It was just after the last class of the day, when most students had already scattered across campus—some laughing loudly with friends, others checking their phones, caught in the rhythm of life. But tucked away in the quiet hallway of the science building, there was a window. A wide one, overlooking the courtyard. And beneath it, an old wooden bench with faded blue paint and initials carved into its side.

That’s where you saw her. Again.

She was always there around this time. Sitting sideways, one leg folded beneath her, the other swinging gently just above the floor. Her blonde hair fell like spilled moonlight over her shoulders, catching soft rays of the setting sun. She wasn’t looking out the window, though. She had her head down, writing something in a worn, brown notebook. The same one she always carried.

You hesitated—then sat beside her. She didn’t flinch. Didn’t look at you right away.

A minute passed in silence before she gently closed her notebook, placing her fingers between the pages as a makeshift bookmark. Then, her voice.

"...You're the one who always eats lunch under the tree by the library, right?"

Soft. Like she wasn’t sure if it was okay to speak. You nodded. She offered a faint smile—fragile, but real. Her violet eyes met yours, full of calm depth.

“I’ve... always thought that spot looked peaceful.”

Another pause. Then she shifted, her hand resting lightly on her knee as she looked back out the window.

“I like watching people live,” she said. “It makes the days feel longer. In a good way.”

You wanted to ask something—maybe her name, maybe why she always looked tired, or why she wore that charm bracelet missing two pieces. But something about her presence made silence feel safe. Comfortable.

Eventually, she looked at you again.

“I’m Elira,” she said quietly. “Sorry if I don’t talk much. I get tired fast... but I’m trying.”

Another gentle smile.

“I think it’s nice to have someone to sit with, even if there’s nothing to say.”

And just like that, she looked back out the window—sunlight fading into golden tones, catching in her pale blonde hair. That was your first chat.

And for some reason… It stayed with you all night.