Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 61 – A Step Closer

Evelyn sat in the campus café, stirring her latte absentmindedly as her mind replayed the past few days' events. The conversation with her mother still lingered at the back of her mind, but the warmth of Adrian's quiet support made it easier to bear. He hadn't pried, hadn't pushed—just stayed by her side, steady and sure, like he always did.

The bell above the entrance jingled, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced up just as Adrian walked in, his usual confidence softened by an easy smile.

"You look like you're about to dissect that drink," he teased, sliding into the seat across from her.

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"I was thinking."

"Dangerous,"

he said, smirking.

She huffed a laugh, but it faded as she met his gaze.

"About the gallery, mostly."

Adrian leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

"Nervous?"

"A little,"

she admitted.

"It's a lot. I've never done something this big before."

He tilted his head.

"You ever think that maybe this was always meant to happen?"

She scoffed.

"What, like fate?"

He shrugged.

"More like... you worked your ass off, and now the world is finally catching up."

Evelyn bit her lip, the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

"When did you get so wise?"

Adrian grinned.

"I've always been wise. You've just been too distracted by my charm to notice."

She rolled her eyes again, but this time, she didn't fight the smile.

Unexpected Comfort

Later that evening, Evelyn sat on her bed, scrolling through her emails. The gallery had sent over more details, and the weight of it pressed on her. She could do this. She had to do this.

A knock at her door interrupted her spiraling thoughts.

"Yeah?"

The door creaked open, and Adrian poked his head in.

"Hey."

She raised an eyebrow.

"You know, most people wait for an invitation."

He grinned.

"We both know I stopped being 'most people' a long time ago."

She shook her head, but a warmth bloomed in her chest as he stepped inside, hands tucked into his hoodie pockets.

"What's up?"

Adrian hesitated for half a second before sitting on the edge of her bed, closer than usual. "Just wanted to check in. You seemed... distracted earlier."

She exhaled, hugging her knees.

"I keep telling myself I should be excited, and I am. But part of me is scared I'll mess up."

Adrian was quiet for a moment before he reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was so gentle, so casual, but it sent a warmth through her.

"You're going to be amazing,"

he said quietly.

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"And if you mess up? So what? You'll figure it out, like you always do."

Her throat tightened at the certainty in his voice. "You believe that?"

Adrian held her gaze, his fingers still ghosting near her temple.

"Evie, I believe in you more than anyone."

Her heart stumbled over itself. He had always been her anchor, but this—this was different. There was something in the way he said it, the way he looked at her, that made it hard to breathe.

"Thank you,"

she murmured.

A slow smile tugged at his lips.

"Anytime."

And for the first time all day, the weight in her chest felt lighter.

Closer Than Before

The next morning, Evelyn found herself walking across campus with Adrian, their steps in sync. The autumn air was crisp, and students bustled around them, but the world felt a little smaller—like it was just the two of them.

"So,"

Adrian said, nudging her lightly, "big question. Are you ready for the gallery meeting tomorrow?"

She groaned. "I'm trying to be."

Adrian gave her a sideways glance before casually reaching for her hand. It wasn't dramatic, wasn't overwhelming—just his fingers curling around hers, steady and warm.

Evelyn's breath hitched, but she didn't pull away.

"Adrian?"

"Yeah?"

She glanced up at him, searching his expression, but he looked so at ease, like this was the most natural thing in the world.

"What are you doing?"

she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He smirked but didn't let go.

"Grounding you. You tend to overthink."

Her cheeks warmed.

"Oh."

They walked in silence for a few more steps before she squeezed his hand slightly, testing. Adrian responded instantly, his grip tightening in return.

It was new. It was terrifying. But it wasn't unwelcome.

And as they continued toward the art building, their hands still clasped together, Evelyn realized something—maybe she didn't have to figure everything out alone after all.