Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 65 – Closer Than Before

Chapter 65 – Closer Than Before

Evelyn wasn't sure how long they sat there, the quiet hum of the night wrapping around them like a blanket. The tension from before had eased, but something still lingered in the air—something unspoken but undeniably there.

Adrian was still sitting close, close enough that she could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes, close enough that the warmth of his presence made her forget how to breathe properly.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You really need to stop thinking you don't deserve good things, Evie."

Evelyn bit her lip. "I'm trying."

Adrian studied her for a moment before a slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Well, as your unofficial life coach, I'll make sure you do."

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She rolled her eyes. "Oh, so now you're my life coach?"

"Absolutely," he said, leaning back against the bed frame. "First lesson: accept that you're incredible. Second lesson: let yourself be happy."

Evelyn shook her head with a soft laugh. "And the third lesson?"

Adrian tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. Third lesson... Let's see. Maybe something about taking breaks? You overwork yourself way too much."

She raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you suggest I do that?"

Adrian grinned and stood up, stretching. "Simple. You're coming with me."

Evelyn blinked. "Wait—what?"

Adrian grabbed her wrist and tugged her up, his grip firm but not forceful. "It's too late to be sitting here overthinking. You need a distraction. We're going out."

She frowned. "Adrian, it's almost one in the morning."

"And?" He shrugged. "That's the best time for adventures."

Evelyn hesitated. She was exhausted, emotionally and physically, but something about the way Adrian was looking at her—like he knew exactly what she needed before she even did—made it impossible to say no.

With a sigh, she grabbed a jacket. "Fine. But this better be worth it."

Adrian grinned, opening the door with a flourish. "Oh, trust me, Evie. It will be."

A Midnight Escape

Fifteen minutes later, they were standing outside a small 24-hour café on the edge of campus. The neon glow from the sign cast a soft light on the sidewalk, and the scent of fresh pastries drifted through the air.

Evelyn hugged her jacket closer around her. "I can't believe I let you drag me out for late-night coffee."

Adrian smirked. "You love coffee."

"I do," she admitted. "But I also love to sleep."

Adrian opened the door for her, motioning her inside. "Then consider this a necessary sacrifice for your personal growth."

She gave him a look, but there was no real annoyance in it. The warmth of the café immediately chased away the chill from outside, and the quiet hum of music made the whole place feel... cozy. Comfortable.

Adrian led her to a corner booth, and within minutes, they had two steaming cups of coffee in front of them, along with a shared plate of muffins.

Evelyn took a slow sip, sighing in contentment. "Okay. Maybe this was a good idea."

Adrian grinned, unwrapping a muffin. "See? I'm always right."

She hummed. "Debatable."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the warmth of the café and the quiet presence of each other filling the space between them. It was nice—peaceful.

Then, Adrian suddenly leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Okay, serious question."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Should I be scared?"

He smirked. "Probably. But here it is—what's the one thing you've always wanted to do but never had the guts to?"

Evelyn hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "I... I don't know."

Adrian tilted his head. "Come on, there has to be something."

She tapped her fingers against her cup, thinking. "I guess... I've always wanted to do a mural. A huge one. Like, on the side of a building or something."

Adrian's eyes lit up. "That's actually amazing. Why haven't you done it?"

She shrugged, looking down. "It feels too big. Too overwhelming. And what if I mess it up?"

Adrian scoffed. "Evie, if anyone could pull off a mural, it's you."

She smiled softly. "You really think that?"

Adrian reached across the table and flicked her forehead lightly. "Yes, you idiot. Have a little faith in yourself."

Evelyn swatted his hand away, laughing. "Okay, okay, I get it."

Adrian grinned. "Good. Because I'm holding you to it."

A Moment Too Close

By the time they left the café, the streets were almost empty, the night air crisp but not too cold. They walked side by side, the conversation light, filled with teasing and laughter.

But when they reached Evelyn's dorm, something shifted.

She turned to him, suddenly hyper aware of how quiet it was, how close they were standing. The usual playfulness in Adrian's eyes had softened into something else—something deeper.

Evelyn swallowed, her pulse quickening. "Thanks for tonight."

Adrian's lips quivered into a small smile. "Anytime, Evie."

She hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The way he was looking at her—it made her heart do weird, unfamiliar things.

Adrian reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered just a second too long.

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Adrian exhaled, his voice quieter now. "Evie..."

She wasn't sure who moved first—her or him. But suddenly, the space between them felt nonexistent, and for one wild, reckless second, she thought he might actually kiss her.

Her heart pounded.

Then, Adrian pulled back, shaking his head slightly, almost as if he was reminding himself of something. He let out a quiet chuckle, though it sounded strained. "We should get some sleep."

Evelyn nodded slowly, trying to ignore the disappointment curling in her chest. "Yeah. We should."

Adrian gave her one last look before stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Goodnight, Evie."

She watched him go, her fingers still tingling where he had touched her.

And as she closed her door behind her, she couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he hadn't pulled away.

Maybe... just maybe... things between them were changing faster than she had ever expected.