Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 109 – Something That Feels Like a Date

Adrian was the one who suggested it, his voice a little too casual to be completely casual.

"So, uh," he said, kicking a pebble along the path as they walked back toward the main campus, hands still linked, "are you free tomorrow night?"

Evelyn tilted her head, smiling at him. "I think so. Why?"

He gave her a sidelong glance, the faintest flush coloring his cheeks.

"I was thinking... Maybe dinner? Or coffee? Or whatever you want. Just... you know. Us."

She almost laughed, not because it was funny, but because of how adorably awkward he looked, all earnest and fidgety.

"That sounds suspiciously like a date," she teased lightly.

Adrian coughed, pushing a hand through his hair in that way he always did when he was nervous.

"Maybe it is," he said. "If you want it to be."

Evelyn stopped walking for a second, tugging on his hand to make him stop too.

When he turned to face her, she smiled.

"I want it to be."

The relief that washed over his face was instant and radiant.

"Okay," he said, his voice a little breathless. "Okay. Tomorrow night."

She grinned, her heart doing little somersaults.

Tomorrow night. Their first real date.

The next day, Evelyn spent way too long picking out what to wear.

It was ridiculous, she told herself, standing in front of the mirror for the fourth time.

It wasn't like Adrian cared what she wore. He wasn't that kind of guy.

And yet, she couldn't help wanting to look a little extra nice.

Not fancy. Not over-the-top. Just... her, but a little more.

In the end, she settled on a soft cream sweater that fell just right at her shoulders and a pair of dark jeans that made her feel comfortable but pretty. She left her hair down, letting it fall in loose waves around her face.

Simple. But a little special.

When she met Adrian outside her dorm, he was already waiting.

And he looked—

Well. He looked like he'd tried too.

His usual hoodie and jeans had been swapped for a button-up layered under a jacket, and his hair was a little neater, like he'd run a comb through it for once.

When he saw her, he froze for a second.

"Wow," he said, almost under his breath. "You look..."

He trailed off, his face going a little pink.

Evelyn bit back a smile. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Adrian laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks. I, uh, wasn't sure if I should dress up. So I kind of panicked."

"You look perfect," she said, more seriously than she meant to.

Their eyes met, the easy laughter fading into something softer, heavier.

Adrian stepped closer, close enough that she could see the little flecks of gold in his eyes, close enough that she felt the warmth of him even through the cool evening air.

He didn't kiss her—not yet—but he took her hand again, threading their fingers together with a kind of shy certainty.

"Come on," he said, voice low and fond. "Let's go."

They ended up at a cozy little café just off campus, the kind of place with dim lighting, mismatched chairs, and soft music playing in the background.

It wasn't fancy.

But it was perfect.

They grabbed a small table in the corner, sharing a giant slice of chocolate cake and sipping on warm drinks.

It was easy to talk about classes, random memories, and stupid childhood stories.

But every so often, there were silences too.

Not awkward ones.

The kind of silences that felt full and warm, like they were building something even without words.

At one point, Adrian reached across the table, casually brushing his thumb over the back of her hand.

The touch was light, almost absent-minded.

But it sent a shiver up Evelyn's spine all the same.

"Is this weird?" he asked after a minute, his voice quiet.

She shook her head, smiling. "No. It's... nice."

He relaxed a little, squeezing her hand gently.

"I keep feeling like I'm going to wake up and find out I imagined everything," he admitted.

Evelyn's heart squeezed.

"You didn't imagine it," she said. "I'm right here."

Adrian looked at her then—really looked—and something in his expression made her breath catch.

"Yeah," he said softly. "You are."

They finished the cake slowly, neither of them in any hurry.

Afterward, they wandered back outside, the night air crisp and cool around them.

The stars were faint but visible above the streetlights, and Evelyn tilted her head back to look at them, feeling a strange, glowing sort of happiness settle into her bones.

Adrian stopped beside her, hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.

They just stood there for a second, the world around them distant and quiet.

Then Adrian shifted closer.

"Can I..."

He hesitated, his breath curling in the cold air between them.

Evelyn smiled, heart thudding.

"You don't have to ask," she whispered.

Adrian let out a soft laugh—and then, very gently, he leaned in and kissed her.

It wasn't like the rushed, desperate kiss from their confession night.

This one was slower.

Sweeter.

More sure.

His hands cradled her face with a kind of aching tenderness, like he memorized every inch of her.

Evelyn melted into it, feeling the whole world narrow to the space between them.

When they finally pulled apart, both a little breathless, Adrian rested his forehead against hers.

"I like you," he murmured.

Evelyn closed her eyes, smiling so hard it hurt.

"I like you too."

They stood there for a long moment, wrapped up in each other and the magic of it all.

First date. First real kiss. First real beginning.

And it was just the start.