Chapter Two: First Glance
The day they agreed to meet, her heart wouldn't stop racing. It wasn't a date—at least, that's what she kept telling herself. Just two friends from the same school, finally seeing each other in person. But deep down, she knew it was more than that.
She spent extra time getting ready that morning. Nothing too obvious—just a little more gloss, a touch more care with her hair. She wore her favorite jeans, the ones that hugged her just right, and her lucky bracelet. As she stepped onto campus, the world felt different. Bigger. Louder. Brighter. Every face she passed could be his. Every turn could be the moment.
They had planned to meet after second period, near the tree at the back of the schoolyard. It was quiet there, away from the usual student traffic. She got there early, hands a little sweaty, constantly checking her phone even though there were no new messages.
Then she saw him.
Jayden.
He walked toward her with that same smile she'd memorized from his profile picture. His hair was neater in person, his uniform slightly rumpled like he'd rushed. But his eyes—they were warm, curious, and locked onto hers like they'd already said a thousand things without speaking a word.
"Hey," he said.
His voice was deeper than she expected. Smooth, confident, yet soft in a way that made her feel safe.
"Hi," she replied, heart thudding.
There was a pause. Not awkward, just… full. Of everything unspoken. Of nerves and excitement. Of wonder.
"You're shorter than I imagined," he teased.
"And you talk more than I imagined," she shot back, grinning.
They both laughed—and just like that, the tension melted away.
They spent the lunch break talking under the tree, ignoring the sounds of the school around them. He told her about his dream of becoming an engineer, how he loved fixing things—phones, bikes, even broken furniture. She told him about her love for painting, how colors made her feel things she couldn't always put into words.
He looked at her like she was art herself.
Time passed too quickly. When the bell rang and they had to part, he looked almost reluctant.
"Same time tomorrow?" he asked.
She smiled. "Same tree."
And from that day on, that tree became their place. Their little world. A quiet escape where two hearts
began to learn the rhythm of each other.