The crisp night air was a stark contrast to the heat and noise of the party. Olivia led the way to a quiet corner of the campus, a small bench under a canopy of trees. Alex followed, his long strides matching her quick, confident pace. She sat down first, patting the spot beside her with a playful smirk.
"Come on, Mr. Football Star. I promise I don't bite," she teased.
Alex chuckled softly, sitting a safe distance away. "I've heard that before," he said, glancing at her. "But somehow, I don't fully believe you."
Olivia laughed, leaning back against the bench. "Fair enough. I can be... intense sometimes. But I'm harmless, I swear."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the distant hum of the party fading into the background. Olivia tilted her head, studying Alex with curiosity.
"So, do you always avoid parties, or was tonight special?" she asked.
"I don't avoid them," Alex said, his tone even. "I just don't see the point most of the time. My schedule's tight—practice, classes, family. Not much room for... this."
"This," Olivia repeated with a grin, gesturing toward the invisible chaos of the party. "You mean fun?"
"I have fun," Alex replied, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "It just looks different."
"Oh, let me guess," Olivia said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Your idea of fun is watching game tapes and lifting weights."
"Close," Alex admitted. "I like movies too. And football's not just work for me—I enjoy it."
Olivia nodded, intrigued by his honesty. "That's fair. But don't you ever feel like you're missing out? College is supposed to be the time to... explore, experiment, live a little."
Alex met her gaze, his crystal-blue eyes steady. "I'm living. Just... in my own way."
His answer surprised her. Olivia was used to people who either glorified or resented her carefree lifestyle, but Alex seemed genuinely content with his own choices. She respected that, even if it was the polar opposite of her own approach to life.
"What about you?" Alex asked, turning the conversation. "Do you ever slow down?"
"Not really," Olivia admitted, her smile softening. "Slowing down isn't my style. There's too much to see, too much to do."
"Like painting?" Alex prompted.
Her eyes lit up. "Exactly. Painting is my way of processing it all—the chaos, the emotions, the things I can't put into words."
"I'd like to see your work sometime," Alex said, his voice sincere.
Olivia tilted her head, studying him again. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
"Maybe," Alex replied, leaning back against the bench. "You just have to stick around long enough to find out."
They stayed there for a while, their conversation shifting from light teasing to more personal topics. Olivia told him about her family, their wealth, and the expectations that came with it. Alex listened intently, sharing snippets about his own family—his younger brother's dreams, his parents' sacrifices.
For the first time in a long while, Olivia felt seen, not just admired. And for Alex, it was refreshing to talk to someone outside his usual circle.
When they finally stood to leave, Olivia turned to him with a mischievous smile. "You know, Alex, I think you might actually be fun."
"And I think you might actually be trouble," Alex countered, his voice light but warm.
"Maybe," Olivia said, her smile widening. "Guess we'll find out."