The next morning, Ariana woke up early.
Not because she had to.
But because her mind was already active.
She took out a notebook and started writing a study schedule.
Physics practice – 1 hour daily.
Math mock tests – weekends.
Chemistry revision – twice a week.
She felt better when things were planned.
At school, Lily noticed something.
"You met him," she said directly.
Ariana froze.
"Who?"
"Don't pretend."
Ariana sighed. "It was just coffee."
Lily leaned closer. "And?"
"And nothing."
But it wasn't nothing.
It just wasn't something she knew how to explain.
That evening, Nick messaged again.
Nick: Studying already?
Ariana: Yes.
Nick: You just finished exams.
Ariana: That's why I have time to prepare.
There was a pause.
Nick: You don't have to prove anything.
That line annoyed her slightly.
Ariana: I'm not proving anything.
Nick: Then why are you acting like you need to protect yourself from me?
She stopped typing.
That hit too close.
She didn't want to admit that she was scared of getting distracted. Or attached.
After a minute, she replied—
Ariana: I just don't want things to get complicated.
Nick: I'm not trying to complicate your life.
She read that twice.
Nick: I don't want to be something you push away because you're stressed.
Her chest tightened a little.
He wasn't demanding more time.
He wasn't asking for calls.
He wasn't even flirting right now.
He was just asking not to be shut out.
She typed slowly—
Ariana: I'm not pushing you away.
Nick: Then don't disappear when you're overwhelmed.
She looked at the screen for a long time.
Then finally—
Ariana: Okay.
And this time, she meant it.