Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 78 – Closer Than Ever

Evelyn wasn't sure when it started happening—when the comfortable silence between them became something more charged, more aware. But it was there now, in every lingering glance, every accidental touch that neither of them pulled away from too quickly.

And it was starting to get harder to ignore.

She and Adrian had always been close, but now, every interaction felt like balancing on the edge of something inevitable. Every conversation carried the weight of something unspoken.

And Evelyn wasn't sure how much longer she could pretend she didn't feel it.

A Rainy Afternoon

The rain started unexpectedly in the afternoon, heavy droplets tapping against the windows of the library where Evelyn sat buried in her laptop screen. She had promised herself she'd focus, but after rereading the same paragraph three times, she gave up with a frustrated sigh.

Her phone vibrated.

Adrian: Stuck inside because of the rain. Rescue me.

Evelyn: Pretty sure you can survive a little water, drama queen.

Adrian: A little? It's a monsoon out here.

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

Adrian: Come on. The coffee shop is across from the library. I'll buy you a drink.

Evelyn hesitated, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She could say no. She should probably say no.

But when had she ever been able to say no to him?

Evelyn: Fine. Give me ten minutes.

Shelter from the Storm

By the time she arrived, Adrian was already there, two cups sitting on the table. His hoodie was slightly damp, his hair messier than usual, and yet he still managed to look effortlessly put together. It was almost unfair.

"You know," she said as she slid into the seat across from him, "most people would just carry an umbrella."

Adrian smirked, pushing a cup toward her. "Most people aren't as resourceful as me. I found a better way to stay dry—by bribing you to join me."

Evelyn shook her head but took a sip of the coffee anyway. It was exactly how she liked it. Of course, he remembered.

For a while, they just sat there, the sound of rain hitting the windows creating a sort of intimacy in the moment. Adrian leaned back in his seat, watching her with a contemplative look. "You seem tired."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "That's just my face."

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He chuckled. "No. You okay?"

She hesitated. How could she explain it? The way her thoughts had been tangled lately, the way every time she was alone, her mind kept circling back to him.

"I'm fine," she finally said. "Just a lot on my mind."

Adrian studied her for a moment longer as if deciding whether or not to push. But instead, he just nodded. "If you ever feel like talking about it, I'm here."

And the worst part was, she knew that.

She wasn't sure what was scarier—the fact that Adrian knew her so well, or the fact that she wanted him to.

Almost Something

By the time they left the café, the rain had lightened, but the streets were still slick with water. Adrian walked beside her, his hands shoved into his pockets, their steps falling into rhythm without effort.

They were halfway across the street when Evelyn's foot slipped slightly on the wet pavement. Before she could react, Adrian's hand shot out, steadying her by the wrist. His grip was warm, firm—steadying in more ways than one.

For a moment, neither of them moved. His fingers lingered, his thumb brushing against her skin. Evelyn's breath caught.

She looked up at him, and in that instant, something passed between them—something unspoken but loud.

Adrian was looking at her differently. Like he was seeing her in a way he hadn't before. Or maybe he had, and she was only just noticing it now.

Slowly, reluctantly, he let go. But the warmth of his touch remained.

"Careful," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "Can't have you getting hurt."

Evelyn swallowed, forcing a smile. "You act like I almost fell to my death."

He smirked. "You are pretty clumsy."

She rolled her eyes, nudging him playfully. But inside, her heart was still racing.

They kept walking, but the space between them felt smaller now. Like the distance between them was closing, piece by piece.

And maybe—just maybe—they were ready to let it.