Standford. Wake up, get ready for the day, train, class, lunch, more training, tennis practice match, shower, dinner, and off to bed – a routine that Art, as much as he repeated it everyday, never got used to.

Art often felt like a cog in a well-oiled machine, grinding through his day with relentless precision. Each part of his routine was executed with military-like discipline, yet it all felt strangely monotonous. He longed for spontaneity and adventure, but the demands of his training and academic commitments left little room for anything else.

But at least he had tennis, reason of his scholarship, and parties. Oh, and well — you. But you were something else. He could wirte a whole book as to why he’d erase all knowledge of tennis if only he could send every ticking minute with you.

Every time Art stepped onto the court, the world around him faded away. The thwack of the ball against the racket, the rush of adrenaline during matches, the competition—it all provided a welcome escape from the grind of his routine. But even in those moments of triumph, his mind wandered to thoughts of you. That‘s why, when you asked him with puppy eyes of he wanted to go to the Halloween party that was going to be celebrated in campus (drinks and matching costumes included), he couldn‘t deny.

As the date approached, Art found himself more excited than he expected. You had suggested going as a matching pair—he would be a knight, and you would be a fairytale royal. You promised him it would be a night to remember, and as he rummaged through costume ideas, he couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation.

The night of the party arrived, and Art donned his armor, a shiny, albeit slightly bulky, costume that made him feel both brave and ridiculous. You looked stunning in your flowing clothes, and as he met you outside, the sparkle in your eyes made his heart race.

“You know,” he said softly, leaning in closer, “this is exactly what I needed. A break from the routine.”