Whispered Desires

chapter 5

For the next few days, Ariel tried to focus on her classes, her friends, and anything else that could take her mind off Tristan. But it was no use. Their secret coffee date, the way his hand had brushed hers, the promise of “next time”—it all lingered, impossible to ignore.

They hadn’t texted since, each letting the anticipation build, and Ariel wondered if she’d imagined the whole thing. She was walking across campus when her phone buzzed. Glancing down, she saw Tristan’s name flash across her screen.

Tristan: “Study break?”

Ariel couldn’t help but smile, her heart racing as she typed back.

Ariel: “Where?”

Tristan: “Meet me at the old library.”

The old library was on the quieter end of campus, a place where most students went only when they needed an escape from the bustling main library. It was the perfect spot—private, tucked away, and unlikely for anyone to stumble upon them.

Ariel’s heart pounded as she walked over, excitement and nerves twisting together. When she arrived, she found him sitting at one of the secluded tables near the back, looking down at his phone. When he looked up and caught her eye, his smile was enough to make her breath hitch.

“Hey,” she said softly, sliding into the seat across from him.

“Hey,” he replied, leaning back and folding his arms as he looked at her. “Glad you could make it.”

They talked for a bit, keeping it light—classes, friends, and plans for the weekend. But beneath it all was a charged silence, like they were both waiting for something. Finally, Tristan leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

“This whole ‘keeping it a secret’ thing is actually harder than I thought,” he admitted, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I keep catching myself wanting to text you all the time.”

Ariel felt her cheeks warm, a thrill rushing through her. “Same,” she replied. “It’s… exciting, though.”

Tristan’s gaze softened, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, slowly, he reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. Ariel’s breath caught, and she looked around, instinctively checking to see if anyone was nearby. But they were alone.

“It’s hard not to want more of this,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

She swallowed, her heart racing. “Then… maybe we don’t have to wait until next time.”

Tristan’s eyes darkened with something she couldn’t quite place, something that made her pulse quicken. Without another word, he stood, motioning for her to follow him. She rose, heart pounding as he led her down a quiet hallway to a small study room in the back. He opened the door and let her step inside first, closing it softly behind them.

They stood there, barely a foot apart, the silence stretching between them. And then, slowly, he reached out, his hand sliding around her waist as he pulled her closer.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked, his voice low, his gaze searching hers.

Ariel’s lips curved into a small smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Absolutely.”

With that, Tristan leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both gentle and urgent, like they were finally giving in to something they’d both been resisting. Ariel felt herself melt into him, her heart racing as his hands tightened around her waist, pulling her even closer.

The world outside that small room faded away, leaving just the two of them and the quiet, stolen moment they shared. Every thought, every worry about being found out, disappeared as their kiss deepened, and she felt herself being swept up in the thrill of it all.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Ariel looked up at him, a soft laugh escaping her. “Well… that was unexpected.”

Tristan chuckled, his hand resting on her cheek as he looked down at her. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

Ariel’s heart swelled at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the kiss. This was more than just an impulsive decision or a thrill; it was something real, something she wanted to hold onto.

They stayed there a little longer, talking in hushed voices, stealing glances and touches that felt too precious to share with anyone else. When it was finally time to leave, they shared one last lingering look before stepping back into the hallway, acting as though nothing had happened.

But as they walked away, each heading in separate directions, Ariel felt a smile tug at her lips. She knew that things between them had just changed, and there was no going back.