One evening, the rain arrived early and heavy. The library closed before either of them was ready to leave.
Outside, the world felt smaller. Elias offered to walk Mira home. She said yes before thinking.
They talked under the rain, laughing when their shoes soaked through. At her gate, neither wanted to say goodbye. The moment stretched—fragile, trembling.
"I don't know when it happened," Mira whispered, "but you became important to me."
Elias didn't hesitate. "You've been important to me for a while."
Their kiss was gentle, uncertain, and full of promise.