Two days had already passed since Rafael started helping me with my studies. It was strange how, in such a short time, I already felt more confident, almost believing the exams would be just another obstacle to overcome. Today would be the third day, and I was already used to the feeling of classes dragging on until it was finally time to go to the library.
Before the last class ended, Evelyn nudged my arm. I turned my face toward her, and she, hesitant, whispered:
— I heard some comments… that you've been meeting Rafael in the library after classes.
I took a deep breath and replied quickly:
— He's helping me study for the exams. That's all.
Evelyn raised her eyebrows, as if she had expected a different answer. Curiosity overcame caution, and her voice grew eager:
— I didn't know you two were close. How did that happen? And… aren't you afraid of what he might do?
Annoyance rose in me like fire. I straightened my posture and answered seriously:
— I have no reason to be afraid of him. People love to talk without knowing if what they say is true. So far, the little I know about Rafael proves exactly the opposite of what they keep spreading.
She wilted, lowering her eyes.— I just think no one would say so much without some truth to it. Better safe than sorry.
The bell rang before I could respond. I gathered my things and left, this time without anxiety, only with a strong desire to see Rafael. Not just to study, but to be by his side. Maybe invite him to grab something to eat on the way, anything that would make up for the unfair gossip I couldn't stand hearing anymore.
In the library, as on the previous days, there he was: leaning over the geometry book. My heart filled up. I approached quietly, pulling the chair without wanting to interrupt. But, to my surprise, he lifted his head and smiled. It wasn't the restrained half-smile he usually wore. It was just a smile. Free, spontaneous.
I felt my lower lip tremble before smiling back.— At this rate, I might actually believe calculus isn't that bad. — I joked, trying to sound natural.
He let out a short laugh through his nose and returned to the book. We stayed there for almost two hours. When he finished, he closed the notebook and said:— That's enough for today. Tomorrow we'll just review.
I stood up with him.— Then we can pack everything up and grab a coffee at the café. My treat. — I suggested.
He nodded, no objections.— You go ahead, I'll put the books away.
I obeyed. Went to the café and ordered two coffees. Unable to resist, I also added two dulce de leche and hazelnut croissants. They were my favorite, and deep down, I wanted him to try them.
That's when Daniel appeared. The classmate who had already invited me to the study group. He showed up smiling, greeting me with a closeness I didn't recall ever allowing.
— Helena! — he said, standing beside me. — I'm still waiting for you in the group. It'd be good for all of us, you know? Besides helping with the studies, it brings the class together.
I gave him a polite smile.— Thank you, Daniel. But I'm already getting help.
His smile faded.— Yeah… I know with whom. — his voice dropped, laced with criticism. — You're a good person, Helena. I wouldn't want to see you… tied to him. Or worse, end up being a victim of something.
The words cut through me like a blade. My head filled with sharp replies, ready to defend him. But before I could, Rafael appeared.
He completely ignored Daniel. Looked straight at me and asked, calm but firm:— Did you already order the coffees?
I nodded, still holding my breath. Then he took off his jacket and placed it over my shoulders.— It's cold.
The gesture caught me off guard. My face burned instantly. He continued naturally:— No point in getting sick from carelessness.
I grabbed the coffees and croissants, muttered a quick "see you later" to Daniel, and left with Rafael. My classmate stood there, stunned, as if he had just witnessed the impossible.
On the way out, I handed Rafael the croissant.— Ever since I tried this one, I never ordered anything else here.
He raised an eyebrow, doubtful.— I never buy these things. Just coffee is enough.
But he took a bite. And his expression almost made me laugh. He didn't say anything, but it was obvious he liked it.
We walked home together, talking about nothing special: the taste of the croissant, the quiet of the library at night, the music each of us listened to. Simple things.
When we reached the gate, he did what he always did: left me there, in silence, before disappearing into the darkness.
I stood still, his jacket still on my shoulders, with only one certainty echoing inside me: I was one step closer to knowing who Rafael really was.