The 19th Theory

Chapter Twenty Five

After class, I found myself heading to the quiet garden Azriel had taken me to the first time we met. Since most students did not know it existed that was the best place to pipe down a little. The soft rustling of the leaves and the faint hums of distant voices brought a calm i desperately needed.

I pushed the rustic wooden gate I pushed the rustic wooden gate open and stepped inside. The garden was just as peaceful as I remembered. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden patterns on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers, and for a moment, it felt like I had left the world behind.

I walked over to the small bench Azriel and I had sat on before and let out a deep sigh as I sat down. It was quiet here, the kind of quiet that made it easier to think—or not think at all. 

I traced the edge of a leaf nearby with my finger, trying to focus on its softness instead of the stupid comments that was made on the blog about me.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I heard the crunch of footsteps on the gravel path. My heart skipped, and I looked up quickly.

Azriel.

He stood there, hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie, his blonde hair catching the dappled sunlight. His expression softened when he saw me, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Kinda had a feeling you would be here."

I smiled faintly, brushing my hair back.

"Still thinking of those comments?"

I gave a faint nod.

"C'mon, Fika. You can't let that stuff get to you. People get drunk and you were just having fun."

"Yeah, I know. But..."

"No buts Fika," he continued, sitting beside me on the bench. "People get drunk, and you were just having fun. Don't let their words weigh you down."

"It's just hard, you know? Seeing those comments, feeling like I'm being judged for something that was out of my control."

He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer. "I get it. But remember, those comments don't define you. You know who you are, and that's all that matters."

I leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his arm around me. "How did I end up with the best boyfriend?" I said, teasing him a little. "You're always saying the right things."

Azriel chuckled, his hand gently brushing my hair. "I'm just speaking the truth, Fika. You're strong, and you don't need to let anyone's opinions get to you."

I smiled up at him, my heart lightening. "I guess I'm lucky, huh?"

"More like you're the lucky one," he replied with a wink.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Okay, Mr. Humble. But seriously, I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Well, you won't have to find out," he said, grinning. "I'm not going anywhere."

Azriel pulled back slightly, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "By the way," he began, his tone shifting to something more serious yet still light, "I've got some good news."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Good news? What kind of good news?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing whether to make me guess, but then gave in. "I've got my first concert coming up—like, a real one where I'm playing and singing. It's not just a jam session anymore. It's a big deal."

My eyes widened in surprise, and my heart skipped a beat. "Wait, seriously? That's amazing, Azriel! I had no idea you were that close to doing it!"

He nodded, grinning ear to ear. "Yeah, it's been a long time coming, but the date's finally set. It's gonna be at this small venue downtown, and I'd really love it if you could be there."

I could feel my face light up as I processed his words. "Of course, I'll be there! I wouldn't miss it for the world. When is it?"

"Next Friday," he replied, a little nervous energy bubbling under his words. "I know it's kinda short notice, but I really want you there."

"I'm there," I said immediately, feeling the excitement of it all. "I can't wait to see you perform, Azriel. You're going to be amazing."