Chapter 17 : An Unexpected Invitation

Elena’s Point of View

The night air was cool and crisp, the stars scattered like diamonds across the sky. They walked slowly, side by side, their footsteps echoing softly against the quiet campus.

Elena stole a glance at Ren, her heart beating a little faster each time his shoulder brushed hers. There was something about the way he carried himself - calm yet commanding, quiet yet intense - that made her both comfortable and exhilarated in his presence.

When they reached the campus gates, she stopped, turning to face him. Her breath hitched slightly as their eyes met, his gaze warm and unwavering.

“Thank you for tonight, Ren,” she said softly, her lips curving into a small smile. “I had a wonderful time.”

“So did I,” he replied, his voice low and sincere.

For a moment, they stood there, the world around them fading into the background. The quiet hum of the street, the rustle of leaves in the breeze - it all felt distant compared to the magnetic pull between them.

Elena hesitated, her heart pounding as an idea formed in her mind. She didn’t want the evening to end, not yet. Taking a deep breath, she let the words tumble out before she could second-guess herself.

“Would you like to come over for a bit?” she asked, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest. “We could order some food, maybe make a drink or two?”

Ren blinked, clearly caught off guard, but then a slow smile spread across his lips. “I’d like that.”

Her stomach did a little flip at his response. “Great. It’s not far - just a short walk.”

The walk to her apartment was quiet but comfortable, the soft rhythm of their steps filling the space between them. When they arrived, Elena unlocked the door and gestured for Ren to step inside.

“Make yourself at home,” she said, setting her bag on the kitchen counter and flicking on the lights.

The space was small but cozy, filled with personal touches - a stack of books on the coffee table, a throw blanket draped over the couch, framed photos of her and Sara on the wall.

Ren looked around, his gaze lingering on the bookshelf. “It suits you,” he said.

Elena smiled, kicking off her boots and moving to the kitchen. “Thanks. It’s not much, but it’s home.”

She opened the fridge, pulling out a bottle of wine and a few mixers. “What’s your poison? Wine? Whiskey? Something with a little flair?”

Ren chuckled, leaning against the counter. “Surprise me.”

“Alright,” she said, grabbing a shaker and a few ingredients. “I make a mean whiskey sour.”

As she worked, Ren stepped closer, watching her with a small smile. “You seem pretty comfortable behind the bar.”

Elena laughed softly. “Sara and I used to have these DIY cocktail nights in college. We got pretty good at it - or at least, we thought so.”

When she finished, she handed him the glass, their fingers brushing briefly. “Cheers,” she said, raising her own glass.

“To surprises,” Ren said, his voice low and warm.

“To surprises,” she echoed, their glasses clinking softly.

They settled on the couch, scrolling through her phone to pick a takeout spot. After placing an order for Thai food, they relaxed, the conversation flowing as easily as it had at the café.

“So,” Elena said, leaning back against the cushions, her legs tucked under her. “You mentioned you grew up in a close-knit community. What was that like?”

Ren hesitated for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. “It was… unique. Everyone looks out for each other. There’s a strong sense of loyalty, of family. It’s not always easy, but it’s fulfilling.”

Elena nodded, intrigued. “It sounds… intense. But also kind of amazing.”

“It is,” Ren said, his lips curving into a small smile. “And what about you? Did you always know you wanted to study mythology?”

“Oh, definitely,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “I was that kid who would check out every book on myths and legends from the library. My mom thought it was just a phase, but here we are.”

Ren chuckled, his gaze softening. “I can see why. You bring so much passion to it - it’s infectious.”

Elena’s cheeks flushed, and she took a sip of her drink to hide her smile. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

The food arrived, and they ate together, their conversation weaving seamlessly between lighthearted banter and more personal topics. By the time the plates were cleared, the hour was growing late, but neither seemed eager to end the evening.

As they settled back on the couch, the space between them felt smaller, charged with an unspoken tension. Elena’s gaze drifted to Ren, her heart pounding as she noticed the way his eyes lingered on her, the faint smile playing at his lips.

“Ren,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes?” he replied, his tone low and steady.

She hesitated for only a moment before leaning closer, her breath catching as their faces drew near. “You’re not very good at hiding how you feel, you know.”

His lips twitched into a smile. “Neither are you.”

Before she could respond, Ren closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both gentle and intense. The world around them seemed to disappear, the only thing that mattered was the heat of his touch, the way his hands cupped her face as though she were something precious.

Elena’s heart raced as she leaned into him, her fingers tangling in his hair. The kiss deepened, sending a wave of warmth coursing through her, leaving her breathless and wanting more.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the quiet space.

“That was…” Elena began, her voice trembling slightly.

“Long overdue,” Ren finished, his lips curving into a soft smile.

She laughed, the sound light and full of wonder. “Agreed.”

They sat there for a moment longer, the silence between them filled with unspoken promises.

“Stay for a while?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

Ren nodded, his gaze steady. “I’d like that.”

And as the night stretched on, neither of them could deny that something between them had shifted, something they couldn’t ignore any longer.