Before she spoke to him, she let out a breath. “And I’m that person?” Thalia asked Renlin, his eyes searching her face as she spoke to him.
Well, I used to think so. Still hope so.” He let out a small laugh as she mentioned he could’ve called or texted. But the real question is, would you have answered?” He raised an eyebrow, leaning in just ever so slightly to gauge her reaction.
He watched her grab her jacket, finally letting go of the doorknob. Her fingers were slender and graceful, and he couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly she moved. As she turned to him, he extended a hand out of habit, his fingers wishing to brush hers for a moment before he awkwardly let it fall to his side, rubbing his pant leg nervously.
He admired the way her hair framed her face, the slight curve of her lips when she smiled, a small smile finally. For a moment, he forgot about the chaos and dreams that had been plaguing him and of course the way she left him hanging. L
He gestured towards the hallway, stepping aside to let her pass first. He watched her as she walked ahead, feeling a mix of nostalgia. Maybe tonight, with her by his side, the dreams would stay away a little longer.
“You know, I missed this,” he said from behind her in a whisper. There wasn’t anyone else out and about right now, and he was grateful for that. The campus was eerily silent, the only sounds being their footsteps on the gravel path and the occasional chirp of crickets. He knew she liked to keep things quiet. A secret. It was kind of fun, in the beginning at least. Did he maybe want more in the past? It would be a lie to say no.
As they walked, he thought about where he wanted to take her tonight. He knew where. They could walk there. It was a place they had gone many times, and every time they were there, things felt good. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. He could hear the faint croak of frogs from a distance, and the soft rustle of the leaves in the trees above them. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting shadows on the path.
There was a house, two floors, not too far away. It had a small pond on the other side of the overgrown driveway. The driveway was lined with tall gras. A group of weeping willows and evergreens wrapped the property, their branches swaying gently in the night breeze. The willows long, drooping branches created a natural curtain, adding to the sense of seclusion.
A dock reached out into the water, broken slightly so you had to watch your step. The wood was old and weathered, creaking softly underfoot.
As they approached the house, he could feel a sense of calm settling over him. This place had always been one of their sanctuary, a place where they could escape from everything and just be. He glanced at Thalia, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe tonight, amidst the familiar surroundings and comforting silence, they could find some semblance of normalcy.
His cup of coffee on the desk was probably growing cold. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the cluttered space.
“I thought we already had enough suspense in our lives, haven’t we?” she challenged, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of teasing and genuine curiosity. He liked the challenge coming from her, it always made things interesting.
“Come on, Thals, you know here there is always some sort of suspense. Just embrace it! ” Renlin replied with a grin.
“Isn’t it you who can’t stay away?” she countered, raising an eyebrow. The challenge was clear, and he was more than open to it. He welcomed it and felt comfortable with her in a way he didn’t with most annyone else. The way she knew exactly what to say to make him excited was a gift.
“Oh, I definitely can’t, we all know that,” he admitted, a playful glint in his eye. He would keep going back to her room every night if she let him.
What more am I going to find by being here? Why are we here?”
He was curious as well. He couldn’t deny he wanted all of it with her. Their friendship was never easy, and he liked that, the chase. She didn’t just let him smile and flip his hair and fall to her knees. But he wasn’t the one ever holding back.
“Come in, sorry I left so early this morning by the way.l he said, holding the door all the way open. His room was a mess, drawings scattered about, but he wasn’t embarrassed. He liked the chaos, and he knew she wouldn’t judge him too much for it.
She stepped inside, taking in the sight of his creative chaos. “I think you need to be asking yourself that question,” he stated back to her as he went to find his chilled coffee. “You know I will do whatever you want or need.”
He was practically melting into her already again. Imagine if Vin was here to hear him. The familiar feeling of being drawn to her, the way she made him feel alive and challenged, was something he craved. He watched her, appreciating the way she moved through his space.
@Kristi babygirl Thalia