Until forever...

Chapter 19: Small Steps

The following days felt different—not monumental, but different enough that Maya noticed. Ethan didn’t push her for more, didn’t demand answers or try to corner her into another emotional standoff. Instead, he gave her space, allowing her to breathe while making it clear he was still there.

It was both comforting and infuriating.

---

Tuesday Morning

Maya arrived at their shared psychology lecture early, a rare occurrence for her. She slid into a seat near the middle of the room, determined to focus on the professor’s notes instead of the whirlwind of emotions Ethan stirred in her.

But of course, he showed up five minutes later, flashing her an easy grin as he sat beside her.

“Morning,” he said casually, pulling out his notebook.

She nodded, trying to ignore the way her heart seemed to pick up speed. “Morning.”

Ethan didn’t say anything else, much to her surprise. Instead, he simply settled into his seat and started flipping through his notes. Maya couldn’t help but glance at him from the corner of her eye.

Was this his plan? To just exist in her space until she got used to him?

The lecture began, and for the most part, Maya managed to stay focused. But every so often, she caught Ethan sneaking a glance her way. Each time, he gave her a quick, sheepish smile, as if he’d been caught doing something forbidden.

By the time class ended, Maya’s nerves were frayed.

As they packed up their things, Ethan turned to her. “Coffee?”

She hesitated. She wanted to say no, to escape before her walls weakened any further, but a small part of her—stubborn and curious—overruled the fear.

“Fine,” she said.

Ethan grinned. “Progress.”

---

The Campus Café

The café was buzzing with students, the air filled with the smell of coffee and the hum of conversation. Maya followed Ethan to a small table by the window, clutching her latte like it was a shield.

“So,” he began, leaning back in his chair. “How’s the fortress holding up?”

Maya frowned. “What?”

“Your walls,” he said with a smirk. “You know, the ones you’re constantly reinforcing.”

She rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t entirely hide her smile. “You’re insufferable.”

“Probably,” he agreed. “But you’re still here.”

Maya hated that he was right.

Ethan took a sip of his coffee, his expression turning serious. “I know I can be a lot, Maya. But I meant what I said. I’m not going to push you for more than you’re ready to give. I just... I like being around you. Even when you’re pretending you don’t like me back.”

Her stomach flipped at his words. “I’m not pretending,” she said, though the protest sounded weak even to her own ears.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “If you say so.”

Maya sighed, staring into her coffee. She didn’t know what to do with Ethan’s honesty—it was disarming in a way that left her feeling exposed. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny that it was nice.

“It’s not that simple,” she admitted finally.

“I know,” he said, his voice gentle. “And I’m not asking you to figure it all out right now. I’m just asking you to let me stick around while you try.”

She looked up at him, her defenses faltering. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he meant it.

---

Later That Evening

Maya sat in her dorm room, replaying the conversation in her head. She felt lighter, like the weight she’d been carrying for so long had shifted just enough to give her some relief.

Her phone buzzed, and she wasn’t surprised to see a message from Ethan.

Ethan: I had fun today. Let me know if you need help with the psych assignment.

She smiled, a real, unguarded smile, and typed a quick reply.

Maya: Thanks. I’ll let you know.

As she put her phone down, she realized that she wasn’t just letting Ethan into her life—she was starting to trust him. And for the first time in a long time, that didn’t terrify her as much as it used to.

It was a small step, but it was a step nonetheless.