Walking Mia to her door felt different from every other time Alex had walked beside her. Not because anything dramatic had changed—but because now, for the first time, they both knew how the other felt.
When they reached her front steps, Mia paused."Thank you for walking with me," she said softly. "Even if it's a tiny distance."
"I'd walk the whole city with you," Alex joked—then instantly realized how cheesy it sounded. His face heated.
But Mia laughed, not teasing—more like she actually liked hearing it."Well, maybe not the whole city," she replied. "Maybe just a few blocks at a time."
Alex felt something ease inside him.
There was a quiet moment. Not tense. Just… waiting.
Then Mia did something small but huge: she reached out and brushed her fingers against his hand. Not holding it—just a light touch, like she was testing the idea.
Alex didn't grab her hand; he just let his fingers rest there, gently returning the touch. It was simple. Soft. Safe.
Mia smiled at him, a little shy for once."I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Definitely."
She stepped toward her door, then turned back suddenly."And Alex?… I'm glad we talked today."
"Me too," he said, meaning it.
She disappeared inside, and the door clicked softly behind her.
Alex stood there for a second, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. The street felt brighter. His steps home felt lighter. And for the first time in a long time, he didn't feel like he was waiting for something awful to happen.
He felt like he was finally moving toward something good.
Something real.
Something new.