Ariana discovered a small, hidden courtyard behind the Eldern Building, its entrance shielded by ivy and stone archways. She stepped inside, amazed.
The space was secret and serene, with a small fountain at the center and delicate flowers blooming along the edges. đź’«
She knelt to examine a patch of bluebells, inhaling the sweet fragrance. The world outside the ivy seemed to vanish—here, everything felt untouched and gentle.
"Kian?" she heard, soft and cautious.
He stepped out from behind a stone pillar, sketchbook in hand. His eyes lit up briefly when he saw her. "You found it," he said, almost in wonder.
"It's beautiful," she whispered. "How did I not notice this place before?"
"It's hidden," he replied. "Most people rush past, never looking."
Ariana smiled softly. She loved that Kian noticed things others didn't—the quiet corners, the small details. "Can I see what you're drawing?"
He hesitated, then turned the sketchbook toward her. There, on the page, was a delicate drawing of the hidden garden… with a small figure sitting among the flowers.
"That's… me?" she asked, surprised.
He nodded. "You look peaceful here."
Her heart fluttered. She could feel his eyes on her in reality, not just on paper. "Thank you for noticing me," she said softly.
Kian looked away for a moment, brushing a hand through his hair. "I notice you… a lot."
The words hung between them, fragile and tentative. Ariana felt warmth bloom in her chest. The hidden garden wasn't just a secret place anymore—it was a memory they shared, a quiet corner of the world where they existed together, even if just for a few moments. 🏞
They didn't speak for long after that. Words seemed unnecessary. Instead, they sat side by side, watching the fountain ripple, letting the peace and the closeness fill the space between them.
By the time Ariana left, she realized that this hidden garden would forever carry the memory of Kian's presence—and the soft, unspoken affection growing between them.đźŽ