The afternoon classes dragged on, but Ann hardly noticed. Her thoughts drifted between Meera's words and Dennis's steady gaze from the other evening. By the time the final bell rang, her heart was restless.
Meera nudged her playfully. "Stop daydreaming. Your city boy is waiting outside."
Ann's eyes widened. "What?!"
Meera giggled. "Don't panic. I just saw Jacob's bike near the gate. And where Jacob is… Dennis isn't far behind."
Ann's pulse raced as they walked out together. Sure enough, under the shade of a peepal tree, Dennis stood with Jacob, talking casually. But when his eyes found Ann in the crowd, his voice softened, and his attention was hers alone.
Jacob smirked. "Ann, I have some work nearby. Dennis can walk you home. Don't worry—I'll catch up later."
Before Ann could protest, Jacob had already mounted his bike and ridden off, leaving her and Dennis in the golden dust of the road.
The lane was quiet as they began walking side by side. Birds chirped in the fields, and the scent of jasmine drifted through the evening breeze.
Ann clutched her books tighter. "You didn't have to come."
Dennis glanced at her with a half-smile. "I wanted to."
Silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable—just heavy with words unspoken.
Finally, Dennis broke it. "Ann… are you angry with me for being so direct that day? Coming with my parents without warning?"
She shook her head quickly. "No. Just surprised. No one has ever… done something like that for me."
He looked at her carefully. "And did it upset you?"
Her steps slowed. She looked down at the dusty path. "It didn't upset me. It… unsettled me. You speak as if you already know the answer to a question I haven't even asked myself."
Dennis's voice was low but steady. "That's because I don't want to waste time with games. Life is too short to doubt what feels certain. But Ann…" He paused, searching her face. "…I don't expect you to love me just because I do. I only want you to see me for who I am."
Her heart swelled, and for the first time, she dared to meet his eyes. They held no demand, no arrogance—only quiet sincerity.
They walked on in silence until Ann finally whispered, "Everyone says you'll never stay in a village. That one day, you'll forget."
Dennis stopped in his tracks. "Forget?" His voice carried a note of disbelief. "Ann, I've built my career in the city, yes. But my roots are here. And if you are here, why would I ever leave? I don't want to escape your world—I want to be part of it."
Her breath caught, and she quickly looked away before he could see the softness in her expression.
Ann's POV
How does he answer every fear I keep locked inside? How does he make me want to believe him?
When they reached the edge of her lane, Ann slowed. The sound of her father's voice drifted faintly from the courtyard. She turned to Dennis, her pulse hammering.
"You should go from here," she said softly.
He nodded, but his gaze lingered on her. "Ann… thank you for letting me walk with you."
She bit her lip, a small smile threatening to appear. "You make it sound as if I had a choice."
He chuckled gently. "One day, I hope your choice will be me."
Her cheeks warmed, and before she could respond, he stepped back, his eyes holding hers for a heartbeat longer before he turned down the road.
Ann watched until he disappeared, her heart whispering truths she wasn't ready to speak aloud.