Beneath the Shattered Sky

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

Maya tapped her foot impatiently, her sketchbook balanced on her knee as she stared at the sprawling campus of their design school below. The rooftop of the old building, with its peculiar slide-like architecture, had become her favorite spot since her first day. The slant of the roof caught just enough sunlight to keep her warm without burning her, and the height gave her a perfect bird's-eye view of the world below.

She hadn't expected anyone else to find this haven, let alone someone who would dare climb up here. So, when she heard the sound of scuffed sneakers behind her, she turned quickly, her face scrunched in annoyance.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," the boy said, holding his hands up like a kid caught sneaking cookies. He had a mop of dark hair that looked like it hadn't met a comb in weeks and wore a hoodie that swallowed his lean frame.

"And yet, you did," Maya replied, her voice dripping with mock annoyance. She narrowed her eyes at him. "This is kind of my spot, you know."

"I didn't see your name on it," the boy quipped, his voice soft but with just enough sass to make her raise an eyebrow. "But I can leave if you're territorial."

Maya sighed, waving him off. "Stay. Just don't disturb my creative genius."

"Got it." He gave her a small smile and sat a few feet away, pulling out a book from his bag. It was thick and old, with frayed edges, something that immediately intrigued Maya.

"What are you reading?" she asked after a few minutes of awkward silence.

He glanced at the cover, as if he had to remind himself of the title. "It's... um, 'The Architecture of Shadows.' It's about how light and shadow influence mood in design."

Maya's eyes lit up. "That's actually kind of cool. I thought you'd be reading something boring, like a math textbook."

"Wow, stereotypes much?" He chuckled, and for the first time, Maya noticed a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "I'm Aiden, by the way. Just started here."

"Maya," she said, offering a small wave. "Rooftop enthusiast and amateur sketcher."

Aiden's eyes drifted to her sketchbook. "Can I see?"

Maya hesitated, clutching the book to her chest. "They're not finished."

"That's okay. I like unfinished things. They tell more of a story," Aiden replied, his tone so genuine that it caught Maya off guard.

Reluctantly, she handed the book over. Aiden flipped through the pages carefully, his eyes scanning each sketch of abstract shapes and whimsical designs.

"These are... amazing," he said, looking up at her. "You have such a unique style."

Maya felt her cheeks heat up. "Thanks. I've been practicing for years, but I still feel like there's so much to learn."

"You're already better than most," Aiden said, handing the book back. "You have this way of capturing movement, like your sketches are alive."

"Are you always this complimentary, or am I just lucky?" Maya teased, though she couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips.

Aiden shrugged, leaning back against the rooftop. "Maybe I'm just trying to earn the right to share your spot."

---

The days that followed turned the rooftop into *their* spot. They met there after classes, sometimes with snacks, other times with projects they needed to work on. Aiden would sit with his books, often offering Maya interesting tidbits about design theories, while she sketched and pretended not to be distracted by his quiet presence.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Maya looked up from her sketchbook and caught Aiden staring at her.

"What?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Nothing," he said quickly, looking away, but the blush on his cheeks gave him away.

Maya smirked. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?"

"I just... you're really focused when you draw," he admitted. "It's nice to see someone so passionate."

"Are you flirting with me, Aiden?" she asked, her tone playful.

He sputtered, his ears turning red. "I-no! I mean, not that I wouldn't, I just-uh..."

Maya burst out laughing, the sound ringing through the air. "Relax, I'm just messing with you."

"Right. Cool. Totally knew that," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. But Maya caught the shy smile on his face and felt a warmth spreading through her chest.

---

One day, as they sat under the stars, Aiden pulled out a thermos and handed Maya a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

"What's this for?" she asked, taking a sip and savoring the sweetness.

"You looked cold," he said simply, his hands shoved into his hoodie pockets. "And I figured you could use a break from your sketching marathon."

Maya smiled, her heart skipping a beat. "You're full of surprises, Aiden."

"Good ones, I hope."

"The best ones."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that felt safe and easy. Maya found herself leaning against his shoulder, her sketchbook forgotten. She had never felt this way before-like she had found a kindred spirit who understood her without needing words.

"I like this," she said softly.

"Like what?" Aiden asked, his voice just as quiet.

"This. Us. Our little rooftop world."

Aiden didn't respond right away, but when he did, his voice was steady. "Me too."

---

Over time, their bond deepened, filled with playful banter, shared snacks, and stolen glances. Maya started to notice the little things about Aiden-the way he tapped his pen against his notebook when he was thinking, or how he always carried an extra scarf in case she forgot hers. And Aiden, despite his shyness, began to open up, sharing stories of his childhood and dreams for the future.

Their time on the rooftop became the highlight of Maya's days, a sanctuary from the chaos of the world below. It was there that their love story began-quietly, beautifully, and unmistakably.

And though neither of them said it out loud, they both knew they had found something special. Something worth holding onto.