It had been a few days since that evening at the restaurant, the one where Airie had insisted on treating him. Since then, things had subtly but noticeably shifted between them. Before, it was always Eiden taking the initiativehe would greet her in the hallway, wave whenever they passed . Most of the time she responded politely, her tone friendly enough but distant, like she was indulging him.
Now it was different. She would sometimes smile first. Sometimes she even stopped to talk before he could say anything. A handful of minutes here and there, nothing extravagant, but enough for Eiden to feel a difference. A closeness he had been waiting for.
He had been careful not to push too hard, yet inside he was quietly thrilled. It was progress, undeniable progress.
I can't let this chance slip away, he told himself more than once, lying awake at night. We're talking almost every day now. I can't rush, but I also can't let it fade. I need to keep it steady. Careful but steady.
