Jae fell into step beside Elise as they walked through the winding corridors that led toward her dormitory. The late afternoon sun filtered through the tall, narrow windows, casting long slants of light across the polished stone floor.
He matched Elise's pace, careful not to outstrip her, but his attention kept drifting. He watched the subtle way she carried herself: her shoulders relaxed, her head tilted slightly as if she were half-lost in thought.
Her steps were light, almost playful, as though her mind was elsewhere, floating in quiet daydreams, yet grounded enough to keep moving forward.
Jae found himself smiling quietly at the sight, a small amusement settling over him. There was a peculiar charm in observing her like this, the ease in her movements, the faint rhythm in the sway of her hips.
As they approached the point just before her dormitory entrance, Jae felt a sudden urge. He leaned in slightly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
