Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 105 – A Date That Isn’t One (But Is)

A few days later, Evelyn found herself loitering awkwardly by the campus coffee shop, checking her phone for the third time in two minutes.

Adrian: Still good for later?

She hadn't even hesitated when she texted back Yes, even though the nervous flutters in her stomach made it hard to breathe.

They had agreed—casually, so casually—to hang out after classes today. No official plans. Just coffee, maybe a walk if the weather stays nice.

Totally normal. Totally fine.

Definitely not a date.

Except... it kind of felt like one.

And Evelyn didn't know how to be casual about it anymore.

She spotted Adrian weaving through the throng of students a moment later.

Her heart did that embarrassing little leap it always seemed to do lately whenever she saw him.

He was dressed simply—jeans, a soft-looking flannel shirt over a plain tee—but somehow he made it look better than anyone had a right to.

When he caught sight of her, his face lit up in that familiar, quietly devastating way.

"Hey," he said, falling into step beside her like it was the easiest thing in the world.

"Hey," she echoed, trying not to sound breathless.

Adrian tipped his head toward the coffee shop. "Want to grab drinks first?"

She nodded, grateful for something to do with her hands.

Inside, the place was crowded but not overwhelming. The scent of coffee and cinnamon clung to the air.

Adrian ordered for both of them without even asking—he knew her usual—and somehow that small fact made Evelyn's chest ache with something sweet and unbearable.

They snagged a table near the window, tucked slightly away from the main crowd.

Adrian slid her drink across to her, his fingers brushing hers briefly.

She almost dropped the cup.

They talked about easy things at first—classes, an upcoming assignment, a weird dream Adrian had about getting lost in the library—but underneath it all, there was a hum of something else.

A current that made Evelyn hyper-aware of every glance, every laugh, every pause that lasted just a fraction longer than normal.

"So," Adrian said eventually, twirling his cup between his hands. "I was thinking... We could walk to the park after this? If you want."

"Yeah," Evelyn said quickly—too quickly. She ducked her head, smiling. "I mean, sure. That sounds nice."

Adrian's smile softened, and for a second, he looked at her like she'd hung the stars.

Her cheeks warmed.

They finished their drinks and headed out into the fading afternoon light.

The walk to the park was comfortable, their shoulders brushing now and then as they ambled along.

Adrian told her about a new show he thought she'd like; Evelyn promised to finally lend him the book she'd been raving about for weeks.

It was easy. Familiar.

And still, every small touch felt like an electric secret.

When they reached the park, the late afternoon sun was slanting gold through the trees.

The paths were quiet, dotted with a few families and students. The air smelled like fresh-cut grass and spring.

Adrian glanced at her, a question in his eyes.

"Want to sit for a bit?"

Evelyn nodded, following him toward a bench near the pond.

They sat, not too close but not exactly distant either.

For a while, they just watched the water ripple, the ducks drifting lazily across the surface.

"I used to come here a lot," Evelyn said quietly, surprising herself.

"Freshman year. When everything felt too much, I'd just... sit. Watch people. Try to remember that the world kept turning, even when I didn't know what I was doing."

Adrian leaned back slightly, stretching his legs out in front of him.

"I get that," he said. "Sometimes you need something steady when everything else feels like it's shifting."

She looked at him then—really looked.

Adrian, who had become her steady without her even realizing it.

"I'm glad you're here," she said before she could think better of it.

Adrian's head turned, his eyes catching hers. Something flickered there—something almost raw.

"I'm glad you're here too," he said.

The words hung between them, soft and weighty.

The breeze ruffled Evelyn's hair. She tucked a strand behind her ear, fidgeting.

"I..." she started, then stopped.

Adrian waited.

"I feel like something's changing," she said finally, voice low.

Adrian's hand brushed lightly against hers on the bench—just a whisper of contact.

He didn't push, didn't grab.

He offered.

And Evelyn, heart pounding, turned her hand over to lace her fingers through his.

A breath escaped him—almost a laugh, almost a sigh of relief.

"Yeah," he said. "Me too."

They sat like that, hands tangled, hearts stumbling toward something bigger than either of them had dared to name.

Not quite a confession.

Not quite a beginning.

But so close now Evelyn could almost taste it.

Adrian squeezed her hand gently. "We'll figure it out," he said.

And Evelyn, for the first time in a long time, believed him without needing to question it.