The living room was quiet except for the faint sound of the rain still falling outside.
Aria had been talking with Ethan on the couch after dinner, laughing softly about something meaningless — but somewhere between her laughter and his quiet replies, her eyelids had grown heavy.
Ethan noticed first.
Her words slowed, her head tilted slightly, and before he knew it, she had fallen asleep — her head resting against his shoulder.
He didn't move. Not even a little.
He just sat there, still and careful, afraid to wake her.
Minutes passed, then hours, until even he dozed off — the warmth of her body against his calming him into sleep.
---
When Aria slowly blinked her eyes open, the room was dark. The clock on the wall showed it was well past midnight.
It took her a few seconds to realize where she was — on the couch, covered with a soft blanket… and hugging Ethan.
Her arms were wrapped around him, and one of his arms was draped around her shoulders protectively, as if even in sleep he wanted to keep her safe.
Her heart skipped a beat.
She was about to move away, but she froze the moment she realized Ethan was awake too.
For a few seconds, neither of them moved — both pretending to still be asleep, both aware of the warmth they were sharing.
Then, slowly, Ethan lifted his arm and sat up, careful not to disturb her.
He looked at her for a moment — her peaceful face, the way her hair brushed over her cheek — then quietly slid his arms beneath her and lifted her in a gentle bridal carry.
Aria's breathing stayed even, though her heart was racing wildly.
He carried her to her room, his steps light, his gaze soft.
When he laid her down on the bed, he made sure the blanket covered her properly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face with his fingertips.
Then, with one last look — a quiet smile flickering across his lips — he left the room.
Only after the door clicked shut did Aria open her eyes.
Her face was bright red as she pulled the blanket over herself, whispering into it, "Why does he make my heart do that…"
Still smiling shyly, she finally fell asleep again.
---
The next morning, Aria woke up earlier than usual, her heart still fluttering from last night.
When she stepped outside, Ethan was already waiting near the gate, his hands in his pockets, pretending like nothing had happened.
"Morning," he said, smiling lightly.
"Morning," she replied, trying to sound normal.
They both walked in silence, though neither could stop thinking about the memory of the couch.
---
At school, the peace didn't last long.
The first person they saw near the classroom door was Mia — arms crossed, that mocking smile back on her face.
"Well, if it isn't the lovebirds," she said loudly, making sure everyone heard. Laughter echoed around them.
Aria froze in embarrassment, her cheeks turning pink.
Before she could say anything, Ethan stepped in front of her, eyes cold.
"You've got too much free time, Mia," he said calmly. "Maybe try studying instead of gossiping about people who don't care about you."
The laughter turned into gasps. Mia's smile faded, and she turned away angrily.
Ethan walked past her, holding the door open for Aria. "Come on."
Inside, Aria whispered, "Thank you… but you didn't have to do that."
He shrugged. "I don't waste my time on people like her."
She smiled faintly. "Still… thank you."
---
Their day went by as usual until lunchtime, when a new student appeared at their table.
"Hey," he said cheerfully. "You must be Aria. I'm Ryan — transferred here this week. You're kind of hard to find, you know? Everyone talks about you."
Aria blinked. "Oh—uh, really? Welcome to the class."
Ryan grinned. "They said you're really smart. Maybe you can help me with some notes?"
Before she could answer, Ethan appeared beside her, voice sharp.
"She's already busy."
Ryan frowned slightly. "I was just asking, man."
"Then ask someone else."
Aria gave Ethan a surprised look. "Ethan!"
Ryan chuckled awkwardly. "It's fine. I'll… ask later." Then he walked away.
The moment he was gone, Aria turned to Ethan. "What was that?"
"What?" he said, pretending not to know.
"You were rude!"
"He was flirting."
"He was being nice."
"Yeah, right," Ethan muttered, crossing his arms.
They argued for a few minutes until the bell rang, forcing them to stop.
---
Later that day, while the teacher was arranging seats, Ryan walked up to Ethan.
"Hey, can we switch seats? I'd like to sit next to Aria."
Ethan's expression didn't change. "You would, wouldn't you?"
He turned to Aria, his eyes calm but firm. "Do you want to switch?"
For a second, she didn't know what to say — but the look in his eyes said everything. He didn't want her to say yes.
She smiled faintly and shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'm okay here."
Ethan's lips curved into a small, satisfied smirk. "You heard her."
Ryan sighed and went back to his seat.
Aria couldn't help but glance at Ethan — who, for the first time that day, looked almost smug.
---
That evening, back home, Aria sat by her window, thinking about the way he'd looked at her — the possessiveness in his tone, the quiet care hidden beneath it.
She shook her head with a soft laugh. "I'm thinking too much," she murmured to herself. But deep down, she knew she wasn't.
---
A few days later, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett finally returned home.
Aria spent the afternoon cleaning her house, smiling to herself as she packed her things.
When she finished, she went next door to Mrs. Cross's house.
"Mrs. Cross," she said warmly, hugging her. "Thank you for taking care of me. Because of you, I didn't miss Mom as much."
Mrs. Cross smiled and hugged her back tightly. "You'll always have a home here, sweetheart."
Aria smiled. "I know."
Then, carrying her things, she moved back to her own house — her heart still full of quiet warmth and something she couldn't quite name yet.