The sun had barely risen above the University of Art and Science, but Monday had already begun with long, exhausting lectures.
Ariel sat in class, her chin resting in her palm as she stared blankly at her notes. Her body was present, but her mind wandered — mostly to thoughts of her boyfriend, Daniel, and the distance she'd been feeling lately.
Divine had taken the seat beside her earlier that morning. Throughout the lecture, he kept stealing subtle glances at her, his eyes lingering a little longer each time.
At one point, he leaned slightly closer and asked a question in a low voice.
"Hey... Ariel, can I ask you something?"
She turned to him, surprised. "Sure, what is it?"
He pointed to a spot in his notebook, feigning confusion. "I don't understand this part. The lecturer lost me when he started talking about the data sets."
Ariel leaned over to look, explaining the concept softly. Divine barely paid attention to her words — he was too focused on the way her lips moved, how her hand gently pointed across the page, how her voice carried a calm warmth. He smiled faintly as she spoke, lost in the moment.
When the lecture ended, Ariel instinctively checked her phone. A new message from Daniel lit up her screen:
> Hey babe. Something came up. Let's skip the library today. Just head home and rest. I'll call you later.
Her heart sank a little. This wasn't the first time he had canceled plans without much thought.
Noticing the shift in her expression, Divine leaned toward her. "Is everything okay?"
Ariel looked up slowly, trying to hide her disappointment. "It's Daniel. He canceled our reading plans again. Telling me to just go home."
Divine paused, then gently closed his book. "Then how about I come with you to the library instead? If you don't mind."
Ariel met his eyes. There was something kind in them — calm and comforting. She gave a small nod. "Okay. I don't mind."
---
Elsewhere on campus, Favour had spent the lectures beside Samuel, as usual. They left class together, chatting easily, until a familiar voice called from behind.
"Favour!"
They turned to see Henry approaching, his usual charming smile lighting up his face. He nodded politely at Samuel. "Hey, man."
Samuel returned the gesture with a small nod before looking away, his expression unreadable.
Henry turned to Favour with a soft look. "You look tired. I was wondering if you'd like to grab something to eat before heading home?"
Before she could respond, Samuel's expression shifted. His steps slowed, and a subtle frown crept onto his face. He didn't say a word as they walked a few more steps, then abruptly turned to her.
"So… are you still going to the library with me or do you want to hang out with him?"
Favour blinked, caught off guard by his sudden change in tone. "What? No — I mean, yes, I'm still coming with you."
She quickly turned to Henry. "Sorry, Henry. Maybe another time."
Henry nodded with a polite smile. "Sure, no problem."
She waved goodbye and jogged to catch up with Samuel, but by the time they reached the library, something was different. Samuel opened his book and began reading without saying a word.
Favour sat beside him, feeling the tension growing. She leaned in slightly and whispered, "Hey… are you okay?"
Without looking up, Samuel replied flatly, "I'm fine. I'm not in the mood to talk."
Favour sat back, confused and hurt, unsure of what had just happened. The silence between them said more than either of them was willing to admit.
---
In a quiet corner of the library, Ariel and Divine were seated, each with a book in front of them. After some time, Divine stood and stretched.
"I need to use the bathroom," he said, looking down at her with a teasing grin. "Don't run away."
Ariel smiled up at him. "I won't."
He returned a few minutes later but didn't sit down. Instead, he looked at her thoughtfully.
"I'm feeling a bit hungry. Want to come with me to get some snacks?"
Ariel, who hadn't realized how hungry she was, stood up. "Sure."
They walked side by side to the campus convenience store. As they stood in front of the shelves, Divine turned toward her, his face now more serious than before.
"There's something I've been meaning to tell you," he said quietly. "But I don't want to scare you away."
Ariel looked up, surprised by the sudden change in his tone. "What is it?"
He stepped a little closer, his voice softer, lower — just inches between them now.
"I like you," he said. "I've liked you for a long time. I didn't say anything before because…."
Ariel's eyes widened slightly. She parted her lips to respond, but Divine raised his hand gently.
"Please… don't reject me right now. I'm not asking for anything. Just give it time. Think about it."
She stood silent for a few seconds, heart pounding with surprise. Finally, she gave a slow nod.
"I do have a boyfriend," she said gently. "And I love him."
Divine smiled faintly, the kind that held no resentment — just quiet acceptance.
"I know. I just needed you to know how I feel. That's enough for now."
They stood there in silence, surrounded by shelves of snacks.