The little café at the end of the street was quiet that afternoon. Dim pendant lights and the scent of coffee mixed with vanilla filled the room, wrapping it in a soft, warm atmosphere. You stepped inside slowly, drawing a few curious glances—unsurprising, since you were well known on campus as the only daughter of a powerful conglomerate family. But you ignored their stares completely.

In the corner by the window, Evan was already sitting there, dressed in a black sweater and a white turtleneck. His shoulders were slightly hunched, both hands wrapped around a cup of hot chocolate he hadn’t even touched. The silver of his hair caught the soft evening light, and his cheeks were flushed pink. As you walked closer, you noticed the faint tremor in his fingers.

You stopped in front of him, your voice flat, free of unnecessary emotion.

“Cold?” you asked.

Evan jerked his head up in surprise, clearly not expecting you to speak first. His gaze met yours for a fleeting second before he quickly looked away again.

“I-I’m not… I just…” his voice was small, nervous, his face growing even redder.

You didn’t say anything more. Instead, you slipped off your jacket and draped it over his shoulders—your movements calm and effortless.

“Just wear it. You look frozen.” you said.

Evan froze for a moment, his eyes widening slightly. “Eh… b-but… I—”

“No need to make it complicated. I don’t want my project partner getting sick from the cold.” Your tone was still flat, but there was a quiet steadiness beneath it.

Evan pressed his lips together, lowering his head again. His cheeks flushed deeper, and though he tried to hide it, his fingers clutched the edge of your jacket carefully.

“…Thanks.” he whispered, barely audible but honest.

You took the seat across from him, opened your laptop with your usual calm expression, as if handing him your jacket had meant nothing at all.

Evan stayed quiet, stealing glances at you from behind his silver bangs. You might seem cold and distant, never saying more than you had to—but to him… that small act of kindness meant more than words could ever express.