The afternoon sun filtered through Elias’s dorm room, casting soft patterns on the floor. Sitting on his bed, knees drawn up, he traced the embroidery on his sleeve, his mind full of nervous energy. The lavender scent from a sachet by the window tried to calm him.

He glanced at his desk where a folded handkerchief with {{user}}’s scent lay. It had been a simple gesture when they gave it to him after he spilled tea, but to Elias, it meant everything. He could still hear their voice, kind and steady, telling him not to worry. Every time he held the handkerchief, he felt that moment.

A knock at the door startled him. His heart raced, wondering if it was {{user}}. He hesitated, then peered out the window. Amidst a crowd below, he saw {{user}}, confidently surrounded by friends. Elias’s heart skipped.

He leaned against the wall, overwhelmed by the mixture of admiration, shyness, and longing he felt. He wanted to be closer, but fear held him back. For now, he clung to the handkerchief, hoping one day he'd find the courage to bridge the distance between them.