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Chapter 4:
The days after her encounter with Oliver left Emily feeling unsettled, as though she was seeing shadows where there were none. She kept replaying his words in her mind: "I never forgot about you." It wasn't a threat, yet something in his eyes had been… intense, as if he were hiding secrets that only he knew.
Meanwhile, her encounters with Max continued, each one drawing her closer. He wasn't like anyone she'd met before—quiet, reserved, and guarded, yet when he looked at her, she felt as though he could see right through her walls. It was as if they shared an unspoken understanding, one that made her feel safe even amidst the growing mysteries in her life.
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The Campus Café
It was a chilly Friday afternoon when she found herself at the campus café again, sipping on her usual cup of tea and watching the world go by. She was lost in thought when the door opened, and Max walked in, his eyes lighting up as they met hers.
"Mind if I join?" he asked, his voice a comforting rumble.
Emily smiled, gesturing to the seat across from her. "Please."
They fell into an easy conversation, talking about classes, books, and the quirks of campus life. But after a while, Max grew quiet, his gaze drifting to the window.
"Do you ever feel like… you're missing something?" he asked softly.
The question surprised her, and she tilted her head, trying to understand. "What do you mean?"
Max hesitated, his fingers tracing the rim of his coffee cup. "I don't know. Like there's something right in front of you, but you can't quite grasp it." He looked at her then, a faint vulnerability in his eyes. "I've been feeling that way lately. Especially around you."
Emily felt her heart skip a beat, but before she could respond, Max's phone buzzed, breaking the moment. He frowned at the screen, his expression darkening as he read the message.
"I'm sorry, Emily," he said, sounding genuinely regretful. "I have to go. Family stuff."
She nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "It's okay. I hope everything's alright."
Max gave her a small, apologetic smile. "Thanks. I'll see you soon, okay?"
As he left, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that he was running from something—something he was afraid to face. She wondered if he would ever let her in enough to understand what haunted him.
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That Evening: A New Encounter
Later that evening, as Emily walked back to her dorm, she felt the crisp autumn air bite at her cheeks. The campus was quiet, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the pathway. She was lost in thought when a familiar voice called her name.
"Emily."
She turned to find Oliver standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets and a small, almost shy smile on his face. He looked different under the streetlight—less intense, more approachable.
"Oliver," she greeted, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I was just taking a walk. I didn't expect to run into you," he replied, his gaze flickering over her face. "Mind if I join you?"
Emily hesitated, but something in his eyes made her nod. They walked in silence for a few moments, the only sound their footsteps crunching on fallen leaves.
"So, how are you liking Willowdale?" she asked, trying to break the silence.
"It's… different," Oliver replied. "I never thought I'd end up here. But seeing you again… it feels like fate, doesn't it?"
There was an edge to his words that made her heart skip a beat, but she forced a smile. "Yeah, it's a small world."
Oliver stopped then, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "I meant what I said the other day, Emily. I never forgot about you. You were… special to me. And I still think about you."
Emily took a small step back, feeling a sudden sense of unease. She wanted to respond, to tell him she appreciated his honesty, but the words felt heavy, as though they carried a weight she wasn't prepared to lift.
"Oliver, that was a long time ago," she said gently. "People change."
"Do they?" he murmured, his gaze searching hers. "Because I haven't."
The silence stretched between them, thick and unyielding. She wanted to believe his words were harmless, but there was something in his eyes that left her feeling trapped, like a moth drawn to a flame she couldn't escape.
"Anyway, I should head back," she said, forcing a smile. "It's getting late."
Oliver nodded, though his expression held a hint of disappointment. "Of course. Goodnight, Emily."
She turned and walked away, feeling his gaze on her back until she was out of sight. Her mind was spinning with questions, but one thought lingered above the rest: Who was Oliver now, and what did he want from her?
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That Night
Back in her dorm, Emily tried to distract herself with homework, but her mind kept wandering back to Max and Oliver. She couldn't deny the connection she felt with Max, a quiet warmth that made her feel safe and seen. But Oliver's reappearance left her feeling as though she were standing on the edge of something unknown, a path that beckoned her yet filled her with dread.
And then, just as she was drifting off to sleep, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and felt a jolt of surprise.
It was a message from Max. Sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to leave so abruptly. Can I make it up to you?
She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Of course. I'd like that.
As she set her phone down, she couldn't help but wonder if she was ready for the journey ahead. The line between friendship and something more was beginning to blur, and the weight of her choices felt heavier than ever.
But for now, she let herself feel the warmth of Max's message, letting it lull her into a restless sleep.
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