Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 75 – The Weight of Realization

Evelyn had never been more distracted in her life.

Her textbooks lay open on her desk, highlighters uncapped, notes half-written—but none of it made sense. Words blurred together, and numbers became meaningless scribbles. Because her mind wasn't in the present. It was stuck somewhere else, tangled in emotions she wasn't sure she was ready to face.

You're annoying, you know that?

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Yeah, yeah. But you like me anyway.

Adrian's voice replayed in her head like a song on repeat, making her stomach twist and her heart trip over itself. She knew the truth now. Knew what had been lingering between them for so long, just beneath the surface. But knowing and accepting were two very different things.

A knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. Claire didn't wait for an invitation before stepping in.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

Evelyn groaned, rubbing her temples. "I think my brain is broken."

Claire plopped onto the bed, propping herself up on one elbow. "Is it because of him?"

Evelyn gave her a flat look. "You don't even know what I was thinking about."

Claire smirked. "Oh, I know."

With a defeated sigh, Evelyn dropped her head onto her desk. "It's getting worse."

Claire's expression softened. "Yeah?"

"I can't stop thinking about him. And not just in a friendly way. It's like... every little thing reminds me of him. And when I'm not with him, I miss him. And when I am with him, I get this stupid feeling in my stomach like—"

"Like butterflies?" Claire supplied, grinning.

Evelyn groaned. "Shut up."

Claire sat up, looking entirely too pleased. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

Evelyn blinked. "Do?"

Claire stared at her like she had grown a second head. "Uh, yeah. You can't just sit on this forever, Evie."

Evelyn hesitated. The thought of confessing, of putting her feelings into words, was terrifying. Because once it was out there, there would be no taking it back.

But wasn't that exactly what she wanted?

Adrian's Own Struggle

Adrian had never been one to hesitate.

He lived his life with confidence, making decisions on instinct. But when it came to Evelyn, everything was different. Every look, every touch, every unspoken moment between them—it all carried weight. And now, the realization of what she meant to him was impossible to ignore.

He sat on the campus rooftop, staring out at the city lights, trying to make sense of the mess in his head. He had always known he cared about her. But now, he knew the truth.

He was in love with her.

The thought alone sent a rush of adrenaline through him, equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. Because this wasn't some fleeting crush. It wasn't something he could just laugh off. It was her. And he didn't want to screw it up.

His phone buzzed beside him—a message from Evelyn.

Evelyn: Are you busy?

Adrian stared at the screen for a moment before replying.

Adrian: Never too busy for you. What's up?

A pause. Then—

Evelyn: Can we talk?

His heart kicked against his ribs.

Adrian: Always. Where do you want to meet?

Evelyn: The rooftop. In 10?

Adrian exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. This is it.

Adrian: See you soon.

As he stood, he felt it deep in his bones—something was about to change.

And this time, he was ready for it.