Velithra didn't realize how much the walk home had affected her until she was alone in her room.
She dropped her bag by the door and sat on the edge of her bed, staring at nothing. Her thoughts replayed in fragments—Kai asking if he was too much, the way he listened without interrupting, the softness in his voice when he said they could take time.
No one had ever offered her time before.
She pressed her palms against her thighs, grounding herself.
"It's okay," she whispered to no one in particular. "You're okay."
For once, the words didn't feel like a lie.
The next morning came with gray clouds and light rain. Velithra hesitated at the door longer than usual, fingers curled around the strap of her bag.
She didn't know why she expected it.
But when she stepped outside, Kai was already there—hood pulled up, hands in his pockets, rain dotting his black hair.
He looked up when he saw her.
"Morning," he said, like he'd been waiting all night just to say it.
Velithra felt warmth bloom in her chest. "You're… early."
Kai shrugged. "Didn't want you walking alone in the rain."
They started toward school together, sharing the quiet rhythm of their steps. The rain tapped softly against the pavement, filling the silence so neither of them had to.
After a while, Velithra spoke. "You really meant it, didn't you? Yesterday."
Kai glanced at her. "About taking things slow?"
She nodded.
"Yeah," he said simply. "I meant it."
Velithra studied his face, searching for hesitation. There was none—only steadiness.
"That makes it less scary," she admitted.
Kai smiled faintly. "Good. I don't want to be something you have to brace yourself for."
They reached the school gates, students huddled under umbrellas and jackets. Kai stopped walking.
"Hey," he said.
Velithra turned toward him.
"I'm glad I get to see you again today," he said, voice low but certain.
Her heart skipped—not wildly, not painfully. Just enough to notice.
"Me too," she replied.
They walked inside together, the rain fading behind them, the future still uncertain—but no longer something Velithra had to face alone.