Chapter 5 A COFFEE DATE

The sun was hanging low in the sky with its golden colours as i walk beside Nath. The hustle and bustle of students with laughter fill the air. We had just left the hall and we both decided to walk around as we enjoyed each others company. I enjoy these moments of being around him. this way we could talk about anything and everything or sometimes nothing at all.

''Did you understand anything in the statistics class today?'' Nath asked me his eyes sparkling.

I chuckled, shaking my head ''Not a word. Sometimes i just nod along to look smart. besides i was asleep in today's class''

Nath laughed and his laughter was like music to my ears. ''You are smarter than you think Ava. You need to learn to give yourself more credit than . Just because you do not understand does not make you more intelligent''.

I felt my cheeks become warm at his compliment. ''Thanks, but i do wish i could take everything in like a sponge without forgetting, but instead it is not like that, i always feel like i am drowning.''

he nudged my shoulders playfully. ''you will get it. Just take a few late night study sessions or spontaneous road trips to clear your head.

He nudged me playfully with his shoulder. "You'll get it. Just

takes a bit of time and maybe a few late-night study sessions...

or, you know, spontaneous road trips."

''AH yes, that would be nice, the perfect study method,'' I said with a grin. Getting lost in the middle of nowhere instead of getting lost in the books.''

We rounded a corner, and I took a moment to admire the way the sun before i continued. ''speaking of spontaneous, i do have a challenge for you,'' I said grinning from ear to ear and turning to him with a playful glint in my eyes.

''oh? He raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

I took a deep breath, feeling a rush of boldness. "Kiss me."

The words slipped out before I could even register what I was saying. I half expected him to laugh it off because of the raction i gave when he did it in front of our friends, but instead, his expression shifted. His gaze locked onto mine, and in that moment, I could see the wheels turning in his head.

"A kiss? Just like that?" he asked, a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Yeah, why not?."

A moment stretched between us, heavy and electric. I held my breath, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through me.

Was I really putting myself out there like this?

Nath took a step closer, and I felt my heart race. "Okay. But you

asked for it this time around."

Before I could process his words, he leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. It was soft and tentative at first, a gentle exploration, but then it deepened, and I felt the warmth radiating from him. My mind went blank, and all the noise of the world

faded away. I was surprised, thrilled, and utterly lost in that moment.

Just as quickly as it began, it ended. He pulled back, a smirk playing on his lips, clearly pleased with himself.

"Wow," I breathed, still in a daze. "I... didn't expect you to actually

do it."

"Neither did I," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But I guess you could say it was a spontaneous decision."

I stood there for a brief moment my mind still reeling even though i asked fir the kiss. My heart still pounding in my chest and i could feel my cheeks burn with excitement.

Nath gaze feel on me as he looked softly at me and for a brief moment it felt like the world was slowing down. i wanted him to do it again but i did not want to do that.

I finally blinked and tried to shake off the effect of the kiss and still try to catch my breath. he smiled with a mischievous glint and asked how i felt as though he did not know what he does to me.

Nath tilted his head before speaking with a softer tone. ''Where do we go from here?''

''Back to the lecture hall''. i said between laughter.

After the study session ended, Nath offered to drop everyone off at out dorm rooms .

"Hey, Ava," Nath called, walking up to me as the others began to walk towards the car park.

"You did really well today. I liked your perspective on the theories."

"Thanks," I replied, feeling my cheeks heat up again. "I was a bit nervous but i think it was as a result of the kisses you gave me."

Nath laughed heartedly before speaking "Don't be! You should share your opinions more often and i can make you feel that way anytime you want. They are really insightful." He leaned against the table, his casual posture making him seem even more attractive. "Do you want to grab a coffee sometime? Just the two of us?"

My heart raced at his suggestion. I could hardly believe it. "Uh, yeah, i would love that!" I said, trying to keep my excitement in check.

"Great! How about Friday? We can check out that new café that just opened up or get snacks and watch the sunset" he proposed, his eyes shimmering with enthusiasm.

"Sounds perfect," I replied, unable to hide the grin spreading across my face.

As we finalized the details, I felt like I was walking on air. Love at first sight may have been a fairy tale I did not really believe in but this was something different. it was real and it felt right. I was ready to embrace whatever this connection with Nath might lead to, even if it meant going past our current friendship level.