James and Hazel's chats, which once felt careful and polite, slowly began to flow as naturally as breathing.
Every afternoon after class, James would be waiting at the school gate sometimes leaning against his car, sometimes sitting on the low wall near the entrance, but always holding a bouquet of flowers.
Not once did Hazel accept them at first.
But James never stopped bringing them.
White roses on Monday.
Pink tulips on Tuesday.
Sunflowers on Thursday.
Even tiny wildflowers he bought from an old woman on the street.
At first Hazel only smiled and said thank you.
Then one day… she took them.
And from that day on, everything changed.
They started spending time together walking through quiet streets after school, laughing over snacks from convenience stores, sitting in the park until the sky turned orange and purple. For the first time in a long while, Hazel realized she was having fun. Real fun. The kind that made her forget time, forget worries, forget everything except the boy beside her.
James, on the other hand, put in more effort than he ever had before.
Even when Hazel turned him down, even when she hesitated, even when she tried to keep distance he didn't give up.
On Wednesday night, he took her to a restaurant glowing with golden lights.
Hazel looked around in awe.
"How come I've never been here before?"
James smiled. "You haven't? This is the best restaurant in the city. I come here a lot."
"What? Every day?" she teased. "Don't you ever cook at home?"
"Sometimes. But I prefer restaurant food."
She laughed softly. "What about your parents?"
"They're not around much. Always on business trips."
He paused. "What about you?"
Hazel hesitated. "Me? I… I'm an orphan."
James' expression froze. "What I'm sorry."
She shook her head quickly. "It's nothing. I don't really know the details anyway."
Then she forced a smile. "Can we change the subject? Look this dish looks amazing. Have a bite."
She lifted her fork and gently fed him.
James tasted it and smiled. "It's delicious."
When he noticed a little sauce on her lip, he reached out with a napkin and wiped it away.
"You've got something here."
Her heart skipped.
After dinner, they sat quietly in James' car, the city lights reflecting on the windows. The air between them felt heavy and warm.
James leaned closer.
Hazel's breath stopped.
She thought he was going to kiss her.
Instead, he reached past her and pulled the seatbelt over her shoulder.
"I just wanted to help with your seatbelt."
"Oh…"
Her face burned.
He drove her back to her dorm. As Hazel opened the door to leave, James gently held her hand.
"I know I've been asking you out all these days," he said quietly, "but I won't give up. I really, really like you, Hazel. I want us to be together."
She looked at him, unable to speak.
James moved closer.
Their lips touched just once.
A soft, brief kiss.
He pulled back immediately, flustered. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have… I mean… I don't regret it, I was just… you're beautiful and I…"
"I like you too."
James froze. "What?"
Hazel met his eyes and smiled, warm and sincere.
"I… like… you too."
James' eyes widened, his heart beating louder than the world around them. his chase had finally reached her heart.
James stared at her like he had just heard the most beautiful words in the world.
"Y-you… you like me?"
His voice almost cracked. "Since when? Tell me."
Hazel laughed softly. "Why are you shivering?"
"It's nothing," he said quickly, placing a hand over his chest. "I'm just… excited."
He leaned closer. This time neither of them hesitated. Their lips met again, slower, deeper, warmer than before. James held the moment like he had been waiting his whole life for it. But Hazel gently pulled away, her cheeks glowing.
"I need to get going now. Good night."
He nodded, then suddenly blurted, "Before you go… can you call me babe?"
She froze. "Huh?"
Then after a small pause, she smiled.
"Well… good night, babe."
James gasped dramatically and clutched his chest. "Oh my god my heart it's beating like it's going to jump out."
He took her hand and placed it over his chest.
"Feel that? I'm so happy tha I mean… thank you. For choosing me."
Hazel felt it. His heartbeat, fast and real and alive.
Her eyes curved into the softest smile. For a moment, the world felt quiet, warm, and complete.
"Okay… I'm off. Good night."
She stepped out of the car and waved at him.
James watched her until she disappeared into the dorm gate.
"You go first," he whispered, even though she was already gone.
Only then did he lean back, covering his face with both hands, breathing out a shaky laugh.
He had been ready to give up tonight.
Three months of chasing.
Three months of hoping.
And she had finally chosen him.