"C'est tout pour aujourd'hui," Florian said as we wrapped up. Thankfully, I did not have any more lectures today.

"Bella, wait," he called out as I was ready to go home. "I am still feeling the pain, please, no more additional work," I said, crossing my fingers.

"Relax, I know," he assured as he moved closer to me. As I stepped backward, he swiftly moved his hand behind my head. "Be careful, little bean," he said, grabbing the two notebooks in my hand.

"See, if you're being nice to me because of what happened yesterday, it's okay, I-" Before I could finish my sentence, his lips already crashed against mine. It took me a minute to realize I was kissing Florian Archambeau in ECU corridors.

The unexpected kiss left me momentarily stunned, and the bustling surroundings of the university seemed to fade away. It was a moment suspended in time, filled with a mixture of surprise and a hint of warmth. As we pulled away, I looked into Florian's eyes, finding a silent acknowledgment of something unspoken between us. The corridor, usually filled with the echoes of footsteps and chatter, had become the backdrop for a moment that lingered in the air, leaving me both bewildered and intrigued.

I couldn't help myself but bite on his lips hungrily, his lips tasting like the mint bubble gum I was chewing minutes ago. There was something about his smell that was intoxicating me. I tiptoed as I grabbed onto his neck while he pulled me closer to him. I never knew I was so hungry for this one kiss. The air between us crackled with an unexpected passion, and the world seemed to blur around us. Time stood still as the sensation of his lips against mine sent shivers down my spine. The taste of mint and the warmth of his embrace created an intoxicating blend, making me lose myself in the moment.

As we finally broke the kiss, a breathless silence hung in the air, and our eyes met in a shared realization. The corridor, once a mundane space, had become the setting for a magnetic connection that left us both breathless and wanting more. It was a moment etched in time, and as we stood there, the world outside seemed to continue, oblivious to the sudden intensity that had unfolded between us.

"Let's go," Florian says as he holds my hand. He is so tall, handsome, and muscular, with his long legs and beautiful eyes that it literally feels like a dream. It was at this moment that I realized I attracted some unwanted stares.

"I wanna eat ice-cream," I say in a whisper.

"I know," he simply responds.

As we navigate through the university corridors, hand in hand, it's hard not to notice the curious glances from those around us. Florian's presence, combined with the unexpected kiss, seems to have turned a normal day into something more extraordinary. The prospect of sharing ice cream with Florian adds a sweet anticipation to the air. It's a simple desire, but in that moment, it feels like the perfect continuation of the unexpected chemistry that sparked between us. As we step out into the open, ready to explore what the day holds, the world seems to be painted in hues of excitement and possibility.

I can feel the tension between us increasing as we go to the ice cream shop. It's something I've felt since I was seven years old, following my mother's death. This is terrifying me; this sensation is awful. I was powerless to stop myself. I can feel the tension between us increasing as we head to the ice cream shop. It's a sensation I've felt since I was seven years old, following my mother's death. This is terrifying me; this feeling is overwhelming.

I'm powerless to stop myself. I murmur softly, "Florian..."

He stops and looks directly into my eyes. Oh man, why are his eyes so gorgeous?

"Yes?" he asks, his voice full of curiosity.

"I know I've already thanked you in the past few hours, but thank you very much." I pause, the words caught in my throat. "Thank you for beating the heck out of him, thank you... thank you for saving me." I almost choke out the final words.

Florian's gaze softens, and for a moment, the intensity between us shifts into something more tender. He places a hand on my shoulder, offering silent comfort. "You don't have to thank me, Bella. I was just glad I could be there for you."

As we continue towards the ice cream shop, the weight of the past and the unexpected connection between us linger in the air. The simple act of gratitude becomes a bridge between shared experiences, creating a bond that transcends the ordinary. I can see his face calming down now; the worry that had etched his features fades away. It makes me delighted to see him in such a good mood.

"I did what any reasonable person would have done, Bella, but that guy deserved it. Nobody deserves to be abused like that," he said fiercely.

His words resonate with a sense of justice and compassion, and I find solace in the fact that someone like Florian was there when I needed help. The ice cream shop becomes a backdrop to a moment of shared understanding, where words hold weight and unspoken emotions hang in the air. As we step inside, the promise of a simple indulgence in sweet treats serves as a comforting reminder that, despite the challenges of the past, there is a chance for brighter moments ahead. We stood there, and I took his hands in mine, intertwining our fingers together. I looked at him. He was so tall, with a broad chest and shoulders, powerful arms, and evident muscles. Oh my goodness, he's like a Greek God. I mentally smacked myself, realizing I was holding the hand of the most stunning badass. What had I done?

"I think you are a lovely person. I used to think you were a badass," I lowered my head downward as the words came out robotically.

Florian's expression shifted from surprise to a gentle smile. "Well, don't change your mind so quickly, you barely know me''

As we stood there, hand in hand, the unexpected connection between us deepened. It was a moment of vulnerability and honesty, breaking down the barriers that might have kept us apart. The ice cream shop, with its sweet aroma and colorful displays, provided a picturesque backdrop to this unfolding chapter, where perceptions shifted, and a newfound understanding blossomed. I expected him to hurl angry words at me, but he did the opposite. He just laughed, and he laughed so hard that tears streamed down his face. Oh, wow! I'm even more embarrassed now.

"What's so funny?" I asked, attempting to hide my embarrassment.

"You!" he laughed again.

"How?"

"Jesus, you just made the finest joke of the year," he said sarcastically, yet he continued laughing like a lunatic.

"Oh, come on," I sighed.

"Okay, sorry," he burst out laughing again, and I couldn't help but join in. It's the first time I'm seeing his laughter. His laughter and smile add to his beauty even more, making my heart pound so hard right now. The shared laughter becomes a moment of genuine connection, breaking the ice and easing the tension that might have lingered between us.

We went inside, I followed his directions, and there we were. He chose a butter whiskey scotch, while I opted for the standard chocolate and vanilla flavor. I had never heard or tasted anything like it, but it looked delicious, so if he let me, I'd give it a try. Mentally, this scene made me laugh. As we stood at the counter, waiting for our ice cream, the atmosphere became more relaxed. The shared laughter from earlier lingered, creating a sense of ease between us. The ice cream shop, with its array of flavors and the anticipation of trying something new, felt like a haven from the complexities of the day. Florian handed me a wooden spoon, and we found a quiet corner to enjoy our ice cream. The contrasting flavors and textures danced on my taste buds, and I couldn't help but savor the moment.

"If you don't mind, who was that man? I'm not buying whatever you told me about him being a psychopath. He tracked me down because I saved you, right?" I asked.

"He's my step-dad, he's mean and ruthless. He will come back again," he said with a harsh tone as he mentioned him.

"You are not alone. I am with you," I said, attempting to bring my hand to his but hesitated.

"You don't have to, Bella. I will ensure that he doesn't come near you again. You're safe with me," he responded with equal determination, not breaking the eye contact.

"But if you need help, I'll be here," I said once again.

"Are you trying to reassure me? I don't need it," he said as he shoveled a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

The conversation held an undertone of seriousness and vulnerability, and the ice cream, momentarily forgotten, began to melt. Despite his attempt to brush off reassurance, I could sense the complexity of emotions beneath his steely exterior.

"I apologize for whatever you had to go through yesterday. Being with me equals jumping into fire," those last lines he said made my heart clench. After our time at the ice cream shop, I headed back to my apartment, which I shared with Aishi.

"You did what, bitch? You kissed Florian, and then he took you on a date? My heavenly angels!" she screamed in excitement, her enthusiasm contagious.

I recounted the events of the day, from the unexpected kiss to the impromptu ice cream eating. Aishi listened intently, her eyes widening with each detail. As I finished sharing, she burst into laughter and clapped her hands.

"Oh, Bella, this is like a romance novel! I can't believe it! What's next? A dramatic confrontation with the step-dad, a daring rescue mission, or maybe a proposal under the moonlight?" Aishi teased, her imagination running wild.

We spent the evening immersed in laughter and excited chatter, dissecting every moment of the day. Aishi's infectious enthusiasm added a lighthearted touch to the complexities that lurked in the background. Little did I know that the events of that day were only the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

"I certainly do not want to end up in a situationship, so I'm zipping my lips about the kiss. I have one more semester to complete before I can venture into my family business, and you know I've been maintaining a low profile for many years. I can't risk it now," I explained, my tone serious, and Aishi nodded in understanding.

As we sat in our shared apartment, the gravity of the situation settled between us. The intricacies of navigating personal relationships and professional aspirations played out in the backdrop of my reluctance to draw attention to myself. Aishi, being my closest confidante, recognized the delicate balance I was trying to maintain.

"Smart move, Bella. Focus on finishing strong, and then you can decide how you want to unfold this chapter of your life," Aishi advised, her supportive demeanor reassuring me that I had made the right choice.

Little did I know that the decisions made in that moment would shape the path I was about to tread, blending personal aspirations with the complexities of the heart.