The weight of finals was finally off our shoulders. The campus buzzed with students celebrating, but I couldn't shake the nervous energy churning inside me. Chris and Evan were sprawled out on the dorm couch, flipping through channels when I finally spoke up.
"Hey, guys... can I ask you something?"
Chris raised an eyebrow while Evan barely glanced up from his phone. "What's up?"
I hesitated. "Do you think... I should ask Scarlet out? Like, officially."
Chris smirked. "Dude, about time."
Evan nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, man. You've been pining for her forever. Just go for it."
"But what if... you know, she doesn't feel the same way?"
Evan scoffed. "After that prom kiss? Come on. You're overthinking."
Chris added, "Just be yourself. Trust me—she's into you."
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. "Alright. I'll do it."
Later that evening, I texted Scarlet, asking if she wanted to go for a walk. My heart pounded as I waited for her reply. When my phone buzzed with a simple, "Sure, meet you outside," I grabbed my jacket and left.
The campus looked different at night—quiet, peaceful. Scarlet was already there, waiting under the dim glow of a streetlamp. She smiled when she saw me, and I couldn't help but smile back.
We walked side by side in silence, the crisp night air swirling around us. I could hear the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet, but my mind was too busy rehearsing what to say.
Scarlet glanced at me. "You okay? You seem... quiet."
I let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, just... thinking."
We stopped under a large oak tree, its branches casting shadows on the ground. I turned to face her, trying to find the words. "Scarlet... there's something I've been wanting to say."
She tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes. "What is it?"
My palms were sweating, and my heart thumped louder than ever. "I... I know I'm not perfect. I've got a messed-up past, and I'm still figuring out a lot of things. But ever since you came into my life... things just feel different."
Her gaze softened, but she stayed silent, letting me continue.
"I can't get you out of my head. Your laugh, your smile... just being around you makes everything better. I know I'm probably messing this up, but... I love you. I want to be with you. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy."
Scarlet looked at me for a moment, her lips parting slightly as if to respond. But instead, she just said, "I guess I'll see you later..." and started to turn away.
Panic shot through me. Without thinking, I grabbed her hand and pulled her gently back, my other hand finding its way to her waist. Scarlet didn't resist; instead, she looked up at me, eyes wide and cheeks flushed.
"I mean it," I whispered, our faces just inches apart. "I know I'm not the best, but I'll always protect you. I'll be by your side no matter what."
She took a shaky breath, her hand moving to rest on my chest, right over my racing heart. "You're... not messing this up, Max."
Slowly, I leaned in, my forehead brushing against hers. I could feel her breath, warm and steady, and our eyes met in the soft glow of the streetlight. I hesitated for just a second, giving her the chance to pull away, but she didn't.
Our lips touched softly at first, just a featherlight graze that sent a shiver through me. I felt her hands move up to my shoulders, pulling me a little closer. I deepened the kiss, still gentle, savoring the warmth and the way her lips seemed to fit perfectly against mine. It wasn't rushed or desperate—just real, like everything I'd been holding back finally found its way out.
When we finally broke apart, I rested my forehead against hers, a soft smile tugging at my lips. She smiled back, her eyes shining. "You're an idiot, you know that?"
I chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, but I'm your idiot now."
She laughed softly, and I pulled her in for another kiss, this one just as tender as the first. In that moment, everything else faded—the past, the fights, the fear. It was just us, under that old oak tree, in a world of our own.