Because sometimes—
distance doesn't solve anything…
it only provesthat something still exists.
The days didn't change much.
Classes continued.
Assignments piled up.
Routine settled back in place.
Everything looked normal.
Except—
it wasn't.
🎓 College — Midday
Pixel sat in the library, her books open in front of her.
Highlighters. Notes.
Everything exactly how it should be.
She was focused.
Or at least—
trying to be.
"Still pretending?"
The voice came from across the table.
Pixel didn't look up immediately.
Then—
"I'm studying."
Daniel sat down casually.
"I can see that."
A small pause.
Then he added—
"You've been studying a lot lately."
Pixel finally looked at him.
"I always do."
Daniel smiled faintly.
"Not like this."
That line stayed for a second.
Because it was true.
🧠 Pixel's Side
She knew what he meant.
She just didn't want to acknowledge it.
"I have exams," she said calmly.
Daniel leaned back slightly.
"So do I."
A pause.
"I'm not hiding in the library."
Pixel didn't respond.
Because she didn't have a better excuse.
⚡ Daniel's Approach (DIFFERENT FROM STEPHAN)
He didn't push.
Didn't corner her.
Just… stayed.
Comfortably.
"You skipped lunch again," he said after a moment.
Pixel glanced at her watch.
"I wasn't hungry."
Daniel stood up.
"Come."
Pixel frowned slightly.
"Where?"
"Food."
Simple.
No explanation.
No overthinking.
⚡ Small Shift
Pixel hesitated for a second.
Then closed her book.
"Okay."
And that was the difference.
She didn't resist him the way she resisted Stephan.
And that—
didn't go unnoticed.
🍽️ Cafeteria Scene
They sat at a quieter table.
Not crowded.
Not noisy.
Daniel placed the tray in front of her.
"You always pick the same thing?" he asked.
Pixel nodded slightly.
"It's easier."
Daniel smirked.
"You don't like trying new things?"
Pixel looked at him.
"I don't like unnecessary risks."
A small pause.
Then she added—
"Not when I already know the outcome."
That line—
wasn't just about food.
And both of them knew it.
👀 Stephan Watching (IMPORTANT)
From across the cafeteria—
Stephan saw them.
Sitting together.
Talking.
Normal.
Too normal.
Johan followed his gaze.
Johan: That's… something.
Hill: He's not wasting time.
Stephan didn't reply.
But his jaw tightened slightly.
Not anger.
Not jealousy alone.
Something else.
🧠 Stephan's Thought
She looks comfortable.
And that thought—
didn't sit right.
⚡ Back to Them
Daniel leaned slightly forward.
"You don't have to avoid everything."
Pixel looked at him.
"I'm not avoiding."
Daniel smiled faintly.
"You are. Just not with me."
A pause.
Then he added—
"And I'm not complaining."
Pixel didn't respond.
But she didn't deny it either.
🧠 Pixel's Conflict
This is easier.
No pressure.
No confusion.
No expectations.
And maybe—
that's why it felt safe.
⚡ Unexpected Question
Daniel asked casually—
"Do you miss it?"
Pixel frowned slightly.
"What?"
Daniel held her gaze.
"The way things were before."
A small silence followed.
Pixel looked down at her plate.
Then said—
"It doesn't matter."
Same answer.
But this time—
it felt weaker.
👀 Stephan Leaves
Stephan stood up before the conversation ended.
Didn't wait.
Didn't watch longer.
Just… left.
And that—
felt different.
Because this time—
he chose not to stay.
🌇 Evening Scene
The day ended quietly.
Pixel walked back to her room with Ketty.
"You and Daniel are spending a lot of time together," Ketty said casually.
Pixel didn't react much.
"He's just there."
Ketty smiled slightly.
"So was someone else."
A pause.
Pixel stopped walking for a second.
Then continued.
"That's different."
Ketty didn't ask how.
Because she already knew—
it wasn't simple.
🌙 Night Scene (IMPORTANT)
That night—
Pixel sat on her bed again.
Her phone in her hand.
She opened her gallery.
The same picture.
Her fingers hovered for a second.
Then—
she locked her phone.
Didn't look at it.
Didn't allow herself to.
This is better.
But this time—
it didn't feel convincing.