Ava's POV)
The moment the bell rang, a weird feeling settled in my chest — like I had just stepped off a roller coaster and couldn't tell if I wanted to ride again or catch my breath.
I slowly started packing up my books, hoping Damien wouldn't just walk out like everyone else. He didn't.
He stood up at the same time as me, slinging his bag over his shoulder, and for a split second, we just… looked at each other.
No words.
Just a glance.
But it said so much.
He smiled — that soft, lopsided smile that seemed to sneak its way into my thoughts lately.
"Hey," he said, his voice low and calm, "do you know where your next class is?"
I blinked, caught off guard by the fact that he was actually starting the conversation.
"Um…" I looked down at my timetable and laughed awkwardly. "Honestly? Not really. It says Room 312 but I still have no idea which wing that is."
He chuckled and ran a hand through his hair, his silver lion pendant catching the light. "Lucky for you, I do. I can show you."
Okay.
I definitely wasn't prepared for this kind of kindness. Or attention.
"Thanks," I said, trying not to sound too giddy.
---
We walked side by side through the hallway. Not too fast. Not too slow. Just the kind of pace where our arms almost brushed every few steps. I was so focused on how close he was, how his presence somehow quieted everything around me, that I didn't notice the large box of yearbooks someone had left right in the middle of the hall.
My foot caught the edge.
Everything tilted.
My heart lurched, and I felt myself tipping forward.
But before I could hit the ground — strong hands caught me.
One arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back into balance, and the other grabbed my wrist gently but firmly. The hallway spun for a second, but then everything stopped.
And I found myself looking right into his eyes.
His hands didn't move. Neither did mine.
His fingers still curled around mine like he wasn't ready to let go.
"Careful," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You okay?"
I nodded, too stunned to speak. My heart was racing. Not because I almost fell… but because of him.
He didn't let go of my hand.
Not even after I was clearly standing just fine again.
We just stood there for a second, frozen in this bubble where it was just the two of us. Then, slowly, he started walking again — and kept holding my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
No explanation.
No awkwardness.
Just warmth.
---
The rest of the hallway walk felt like a dream.
I didn't even try to speak. I was afraid I'd ruin the moment. Our fingers stayed interlocked — gently but securely — all the way to Room 312.
When we finally reached the classroom, I looked at him. He gave me a small smile, his thumb brushing slightly across the back of my hand before he finally, finally let go.
"Thanks for walking with me," I whispered, my voice softer than I expected.
He shrugged like it was no big deal, but the glow in his eyes said otherwise. "Anytime, Ava."
He turned and started walking away.
But before he disappeared down the hall, he looked over his shoulder one last time — and smiled.
---
I stood at the door for a while, barely breathing.
That wasn't just a near-fall.
That was a near-heart-meltdown.
And he caught me — in more ways than one.