Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 112 – After the Fair

The air had turned chilly by the time Evelyn and Adrian wandered back toward campus, hand in hand, Professor Chill the sloth tucked securely under Evelyn's arm.

The energy of the festival still buzzed in the distance behind them—music floating faintly on the wind, the glow of lights fading into the night—but around them, the world had quieted.

Their steps slowed naturally as they reached the quieter side streets near campus. Neither of them seemed ready to break the spell of the night.

Adrian gave a small, breathy laugh as he glanced over at her.

"I can't believe you're carrying that thing all the way home."

Evelyn clutched Professor Chill dramatically to her chest.

"He's family now. You'll just have to accept him."

Adrian chuckled under his breath, that soft, low sound that never failed to make her heart skip a little.

"I'll make room for him in my life," he promised solemnly.

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, the kind where words felt unnecessary.

It wasn't awkward.

It was full.

Every brush of their hands, every glance exchanged, felt loaded with the kind of quiet wonder that came from realizing—we're doing this.

No pretending. No almosts.

This was real.

When they reached the courtyard near Evelyn's dorm, she slowed even further, reluctant to let the night end.

Adrian caught the hint immediately, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of her hand.

"Do you want to sit for a bit?" he asked, tipping his head toward the low stone wall that edged the flowerbeds.

Evelyn nodded.

They settled side by side, shoulders brushing, Professor Chill perched between them like a silent, ridiculous chaperone.

For a few minutes, they just sat there, watching the stars blink faintly above the dark outlines of the trees.

Finally, Adrian spoke, his voice quiet.

"I was thinking about tonight."

Evelyn turned to look at him, tucking her legs up onto the wall.

"Yeah?"

He nodded, staring straight ahead like he was organizing his thoughts.

"I was scared," he admitted. "When we got on the Ferris wheel. Not just because of the heights."

He glanced at her, giving a small, self-conscious smile.

"Although that was part of it."

Evelyn squeezed his hand gently, encouraging.

Adrian took a slow breath.

"I guess... I've been scared for a while. About messing this up. About wanting too much, too fast."

He turned more fully toward her now, his knees brushing hers.

"But tonight, when we were up there... I wasn't scared anymore. Not really."

He paused, searching her face.

"Because it's you."

The simplicity of the words hit harder than anything elaborate could have.

Evelyn blinked rapidly, willing the sudden prick of tears away.

It was silly, maybe.

It was just one date.

It was just the beginning.

But somehow, it felt monumental.

"I get it," she said softly. "I've been scared, too."

Adrian's hand tightened around hers, like he understood without needing more explanation.

Evelyn shifted, drawing her other hand to rest lightly on his knee.

"I think," she said, choosing her words carefully, "that being scared just means it matters."

Adrian smiled—small, real.

"Yeah," he murmured. "Yeah, I think so too."

They sat there for a long moment, breathing in the quiet.

Finally, Evelyn spoke again, her voice even softer.

"I like being with you," she said. "More than I ever thought I would with anyone."

Adrian's expression crumpled into something unbearably tender.

"I like being with you, too," he whispered. "More than I know how to explain."

He leaned in then, not quite a kiss this time—just resting his forehead lightly against hers.

It was somehow more intimate than a kiss.

A silent promise.

A breath shared.

They stayed like that, the chill of the night forgotten, the weight of the day sinking into something peaceful and deep.

When they finally pulled apart, it was with the kind of reluctant gravity that only came from not wanting to let go.

Adrian rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly.

"I guess we should get some sleep," he said. "Big day tomorrow."

Evelyn nodded, but neither of them moved immediately.

Finally, she gave a soft laugh.

"I had the best time," she said.

Adrian grinned, the kind of grin that lit up his whole face.

"Me too."

He stood first, offering her a hand.

She took it without hesitation, letting him pull her gently to her feet.

They lingered one last moment, their joined hands swinging lightly between them.

"Goodnight, Evelyn," Adrian said, voice thick with something she didn't need words to understand.

"Goodnight, Adrian," she replied just as softly.

And as she watched him walk away, glancing back once with a smile that made her chest ache sweetly, Evelyn hugged Professor Chill closer and whispered to the stars—

"Thank you."

Thank you for this.

Thank you for him.

Thank you to us.