling the familiar warmth that came from talking about her best friend. "He's basically a walking shoulder to lean on, even if he has his own set of drama."
"Typical college life, then," Logan said, his voice a touch lighter. "You know, it's kind of fun being here, seeing you in your natural habitat. Very scenic, very Ivy League."
"Well, don't get too comfortable," Alessia teased, nudging him. "Harvard might kick you out for being too...Yale."
Logan laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "Point taken. I'll just have to be on my best behavior."
Alessia shook her head, smiling as they continued their leisurely walk, the bustling energy of campus fading into the background. For now, with Logan by her side and the sun casting a golden glow on the paths ahead, it felt like everything else could wait.
