The next campus event provided the perfect chance. Amina felt her heart pounding as she and Leila sat close on the library steps. Their fingers brushed, and then, intentionally, they intertwined.
Whispers from nearby students made Amina nervous, but Leila leaned in and whispered, "It's us. Don't worry."
Amina's nerves eased, replaced by warmth. For the first time, she felt proud to be with Leila.