Outside the Library — Late Afternoon
The sun was dipping lower when Moon finally closed her notebook. Her fingers brushed her forehead as she let out a quiet sigh.
“I think that’s enough for today,” she said softly.
Benjamin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he watched her. “You sure?”
Moon gave a small nod. “Yeah. I really appreciate today.”
Benjamin didn’t say much to that — just stood up, grabbed her books, and started walking toward the exit without waiting.
Moon followed, hugging her bag close.
By the time they stepped outside, the air had cooled slightly. The usual campus noise was quieter now.
Benjamin glanced sideways at her as they walked toward his car. “You eaten yet?”
Moon shook her head. “No. I was going to grab something when I got back.”
Benjamin stopped by the passenger door, unlocking it. “Forget hostel food tonight. Come with me.”
Moon hesitated. “Benjamin—”
“No excuses. One hour. You’ve been drowning in books all day.”
Something about the way he said it left her without room to argue. So she nodded quietly and got into the car.
---
Small Restaurant — Early Evening
They didn’t go anywhere loud or crowded. Benjamin picked a small, simple place again.
A quiet corner table. Warm light. Just them.
Moon found herself relaxing in a way she hadn’t all week.
Over grilled chicken and soft drinks, Benjamin actually let her talk — about classes, about her favorite subjects, even about her mom for a moment before she caught herself and changed the topic.
He didn’t push when she did. He just listened.
At some point, Benjamin leaned back in his chair, one hand casually draped along the back of the seat.
“You know,” he said slowly, eyes steady on hers, “I don’t really do things like this.”
Moon’s brows drew together slightly. “Like what?”
“This.” Benjamin’s voice dropped quieter. “Eating out. Sitting here like it’s normal. It isn’t.”
Moon looked down at her plate for a second, then back at him.
“Why now?” she asked softly.
Benjamin’s gaze didn’t waver. “Because it’s you.”
That left her quiet.
Her heart felt too loud in her chest again, but she couldn’t pull her eyes away from him either.
---
Benjamin’s Car — Night, After Dinner
The ride back was quieter than usual.
When they pulled up to the hostel, Benjamin didn’t unlock her door right away.
Instead, he leaned back slightly in his seat, hand resting on the wheel as his eyes flicked toward her.
“Moon.”
Her head turned slowly toward him, voice quieter now. “Yeah?”
Benjamin didn’t say anything for a second. He just studied her face, like he was memorizing something.
Then, without warning — no teasing this time, no drawn-out moment — he leaned in and kissed her.
Not rushed. Not sharp like before. Slower. A little heavier.
Moon froze at first, same as last time. But then her fingers tightened slightly against the seatbelt. She didn’t pull away this time.
Her first real kiss.
When he finally pulled back, Benjamin’s voice was low, just above a whisper:
“You’re really mine now, aren’t you?”
Moon didn’t know what to say. Her heart was still racing, but her voice came out quieter than she expected:
“I guess I am.”
Benjamin smiled — that slow, satisfied kind of smile that didn’t fully reach his eyes.
But Moon didn’t notice that part. Not yet.
( check out my new book: PREGNANT AND ABANDONED)
Author note : Have always had passion for writing and this is the first time I’m actually writing a story, I will gladly appreciate your support guys. Come with me to know more about moon and Benjamin’s journey
