The morning was clear, with that gentle sun that didn't burn but still woke you up. The university, however, maintained its usual frantic pace students rushing with coffee in hand, dark circles under their eyes.
Saval and Semiel exited the literature building speaking softly, as if the outside noise couldn't touch them.
—See that guy who walked into class hugging a pillow? —Saval laughed, adjusting his backpack.
—Legend says he hasn't slept since April, —Semiel rolled his eyes—. David probably diagnosed him from across the room.
—Yeah. Classic "I-should-be-studying-but-don't-want-to" disorder.
They laughed together—not loud or obnoxious, but genuine. Saval noticed how walking beside Semiel had become easy again. Not like before exactly, but something new that felt just as natural.
—What's the plan for tomorrow's stream? —Semiel raised an eyebrow.
—Thought about revisiting Minecraft, but... —Saval shrugged— Wanna team up instead?
—Doing what?
—I don't know. Elden Ring?
Semiel stopped walking.
—Elden Ring? The game you hate? The one you called "crying in slow motion"?
—That's the one. Might hurt less with you there, —Saval grinned.
Semiel nudged him with his shoulder.
—It'll hurt the same. But fine. Me with spells, you with a greatsword.
—Or me with the greatsword while you run away.
—As usual.
They continued walking, slower now. No rush. Around them, campus buzzed with chatter and footsteps. But between them, everything felt different.
—Did you have fun yesterday? —Semiel asked, voice lowering slightly.
Saval looked at him, smile smaller but sincere.
—Yeah. Really fun. It was... nice.
Semiel glanced down. Something about how Saval said "nice" made his chest flutter.
—I liked it too, —he admitted, still not meeting his eyes.
They passed the central fountain where students practiced a dance routine. Saval watched absently.
Semiel only watched him.
He thought about their intertwined fingers in the theater, the comfortable silence, the shared breaths without words. Thought about how since last night he hadn't stopped wanting to kiss him again.
What do you do when you want something so much it scares you? he'd wondered at 3 AM.
No answer came. Just more wanting.
Saval had questions too. Not big or philosophical. Small ones that tickled from within.
Is it okay to feel like this? Is it okay to want him like this?
Because he did want him. Gently, without demands. In jokes and games, during slow walks and long glances.
And right now, he wanted him closer.
—Wanna stop by the coffee? —he broke the silence.
Semiel shook his head with a smile.
—No. Rather keep walking with you.
They continued toward the exit, skirting the main garden. Semiel shoved his hands in pockets. Saval pulled out a doodle Mia had made during class—him as a grass-type Pokémon labeled "Anxiety Level 2."
—Look, I'm plant-type now.
Semiel laughed, but his pulse raced.
He knew if he didn't do it now, he never would. The sunlight, the moment, the air everything whispered this is okay.
He stopped walking.
Saval halted too, confused.
—Something wrong?
Semiel looked directly at him. His eyes trembled slightly.
—Can I?
Saval studied him for a second. His chest tightened—not from fear but something else. He nodded slowly.
—Yeah, —he murmured.
And in that instant, Semiel leaned in and kissed him.
Brief. Slow. Just a soft brush. But enough to make the world stop spinning.
When they parted, Saval didn't speak. Just looked at him. His cheeks burned, but he didn't look away.
Neither did Semiel.
And without words, they both knew—they'd crossed something. Not an ending.
Just a beginning.