The weight of Mia's suggestion lingered in Evelyn's mind long after they left the café.
The thought of entering the campus art showcase was overwhelming, terrifying even. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized something.
she wasn't dismissing it outright like she normally would have.
That scared her just as much as the idea itself.
Lying in bed that night, she stared at the ceiling, her thoughts tangled.
Could she really put herself out there like that? Was she ready?
And why did Adrian's voice—so full of certainty—keep echoing in her head?
---
The next morning, she found herself in the art studio again.
She hadn't planned on coming, but somehow, her feet had led her there.
The painting sat in front of her, unfinished, waiting. It was a mirror of herself—half-formed, uncertain, hesitant to take up space.
Evelyn swallowed hard, gripping the brush in her fingers.
She could walk away. No one would judge her if she did.
But something inside her refused to.
Taking a deep breath, she dipped the brush into the paint and began again.
---
Days passed, and her painting slowly took shape.
Adrian and Mia checked in often, always encouraging her without pushing too hard. It was a strange feeling—being supported without pressure.
It made her want to try, just to see what would happen.
Then, one evening, Adrian showed up at her dorm, leaning against the doorway with an easy smile.
"Are you doing it?"
he asked as if the answer was obvious.
Evelyn hesitated.
"I don't know."
He folded his arms.
"Then let me rephrase. Do you want to?"
That was the real question, wasn't it? She wasn't sure if she wanted to be seen, but… she didn't want to hide anymore, either.
Evelyn looked down at her hands.
"I think so."
Adrian grinned.
"Then that's your answer."
She exhaled.
"But what if—"
"Nope,"
he cut her off.
"No 'what ifs.' No doubts. Just do it for yourself."
She bit her lip.
He made it sound so simple.
Maybe it was.
---
That weekend, Evelyn found herself standing in front of the event registration desk, heart pounding.
Mia was beside her, practically vibrating with excitement, and Adrian stood slightly behind, his presence solid and unwavering.
"You got this,"
he murmured.
Evelyn took a deep breath and stepped forward.