Samantha walks me to the studio and then leaves for our dorm, leaving me alone in the middle of a room filled with instruments. Standing there, I feel completely in my element. My mind knows exactly what to do. I set up my laptop, adjust the equipment, and move to the piano, laying out notes and letting them fill the space around me. In that moment, it feels like the walls lift, and the room stretches into the vast space of my imagination, alive with every sound I create.
Hours pass by without notice. I glance at my phone and freeze. "Seven hours already…" I mutter to myself as I start packing my things. Suddenly, a sound draws my attention, and I turn to see a man sitting casually on the sofa across the room. "Lukas," I exhale, trying to hide my surprise. "How long have you been there?" I ask, though my voice shakes slightly. He doesn't answer with words, only a small, knowing smile. 'This is awkward. You could at least greet me instead of just staring,' I think, my hands still fumbling with my equipment.
"Sorry, I was here a little while ago," he finally says. "I saw you so focused and didn't want to disturb you." I fumble, trying to sound composed. "You really got me. I thought I was alone," I admit, moving toward the door. He smiles warmly. "Sorry for scaring you. Let me help you with your stuff," he offers. I accept, grateful but nervous. The walk back to the dorm feels longer than usual. I can feel my heart racing, my nerves making every step feel clumsy, and I can't seem to start a conversation. It's awkward, forced even, but the silence is strangely comforting.
"How long have you been playing?" he finally asks, breaking the silence. "Four years now," I reply. "And how old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" "Nineteen. You?" He smiles. "Nineteen too." That smile sends a rush straight through me, and suddenly I start to relax as we talk about everything—music, hobbies, favorite colors—simple things that new couples often discuss. I catch myself blushing at how normal it all feels. "This is where I stay," I say as we arrive in front of my door. He gently places my backpack on my shoulder and pats my head. "Sorry for scaring you today. Have a good night, Aria," he says, his smile warm and steady. "Don't worry about it. Thank you for walking me back," I reply, still smiling as I step inside.
I flop back onto my bed, hugging a pillow, laughing silently to myself as Samantha sleeps on her bed beside me. I've never felt like this before. I've had one relationship before but it didn't matter much. A three-month fling after a basketball game, ended because he was childish and impatient. But this… this feels different. I hope it goes well. I hope he values my heart, treats it with care. I never had a father figure to show me what real love feels like, and I don't want to mess this up.
Quietly, I slip to the bathroom, wash up, and crawl back into bed with a thousand thoughts bouncing in my head. I hug my pillow tight and thoughts of him crawl into my head. The first time I saw him in theory class, he seemed mysterious, almost unapproachable. At the concert, he was hot and magnetic. At the café, he was gentle and sweet. And now, here at the studio, a little strange but endearing. He's completely my type, and I hope I'm not being delusional.
My phone buzzes, cutting through my thoughts.
Lukas: Are you awake?
My heart skips. I wish Samantha were awake so I could scream and giggle with her. I type and erase multiple times before finally sending a reply.
Aria: Yes.
'Was that too dull? Maybe I should have added an emoji,' I think nervously, staring at the screen.
Lukas: The music piece you were writing today—what inspired it?
I'm taken aback. The piece… was inspired by him. Can I even say that?
Aria: Hmmm… I'll be honest. My mind's been blocked from music for some time, and today, what inspired me was you. Your performance the other day completely got me back on track.
Lukas: Typing…
'He's taking his time. Was that too blunt?'
Lukas: Thank you. I'm glad I could be the spark to your light *Blue Heart Emoji*.
I grin, imagining Samantha teasing me for hours if she saw me now. I'm smiling and blushing uncontrollably.
Lukas: Are you free tomorrow?
Aria: yes.
Lukas: Can I take you out for dinner?
I sit with my phone in my hand, letting the message sink in. 'A date. A date with Lukas,' I think, heart fluttering uncontrollably. It's a simple question, but a little thrill runs through me. I don't want to jump too far ahead, so I keep my reply calm.
Aria: Sure *Smiling Face Emoji*
Lukas: Great! I'll pick you up at six. I hope that's not too early.
My stomach does a little flip at that. That's… romantic. My cheeks heat up, and I feel a giddy smile spreading across my face. My heart is practically doing somersaults in my chest. I type a reply, then erase it. Then type again.
Aria: No, six is perfect. I'll be ready by then.
Lukas: Great! Can't wait to see you.
I hug my pillow, letting out a quiet squeal of excitement. 'This is insane. He actually asked me out.' The idea makes my chest tighten in a happy ache. I feel like my whole world is brighter, like the music in my head is suddenly playing in a major key.
Lukas: Sleep well tonight, Aria. I'll see you tomorrow.
Aria: I will. Thanks, Luke. See you tomorrow, good night.
I can't stop smiling as I read his messages. I thought gentlemen who planned dates like this were extinct, but he's proving me wrong. And then, slowly, exhausted but electrified, I curl under my blanket and drift into the happiest, most peaceful sleep I've had in a long time.