With Ethan out of her life, Gianna found herself unexpectedly lighter, free from the constant tension and doubt that had lingered around her relationship with him. As she moved through her days, she noticed how much more present she felt, and a familiar face seemed to be popping up more frequently. Adrian.
They'd started spending more time together—short chats between classes, chance encounters at her favorite coffee shop, and a few casual study sessions in the library. Gianna wasn't sure how or when, but Adrian had slipped seamlessly into her days, his quiet confidence an anchor she found herself drawn to.
One Friday afternoon, after the final bell rang, she spotted Adrian waiting just outside her locker. His relaxed stance and easy smile made her stomach flutter, a feeling she wasn't sure she wanted to analyze just yet.
"Hey," he greeted, his voice calm as usual. "You busy?"
"Not really," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "What's up?"
"There's this spot I go to sometimes after school," he said, shifting his bag onto his shoulder. "Thought maybe you'd like to come with?"
Gianna blinked in surprise. It was the first time he'd invited her anywhere outside of their usual routines. "Sure," she agreed, a flicker of excitement sparking within her. "Lead the way."
They walked side by side through the city streets, a comfortable silence between them. Adrian's choice of destination turned out to be a quiet little rooftop garden above a small bookstore, the sounds of the bustling streets below muted by the distance. The garden was simple but beautiful, with vines winding around the wooden benches and a few small flowers in bloom.
"It's… peaceful," Gianna said, glancing around as they settled onto a bench.
"Exactly," Adrian replied, his gaze fixed on the view of the skyline beyond. "Sometimes I just need a break from everything. This place helps me clear my mind."
She nodded, understanding more than he realized. "I get it. Life can get overwhelming, especially when it feels like everyone wants something from you."
He looked at her, his eyes thoughtful. "Yeah. Sometimes you need space to figure out who you are, you know? Away from everyone's expectations."
Their eyes met, and in that moment, Gianna felt an unspoken understanding pass between them. Adrian had a quiet strength, something steady she could lean into, even if she barely knew him. It was a feeling she hadn't had before.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, their conversation drifting between lighthearted stories and deeper, more personal thoughts. Gianna found herself sharing more than she expected—her martial arts classes, her part-time job, even her recent breakup. Adrian listened, never interrupting, his gaze attentive.
"You know," he said eventually, "it takes courage to let go of something that's not right for you. Not everyone can do that."
A warmth spread through her at his words. "Maybe. I'm still figuring things out."
He offered her a slight smile. "Aren't we all?"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the rooftop in warm, golden light, Gianna felt a shift within herself. With Adrian, there were no expectations, no judgments—just a sense of ease and connection that had been absent for so long.
In the quiet moments between their words, Gianna realized that this new chapter of her life, as uncertain as it was, might just be exactly what she needed.