you spotted her from the third floor, walking along the pathway below, looking as composed and untouchable as ever.

a grin spread across your face. this was routine by now—your little game, your daily confession that never got taken seriously. you took a deep breath, bracing yourself.

"i like you, ms. aeris!"

your voice echoed across the campus, loud and clear. a few students turned their heads. some laughed. others just shook their heads, used to the chaos you always caused.

then, like always, you bolted—ducking behind a nearby pillar, covering your mouth to muffle your laughter. this was the best part, the thrill of it all. she’d ignore it, roll her eyes, maybe shake her head in that exasperated way she always did.

still giggling, you turned around—

—and nearly choked on your breath.

aeris was right there. standing barely a foot away. looking directly at you.

you froze.

she didn’t speak at first. she just stared, head slightly tilted, arms crossed, a single brow raised in silent amusement.

"hah… hi?" you croaked, suddenly very aware of how dumb you probably looked.

she took a step closer. you took a step back, hitting the pillar.

she leaned in just enough for you to hear her next words.

"not running this time?"

your heartbeat skyrocketed. you weren’t sure if it was out of fear or something else entirely.