𓆉 LOVE IN DESPAIR: OPPOSITE ATTRACTS 𓆉

Sallxie Aerollena didn't expect much from her second year at Crystal Bays University. She mostly kept to herself-half out of habit, half out of fear. Her past still hung around like an old bruise, not always visible, but always there. She wasn't the type to stand out, and honestly, she liked it that way. Or at least, she thought she did-until she met Xylenne Qerriuo.

Xylenne was everything she wasn't. Loud in the best way, brave without trying, and always surrounded by people who seemed to orbit her like she was their sun. Sallxie never understood how someone could be so... alive. They met in high school, second year, when they were randomly placed next to each other in class. From there, something started-quiet at first, like a ripple in still water.

Sallxie found herself watching Xylenne more than she probably should've. Not just watching-feeling. Admiring. Falling. And it scared her. Because how do you tell someone like Xylenne, someone who's so bright, that you're in love with them when you're not even sure they see you the same way?

But here's the thing: Xylenne did see her. More than Sallxie ever realized. Somewhere between the shared notes, the side glances, the quiet after-class chats, Xylenne had fallen too. Not in some dramatic, sweeping way-but slowly. Softly. Just like Sallxie.
Neither of them said anything.
Maybe they were scared. Maybe they thought they had more time. Or maybe they just didn't know how to say it out loud. So the feelings sat there, between them, growing bigger and heavier with each passing day.

It wasn't perfect. But it was real.

And maybe, just maybe, they'll find a way to finally speak the words their hearts have been screaming all along.