Summer deepened its hold, transforming the campus into a sun-drenched landscape. The vibrant greens of spring faded to a dusty gold, and the air grew heavy and warm, humming with the sound of cicadas. Students sought refuge under the shade of ancient trees or in the cool, air-conditioned silence of the library. 🔇
For Kian and Ariana, the season settled into a demanding but satisfying rhythm. Their days were a careful balance of obligation and affection. Ariana excelled at her internship, adapting quickly to the corporate environment, while Kian spent his hours immersed in sketches and structural models for Seya's boutique, the steady income a constant relief. đź’°
Their time together was carved out in the margins;shared lunches, evening walks as the heat relented, and quiet study sessions where their hands would brush over textbooks. The frantic energy of the academic year was replaced by a quieter, more profound connection, built on mutual support and the shared goal of building a stable future.
They were two separate streams of ambition, flowing steadily toward the same ocean, their relationship the sturdy ground that held them both. đź–‡