Amare

Notebook?

Class had just ended, and I stepped out into the hallway. Dr. Ward's lecture had dragged on for two and a half hours—easily the longest I'd focused on anything in years. Not hyperfixated, mind you, just focused. There's a difference.

We had a two-hour break after class, but I had no idea where to spend it.

The library? No, I can't bring food there.
The gym? Probably reeks of sweat. Hard pass.
The student lounge? Way too many people.

"I'll just find somewhere with food where I can stay for a while," I muttered under my breath, heading toward the stairwell.

As I walked, I couldn't shake the thought of how unexpectedly fascinating Philosophy had been. Maybe I'd just been stuck in my own head for too long, but Dr. Ward's insights felt like a revelation.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed the hallway in front of me until—bam! I collided with someone, sending my notebook flying to the floor.

"Ah, sorry about that!" the guy said quickly, crouching to grab my fallen notebook.

"No, it's my fault," I replied, snapping out of my daze as I got a good look at him. He seemed oddly familiar.

'Isn't he in my class?' I wondered.

He studied me for a moment, recognition sparking in his dark eyes.

"We're in the same class, right?" he asked hesitantly, his voice smooth and surprisingly soft for someone so tall and imposing.

"Oh, yeah. I think so," I answered, though I was pretty sure we were indeed classmates.

"Oh... uh, I'm Notebook," he blurted out awkwardly before correcting himself. "I mean—uh, here's your notebook. I'm Sol. Sol Apollo."

I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing. "Pfft... Notebook?"

He ran a hand through his hair, laughing along with me. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I panicked. I do that when talking to others."

Seeing this towering guy with a deep voice fumbling like that was oddly endearing. We stood there laughing, and for a moment, the awkwardness dissolved into familiarity.

We took a moment to catch our breath, the unexpected but welcome burst of laughter easing the tension between us.

"So, where are you planning to spend your break?" he asked, the awkwardness from earlier fading into something lighter.

I shook my head. "I don't know. I'm new around here, so I was just going to look for a place with food and some peace and quiet."

He paused, considering. "Food and silence, huh? I think I know a spot. Want to check it out?"

'Wait, is he... asking me out?' I wondered, feeling a mix of surprise and skepticism. How cliché.

"Uh, I don't want to impose," I said, retreating into politeness. "Maybe another time?"

His eyes widened slightly, as if realizing something.

"Oh! If you're saying no because you think I'm asking you out, you're mistaken. The place belongs to someone I know. I'm just trying to help her get more customers," he said in a rush, his tone defensive.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Defensive much?"

He visibly deflated, the confidence he'd shown earlier evaporating.

"I'm... not great at talking to people. Girls especially," he admitted, looking down. "Sorry if I came on too strong. See you around."

Before I could say anything, he turned and started walking away.

I stood there, guilt creeping in. Had I misread the situation?

As I watched his retreating back, something in me snapped. 'Screw it,' I thought.

"Sol! Wait!" I called out.

He stopped in his tracks, turning back toward me with an expression that was equal parts hope and surprise.

Jogging a few steps to catch up, I adjusted my bag awkwardly. "Okay, fine. Lead the way. But if this spot is terrible, I'm holding you personally responsible."

A smile crept onto his face, his earlier unease melting into visible relief. "Deal," he said, motioning for me to follow.

We walked side by side, weaving through the crowded hallways and out into the open quad. The crisp autumn air wrapped around us, carrying the scent of damp leaves and the distant chatter of students. It felt refreshing to be outside, away from the constant buzz of the classroom.

"So, this place..." I started, casting a curious glance his way. "What's the story? Some kind of secret cafe?"

"Sort of," he replied, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets. "It's a small, cozy spot. Quiet. Most people don't even know it exists, which is why it's perfect if you're looking to escape the usual chaos."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you're just... giving away this classified intel to someone you barely know?"

He smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Think of it as a welcome gift. Don't say I never did anything for you."