The campus morning was crisp — not cold, just fresh enough to make the air feel new.
Emily walked with one earbud in, sipping the last of her iced coffee as students drifted around her like leaves in a slow current.
The chatter, the occasional honk from the main road, the rustle of backpacks — all familiar. All forgettable.
Until she saw her.
Lina.
Walking toward the lecture wing, sunlight flickering through the branches above, catching in the strands of her tied-back braid.
She wore that oversized cream cardigan again — the one she always rolled the sleeves on — and clutched her tablet to her chest.
And she wasn't alone.
Alex was beside her.
Their steps matched unconsciously. Alex said something low, and Lina laughed — a real, soft laugh that pulled at something in Emily's chest before she could name it.
Her pace slowed.
Just as she debated whether to wave or duck behind the nearest tree, Lina spotted her.
Her expression brightened instantly. "Emily!"
