The day after the festival, Anaya felt an unusual nervous excitement as she walked through the school halls. She clutched her sketchbook like a lifeline, but her mind wasn't on her art. It kept drifting back to Kian—his smile, his words, the way he had seen her for who she truly was.
Rhea, walking beside her, couldn't resist teasing. "So? Did you sleep at all last night thinking about your big admirer?"
Anaya groaned. "Rhea! Stop it! I barely even know what to say to him."
"Barely know what to say? You two practically stared at each other all morning yesterday!" Rhea said, rolling her eyes. "You've got to do something. Talk to him. Or at least… don't faint when he's around."
Anaya laughed nervously. "Easier said than done."
By lunchtime, she found herself in the library, sketchbook open on the table, doodling absentmindedly. She didn't notice Kian approaching until he sat across from her quietly.
"Hey," he said softly.
Anaya jumped slightly, closing her sketchbook too quickly. "Oh! H-hi…" she stammered, her cheeks heating.
Kian chuckled. "Relax. I just wanted to… say hi. And maybe see some of your sketches?"
Her hands shook, but she opened the book again, showing him a few pages she hadn't displayed at the festival. Kian leaned in, examining each one carefully.
"These are… incredible," he said. "You really have a way of seeing things. I never thought about shadows like this before."
Anaya blushed, feeling shy but proud. "Th-thank you… I just… like noticing small details."
They sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, sharing sketches and little stories about them. Anaya found herself laughing more easily than she had in weeks, and Kian's presence felt reassuring, warm, and slightly thrilling all at once.
Later, they walked together to the cafeteria. The hall was crowded, but it didn't matter. They fell into an easy rhythm, talking quietly about school, favorite artists, and silly anecdotes.
"You really like noticing details, huh?" Kian teased as they walked.
Anaya laughed. "Yeah… and you really like noticing people." She paused, then added softly, "Especially me."
Kian's face flushed slightly, but he smiled. "Maybe I do."
Rhea, walking a few steps behind them, grinned mischievously. "Finally! About time someone noticed her properly. Don't mess it up, Kian."
Anaya felt her heart flutter. She had taken a small step today—sharing her sketches, talking with Kian, laughing with him. It wasn't a confession, it wasn't a kiss, but it was a start. And for her, that felt huge.