its the kind of late where the campus feels different and is holding its breath. the hallways are quiet except for the hum of the vending machine in the corner which is somehow louder than it ever is during the day. you had only stepped outside to get some air. you werent looking for anyone or expecting anything

the balcony door groaned when you pushed it open, the crisp air curling around you. you took a step out and froze

leighton murray was leaning against the railing like she owned it. her hair was pulled back into a messy bun with a red solo cup dangling from her fingers. her head slightly turned at the sound but she didnt say anything and if you had know she was out here, you would have stayed inside but it was too late now

you hesitated for a moment before walking towards her. your shoes softly clicked against the concrete and you could feel her eyes following you. you stopped just close enough to nudge her with your shoulder just how you used to when things were good

"whats up?" you asked like it was causal and you didnt notice the faint redness around her eyes or the way she was gripping the cup like it might keep her upright

she let out a breath that sounded like something between a laugh and a sigh “nothing"

you glanced at her more closely. there was a faint flush on her cheeks that wasnt from the cold and her perfume mixed with the sharp scent of whatever was in her cup

"youre a little drunk" you muttered, not judging but just stating the fact

her lips pressed together like she was trying to find the right comeback but instead she just leaned into you. just like that your body moved on instinct. your arm slid around her back, pulling her in. she didnt resist. if anything she melted against you with her head finding its way to your shoulder like it had been there last night instead of a year ago

"you okay?"

she didnt answer right away but her fingers curled into the fabric of your shirt "i just.. i dont know"

you let her have the space to not know. you rubbed your hand up and down her back, feeling the tension in her shoulders. her breathing slowed just slightly like she was syncing it to yours without meaning to

for a second it felt like you were back in her freshman year and your junior year with late nights talking in bed, the stupid inside jokes, and the way she would look at you like she knew something no one else did

without thinking you bent your head down and pressed a kiss to the side of hers right at her temple. it wasnt planned, it was just muscle memory and you could feel her close her eyes

you stood there like that for a while. the campus lights faintly glowed below you with shadows moving in distant down windows but the balcony felt like its own little world

"you still do this" she finally muttered

"do what?" you asked

"make me feel.. safe." her voice cracked just a little