My Last And My Only

Chapter 82: Still Yours, Still Mine

The Multimedia Arts studio looked different after sunset.

Without the constant stream of students filling the room, it felt almost sacred. Finished works leaned against the walls, lights illuminated only half the space, and the faint scent of fresh printouts and mounting adhesive lingered in the air.

Aiah stood in front of the largest panel of her graduation exhibit, arms folded as she studied it from every possible angle.

"No..."

She stepped to the left.

"Still no."

Then to the right.

"...Definitely no."

A quiet laugh came from behind her.

"You've been moving that same photograph for twenty minutes."

She turned.

Khae stood at the doorway, two paper bags hanging from one hand and a roll of double-sided tape tucked under her arm.

"You timed me?"

"I started counting after fifteen."

Aiah smiled.

"You make fun of me every chance you get."

"I missed making fun of you."

The words slipped out before Khae could stop them.

Silence.

Neither looked away.

Then Aiah's smile softened.

"...I missed it too."

Something warm settled inside Khae's chest.

Not excitement.

Not relief.

Something quieter.

Hope.

They worked side by side for nearly two hours.

No one else remained in the building.

The occasional footsteps from the hallway reminded them they weren't entirely alone, but eventually even those disappeared.

The exhibit slowly came together.

Frames were aligned.

Captions were printed.

Labels were mounted.

At one point they both reached for the same cutter.

Their fingers brushed.

A light touch.

Barely a second.

Khae instinctively pulled her hand back.

"Sorry."

Aiah looked at her.

"You don't have to apologize every time."

"I know."

"You still do."

Khae smiled sheepishly.

"I'm still learning."

Aiah didn't answer.

Instead, she picked up the cutter and placed it gently in Khae's hand.

"This one's yours."

Their fingers touched again.

This time...