Nights passed in the blink of an eye.
Since that nightfall, Rhett had kept things simple—simple and sensual. The kiss lingered like a memory etched on skin.
They're always together now. Sometimes he walks her to college, sometimes they ride on his adventure tourer bike, the wind carrying shared silences and stolen glances between them.
Each morning, he stands by the campus gate, soaking in fleeting moments—saving them like keepsakes for the days ahead, just in case fate turns cruel.
He fears the day Neva might no longer want him by her side.
But that's a pain of magnifying the probing.
And Rhett has no intention of ruining the now.
He has all his meals at her place. He calls her hands magical—and honestly, he doesn't want to eat any other way anymore.
Neva still changes his bandages, even though the stitches were removed days ago. He insists. She doesn't resist. Her idyllic feelings for him grow quietly, steadily.
Apart from her lectures, studies, and the nights they spend apart, they're practically inseparable.
He even accompanies her during her 'me-time'—music, reading, baking, all the soft corners of her world she's begun to show him.
Now and then, he catches her singing beautifully to herself and wonders—will she ever sing him to sleep?
Rhett wrapped in her warmth, somehow, somewhere inside, he dares not hope too much.
He fears the love he feels might still be one-sided.
He realizes—he can't bear the thought of not seeing her.
---
"No, I'm not going." Neva declares, a laundry basket in her hands as she walks out to the balcony, stepping into the flame of the noon sun.
"It's cold outside, and I'm going to a soccer match this evening," she adds, reluctant to give in to Rhett's plan of hanging out.
"Where?" he asks, clearly not thrilled.
"On campus," she replies, gathering the sun-dried laundry into the basket.
"Oh, like it's any warmer there?" Rhett retorts.
"Come on, Angel. The sunset on the beach is spectacular!" he pleads, trailing behind her like a child begging for a toy.
Neva straightens up and places her hands on her hips. She stares at him.
"This time of year, on your bike, to the beach? You want me to get sick, don't you?" she says, raising an eyebrow.
Rhett gasps theatrically. "How could I let you get sick? I'll rent a car if you want!"
Neva sighs and shakes her head. "It's not that. I promised Emma I'd watch the match with her. If I go with you, I'll miss it."
"You just want to check out those athletes, don't you?!" Rhett accuses with mock jealousy.
Neva laughs. "What goes on in that tiny head of yours?" she teases, glancing at him over her shoulder.
"I'm right, aren't I? Fine—don't bother with me. I'm just a nobody," he sulks, arms crossed, lips pouty.
Neva chuckles to herself.
This big man can be this adorable too? she wonders, hiding her smile.
"Fine, Mr. Babyboy. I'll go watch the sunset with you—on your bike," she says, picking up the basket.
Rhett's eyes light up, cheeks turning a soft pink from the nickname.
He follows her in triumph.
"But on one condition," she adds, stopping.
"I'll go after an hour of the match. What do you say?"
"Where am I going to meet you? What if you ditch me?" he challenges, plopping down beside her on the floor.
"You'll come with me, of course. Or… do you not want to?" she asks, eyeing him sideways.
"Me? With you on campus? Okay!" Rhett grins.
---
Later that evening, Rhett comes to pick her up—plain white t-shirt, black jeans, and a leather jacket.
Neva wears a green high-waisted plaid skirt with black stockings, a coquette blouse under a warm jacket. She looks effortlessly enchanting.
They reach campus in time.
Emma's already waiting. Neva links arms with her, pulling Rhett along.
The match begins. Neva's completely immersed, cheering, smiling, glowing in the stadium lights.
Beside her, Rhett sips his cola and flares his nostrils in mild jealousy.
She's enchanted by the players—admiring every powerful strike, every charismatic move.
Rhett can't help but glare at the field, imagining invisible daggers aimed at the 'homewreckers.'
Neva, caught in her colorful little bubble, barely notices him.
She's having the time of her life, Rhett thinks bitterly.
Eventually, he crushes the cola can and checks the time. Five o'clock—their deal. He pokes Neva's shoulder.
"What?" she asks, still riding the high of the match.
"It's almost time, Angel. Shall we go?"
"Already?" Her face falls.
She's having fun. She doesn't want to leave yet.
Rhett's heart sinks.
"It's alright. We can watch the sunset another time," he says, forcing a smile.
"Really?" she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty and relief.
Rhett chuckles softly. Defeated.
What did he expect?
That their time together meant something more to her? That she might… feel the same?
As she turns her attention back to the match, her profile glowing in the lights, he feels a weight pressing on his chest.
Maybe it was always just him.
---
"Are you ditching me?"
He's mid-way through putting on his helmet when her voice stops him.
He turns. There she is—Neva, standing by the bike, leather jacket draped over her arm, eyes narrowed.
"Helmet," she says, holding out her hand expectantly.
He breaks from his daze and hands it over. He doesn't meet her eyes, but a smile tugs at his lips.
"Let's go," Neva says, hopping on the back. She taps his shoulder.
Rhett nods, then reaches back to guide her arms around his waist.
His chest blooms with warmth as they speed toward the beach—toward their little escape.
---
At the beach, the twilight paints the sky in soft glows.
The crashing waves reflect streaks of lavender, gold, and tangerine.
Far from the screaming crowds and bright lights of the match, everything feels calm.
Neva takes in the serenity, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
Rhett watches her. The breeze plays with her wavy hair. She looks so serene, so achingly beautiful.
He feels his heart bloom and ache all at once. He's never felt this way before—like he's found his haven.
He reaches for her hand. Their fingers intertwine.
Neva looks up at him, then down at their joined hands. She rests their entwined fingers on his knuckles.
He threads their eyes together—her smile mirroring his own. Their hearts beat in quiet rhythm.
"Neva…" he breathes.
"Hm?" she asks, curious, her eyes flickering from the sunset to his gaze.
Her wonder makes him laugh softly.
She frowns, puzzled, then brushes her cheek. "Is there something on my face?"
Rhett catches her hand and intertwines their fingers again.
He presses kisses to the backs of both her hands.
With a smile full of honey and hope, he murmurs:
"It's just…
I'm feeling luckier than ever.
I'm falling harder than ever."