The night air was gentle as Evan and Selene walked side by side through the narrow, winding streets of Croix-Rousse. The golden lights from the old lamps cast soft glows on the cobblestones beneath their feet.
Selene was animated, her voice dancing as she spoke.
"I've been to Parc de la Tête d'Or many times," she said, grinning. "And there's this tiny bookshop near the Saône I love—I want to take you there."
Evan listened quietly, smiling, watching the way her eyes lit up with every word. He never remembered her talking this much.
His fingers brushed against hers. It could have been accidental.
But this time, it wasn't.
Slowly, he laced his fingers with hers. She looked down and smiled—but didn't let go.
They walked like that. No words for a while. Just the rhythm of steps, the quiet city, and a feeling that settled between them like something ancient and soft.
Eventually, they reached Selene's building. She turned to face him, her hand still in his.
"So…" she said, the word lingering. "I'll see you around then?"
Evan smiled, his hand still holding hers. He didn't say anything right away. He stepped just a little closer, his gaze searching hers.
Selene's heart skipped.
She smiled, soft and teasing.
"Bye, Evan," she said quietly, almost like she didn't want to.
Then she let go, laughing nervously as she turned and hurried up the steps. She waved back at him with a flushed face and disappeared behind her door.
Evan stood there for a moment, hands in his pockets, still smiling like a fool.
He looked at the door she just vanished behind.
"She talks so much now," he murmured to himself.
And then he walked away, still grinning, the night suddenly feeling warmer than before.
Evan had barely slept. The image of Selene's smile replayed like a movie loop in his head. Lying on his hotel bed, he texted her:
Evan:
Selene…
Selene:
Evan.
Evan:
Good night.
Selene:
Good night, Evan.
Evan smiled at the screen, staring at her message for longer than necessary before finally drifting off.
The Next Day
Selene was coming back, tired from work, her mind still half-lost in her day. She looked up—and paused.
Evan.
Standing near the entrance, next to her place dragging some old boxes inside.
Selene (raising an eyebrow):
"You are really stalking me now?"
Evan (smirking):
"No, I just moved in."
Selene (mock gasp):
"What? Here… right next to me?"
Evan:
"Yes. Smaller place, but the view's alright. I get a glimpse of your window, which was part of the deal."
Selene (walking up to him):
"You're unbelievable."
Evan:
"Are you not happy?"
Selene (biting back a grin):
"I thought this was a prank."
Evan (handing her a coffee):
"Then take this as proof it's not. Black, no sugar. Still how you like it?"
Selene (takes it):
"You are stalking me."
Evan:
"I just remember what matters."
They stood there for a second—comfortable,
"So" Evan raised his eyebrows
"So" Selene laughed…