Writing Challenge - Day 14

Chapter 10 - A Flicker of Something Else

Eile had come a long way since her first days at university. The isolation that once wrapped around her like fog had begun to lift, replaced by something warmer—a quiet belonging. Her circle of friends understood her silences. They didn’t ask her to be more than she was. And though the feeling of being out of place never fully disappeared, she no longer felt like a stranger in her own story.

Yet, despite everything, there was still a flicker of something missing—an unspoken longing for something more.

It wasn’t until Valentine’s Day that she was reminded of the feeling. It was a quiet kind of day, one she had never particularly celebrated but often found herself scrolling through messages, sending out “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts to her friends—a small gesture to keep up with the world. She was starting to branch out a bit, learning to text people first, something that had once felt intimidating but was now becoming a habit.

One text, though, was different.

“Happy Valentine’s Day! Appreciate the text. I actually looked up the history of today—it’s kind of wild. Every holiday has its origin, but these days it just feels like marketing, right? But hey, that’s coming from someone who’s been single for three years, hahaha.”

It was from Henry, a guy from her classes. He had first caught her attention shortly after she met the girls. He was loud and had a confident presence, which stood in sharp contrast to her quiet demeanor. When she first saw him and heard him speak, she had been reminded of the jocks from high school—outspoken, smart, into sports, and always the center of attention. He was the kind of guy who seemed ready to put himself out there without a second thought.

Eile laughed to herself. Yeah, she understood what it felt like to be single—maybe a little too well. She saw the three dots on the screen before he replied again.

“You’re right. Life is just getting fun, lol. So can you explain more to me about what you were saying in class the other day? I would love to hear more about it. Maybe see some of your designs.”

Eile tilted her head, eyes lingering on the screen. It felt strange—disorienting even—that someone had actually listened. Not just heard her voice in the air, but remembered it. Wanted more of it. That kind of attention wasn’t something she was used to.

She texted him back.

“Yeah, I’m into graphic design. My stuff isn’t any good, though.”

She wasn’t originally into graphic design, but she didn’t want to tell anyone that she was into writing and had once dreamed of being a copywriter. She was afraid that she really wouldn’t be taken seriously—that people would say she didn’t belong.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Seriously. Forget what anyone else thinks. Your opinion’s the one that matters—the rest is just feedback and growth. How about you send me some stuff? I would love to see it.”

She smiled slightly. She went to her gallery and looked through her recent work. After a moment of hesitation, she sent a few pieces over. Her heart stuttered as the three dots blinked, disappeared, then returned—like he was unsure how to phrase whatever was coming next.

“Are you kidding me?!?! These are awesome! I love the color coordination.”

Her smile stretched wider. Relief flooded through her like sunlight through a crack.

“Thank you.”

“If you wanted, I would love to meet somewhere today! Just talk and hang.”

She found herself intrigued. This would be the first time they actually spent time together—her first time spending time with a guy one-on-one at all. That thought alone sent a ripple of nerves through her. But she wasn’t put off by the idea. It wasn’t like she had plans anyway. She stared at the screen. Her thumb hovered. This wasn’t like her. But something in his message—something warm and easy—made her want to say yes.

“Sure, I’d love to.”

“Let me ask, what are you in the mood for? Fancy, chill, fast food?”

She thought for a moment.

“Let’s do something chill. You can choose the food. I don’t have a preference right now.”

“Okay, how’s this? I can pick you up at your place. We can walk around outside after.”

“Sure.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

She took a breath, nerves dancing in her chest, and stood to get ready.

…

Henry arrived about thirty minutes later. He greeted her with a smile that was warm and easy.

“So, have any idea where we’re going?” Eile asked, raising a brow at him.

His smile turned mischievous. “Maybe. Or maybe we’ll just come across something.”

Eile squinted at him, unimpressed. “That’s not an answer.”

Henry chuckled softly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. His gaze drifted down briefly. She wore jeans and a flowy top, her hair tied into two loose braids.

They soon arrived downtown. As they wandered through the streets, passing cozy shops and restaurants, Eile paused in front of a small bistro, drawn in by the vibrant flowers blooming in pots beneath the windows.

Henry noticed.

Without a word, he gently guided her inside. The scent of fresh herbs and baking bread greeted them as they stepped in, soft music spilling from hidden speakers.

Eile looked up at him in slight confusion.

“Hi, can we get a table for two?” Henry asked the host.

“Sure. Inside or outside?” she asked, grabbing two menus.

“Outside, please,” he replied.

The host smiled and led them to a small table on the patio.

The bistro was a cozy yet slightly upscale spot, the perfect blend of casual and formal. Henry pulled out her chair before settling across from her.

The morning started with small talk and casual conversation—how their weeks were going, why they chose their majors, their dreams for the future. It was easy. Uncomplicated. And when they laughed, it wasn’t polite—it was real.

Eile laughed loud and unfiltered, the kind that tugged at the corners of her eyes and surprised her with its freedom. For the first time in a long while, she laughed until tears welled. Her smile stretched wide, and so did his. She wondered if she was smiling too much, or talking too little. But every time she looked up, he was still smiling—steady, unrushed, like he wasn’t expecting her to be anyone else.

“I’m glad we did this,” Henry said as they sipped their drinks, the quiet hum of the bistro wrapping around them like a blanket. A chill in the wind made Eile tug her jacket closer.

She looked down for a second, then back up. “Yeah, I’m glad we did this too.”

Later, they continued walking around before stopping at a nearby coffee shop. The warmth of the drinks contrasted against the cool, crisp air. Around them, couples laughed and talked, but Eile felt oddly untouched by it all—content in the moment.

“So,” Eile said, lifting a brow with a teasing grin, “even though this is just a super casual, no-pressure, definitely-not-a-date hangout… still not a fan of Valentine’s Day?”

Henry smirked, leaning back slightly. “Oh, ‘I guess today wasn’t so bad,’” he said with an exaggerated sigh, mimicking himself like he was quoting a tragic poem.

Eile laughed, eyes crinkling. “Hahaha, sure.”

He bumped her shoulder gently. She nudged him back without thinking.

“Okay, okay,” he said, rising to his feet and brushing his hands together. “We should get some work done before we lose all motivation. C’mon. Library time.”

He grabbed her wrist and led her toward the car. Eile laughed and followed. Work felt like the last thing on her mind, but beside him, even that felt easier.

They spent the afternoon at the library, working side by side. Eile was surprised at how natural it felt—not having to fill every silence, not needing to be impressive. It was just… peaceful.

By the time the sun dipped low, they were eating sushi at a place Henry swore by. They sat across from each other, talking about everything and nothing, letting the day wind down around them.

When it was over, Henry drove her home. He didn’t rush the goodbye.

“I had a good time today,” he said, smile soft. “Thank you for making my Valentine’s Day special.”

“Me too,” she replied, just as softly, her heart a little heavier than usual—as if something inside her had quietly shifted.

As she walked inside, Eile considered texting him. Good night. Let’s do this again. Something simple.

But she didn’t.

The day had been unexpectedly warm. Even wonderful. There was a glow in her chest that lingered—but also a quiet uncertainty.

Something had shifted.

It wasn’t just about him. It was about being seen—really seen—for the first time in a long time. And that scared her more than she wanted to admit.

It was too early to call it anything—too soon for labels or meaning—but she could feel the current pulling her forward. Quiet, steady, undeniable. A direction she hadn’t chosen, but one she couldn’t seem to resist.

Maybe it was the way Henry saw her—the way he believed in her work without needing an explanation. Or maybe it was just the quiet safety of being beside someone who didn’t expect her to be louder, bolder, more.

Whatever it was, it was more than a flicker.

And it scared her, because she could feel it catching.

It was something more.

Something she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

xoxo, @auroxisia_

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