When The World Turns

Chapter 6 (Official)

"I'm sorry. I know I'm just a stranger, so you probably don't want to talk," Ethan says with a nervous smile.

"Oh! Um.." I awkwardly scratch the back of my head, eyes darting away. "It's nothing.. just life.. you know"

Yeah, I'm not ready to open up. Not to anyone, especially not a stranger.

"Ah, alright. I get it."

"Yeah.." I offer a soft smile.

He responds with a sympathetic look. I add, "It's just schoolwork. It's been stressful. Nothing serious."

"Yeah, no, I get it. School can be tough," he let's out a timid chuckle before quietly settling beside me, adjusting his position twice like he wasn't sure how close was too close.

A comfortable silence settled between us. I stole a glance his way, then another, just slightly longer than the last one. I allow myself a moment to really look at him, forgetting how to look away. His features, his soft fluffed hair, the way he carries himself. He's.. mesmerizing.

"You could just take a picture," he said with a teasing smile, catching me mid stare, "it might last longer."

He tilts his head slightly, clearly enjoying how flustered I looked. My eyes widened as heat rushed straight to my cheeks. "Shut up!" I blurt out, whipping my head to the side, hiding my face as I could feel the redness blooming across my cheeks.

He chuckles softly, clearly amused, which only makes me want to hide even more. May the lords above have mercy on my soul.

He gently cuts through the lingering shyness between us, his voice light. "So what brings you to this area? This stairwell's usually empty."

It wasn't abrupt, just enough to pull me back from my flustered spiral, grounding me in his quiet curiosity. My gaze drifts to the windows ahead, "It's a quiet place."

"Yeah," a smile tugged at his lips as he followed the direction of my gaze, "it is."

We both sit there, letting the silence settle in once again as we watch the golden sunlight stream through the window, casting everything in a warm glow. We don't speak, but something about the moment feels full. Like the silence itself is saying enough. We just sit there side by side, soaking in the view until the bell eventually rings, snapping the world back into motion.

Rrrrrrrrrrrnnggg

I just skipped a whole class, definitely worth it. The bell continues ringing, echoing down the stairwell, but I don't move right away. Moments like this don't come often, quiet, kind, and unexpectedly warm. I wish we could stay longer.

I rise slowly to my feet, brushing off my clothes. "Thanks," I say quietly, offering him a small smile as I turn to go.

He blinks, slightly puzzled at first. Then his expression softens as he rises as well, just a beat behind me. Like he didn't want the moment to end either. "Oh, no problem," he says kindly.

I let out a timid little chuckle, eyes down as I begin to step towards the stairwell doors. "Hope I see you again," I murmured, barely brave enough to say it loud enough.

As i glance back one last time, I catch him, smirking softly, and then, he winks.

My heart does a whole somersault, flipping like it's doing gymnastics. I slip through the dloor, letting it close behind me as I walk off, warm all over. He's already invaded my thoughts, and now I can't think of anything else. Not the class, not the hallways, just.. him.

Still lost in thought, I float through the hallway, his smile replaying over and over in my head. I barely notice the world around me-

Bump!

"Ugh, open your eyes! Dumbass!"

Jolted out of my daze, I stumble back, the warmth in my chest instantly cooling. Reality's back.