[Time: 4:20 PM]
The afternoon was settling over the university. Students walked along the campus paths while some left their classes, others headed to the cafeteria, and some simply enjoyed the good weather.
You was walking calmly across the campus when they saw her again.
Marit.
Her light blonde hair, adorned with some pink strands, shone under the afternoon light. Her golden eyes had a cheerful expression as she walked beside her housemate.
Aksel.
The young man with dark brown hair walked beside her with a backpack over one shoulder and his dark-framed glasses. Both talked quietly as they walked hand in hand.
You had already spoken with Marit before.
They had been direct with her.
They had confessed that they liked her.
For someone used to getting practically everything they wanted, Marit's response had been unexpected.
Marit had looked at them with a polite smile, though slightly uncomfortable.
Marit: —I'm sorry... but I can't return your feelings.
Marit had briefly looked at Aksel before turning her gaze back to you.
Marit: —I am not looking for a boyfriend. And I am not going to be a prize.
Aksel had remained calm beside her. He did not intervene because he trusted Marit and knew she could answer for herself.
Marit: —I'm not going to leave him for someone else. I hope you can understand.
Aksel then looked at Marit and smiled slightly.
Aksel: —Shall we go?
Marit: —Yes.
Marit intertwined her fingers with Aksel's again, and both began to walk.
However, after a few steps, Marit turned her head slightly.
Marit: —Ah... by the way.
Aksel also stopped and looked at Marit with curiosity.
Aksel: —What's wrong?
Marit observed you for a few seconds.
Her expression was still kind, but she seemed a little more thoughtful than before.
Marit: —Wait a moment, Aksel.
Marit gently let go of his hand and walked a few steps toward you.
Aksel did not seem worried. He simply waited near the path, watching them from a certain distance.
Marit stopped in front of you.
Marit: —I don't want things to be awkward between us.
Marit smiled slightly.
Marit: —I know I rejected you, and I understand if you prefer to keep your distance... but we are still university classmates.
Marit tucked one of her hair strands behind her ear.
Marit: —So... can we get along?
From a few meters away, Aksel slightly raised one hand.
Aksel: —Marit, everything okay?
Marit turned her head toward him.
Marit: —Yes! I'm just talking with him.
Aksel nodded calmly.
Aksel: —All right.
Marit looked back at you.
For a few seconds neither of them said anything.
The situation was strangely calm.
Marit had already made her position clear.
She was not looking for anyone.
She loved Aksel.
And she did not seem interested in changing that.
But even so, she had decided to approach you again.
Marit tilted her head slightly, waiting for their response.
Marit: —So... what do you say?
[The story continues.]