Claire felt steady enough to stand after a few more minutes of sitting on the bench. She pushed herself up slowly, and Ethan was at her side instantly, his hand lightly on her arm to ensure she didn’t wobble.

"Are you sure you’re okay to walk?" he asked his tone firm but kind.

Claire gave a small nod. "I’ll be fine. I need to get to college—it’s not far from here."

Ethan frowned, clearly not convinced. "I’ll walk you there. You shouldn’t be alone after what just happened."

Claire opened her mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes made her stop. There was no arguing with him.

"Alright," she relented, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder.

They started walking together, Ethan keeping a watchful eye on her. The street was quiet, with only a few people passing by, and the morning sun cast a warm glow over everything.

"So, college," Ethan said, breaking the silence. "What are you studying?"

"Literature," Claire replied, glancing at him.

"Ah, a reader," Ethan said with a small smile. "Any favorites?"

Claire thought for a moment. "It’s hard to choose, but I’ve always loved Austen. There’s something comforting about her stories."

Ethan chuckled. "Let me guess—'Pride and Prejudice'?"

Claire laughed softly. "It’s a classic for a reason."

Before Ethan could respond, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen, and his expression shifted.

"Sorry," he said, his tone suddenly more serious. "I need to take this."

Claire stepped aside, giving him space as he answered the call.

"Dr. Carter," he said, his voice professional. There was a pause as he listened, his brows furrowing slightly.

After a moment, he ended the call and turned back to Claire, an apologetic look on his face. "I have to go. It’s work—something urgent came up."

Claire nodded, trying not to let her disappointment show. "I understand. Thanks for helping me earlier."

Ethan smiled faintly. "Take care of yourself, Claire. And remember—don’t ignore what your body is telling you."

"I won’t," she promised, her voice soft.

"Good," Ethan said. He hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say more, but then he gave her a small wave. "It was nice meeting you. Goodbye, Claire."

"Goodbye, Ethan," she replied, watching as he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the distance.

For a moment, Claire stood there, her heart feeling heavier than it should have. Then she shook her head, took a deep breath, and continued her walk to college, her thoughts still lingering on the man who had come into her life so unexpectedly.

As Claire approached the gates of her college, she spotted Sophie pacing back and forth near the entrance, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. Even from a distance, Claire could see the worry etched on her best friend's face.

The moment Sophie caught sight of Claire, her eyes widened, and she dashed toward her like a bullet.

"Claire Bennett!" Sophie exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and frustration. She stopped right in front of her, hands on her hips, glaring at her. "Why didn’t you call me, huh? And why the hell weren’t you picking up my calls?"

Claire winced at Sophie’s tone, feeling a pang of guilt. "I... I’m sorry, Sophie. I didn’t mean to worry you."

"Didn’t mean to worry me?" Sophie huffed, her brown eyes narrowing. "I’ve been calling you nonstop for the past hour! I thought something happened to you!"

Claire sighed, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "Something did happen, but I’m fine now."

Sophie’s expression shifted instantly, her frustration replaced by concern. "Wait, what do you mean 'something happened'? Are you okay? Did you fall? Did someone—"

"Sophie, breathe," Claire interrupted, placing a hand on her friend’s arm. "I just felt a little dizzy on my way here. I... I fainted."

"You fainted?!" Sophie’s voice rose an octave, drawing the attention of a few students nearby. She grabbed Claire by the shoulders, inspecting her as if checking for injuries. "Why didn’t you call me right then? You know you’re supposed to tell me these things!"

Claire gave her a small smile, trying to calm her down. "I didn’t have a chance. Someone helped me."

Sophie blinked, her curiosity piqued. "Someone? Who? Wait—was it a cute someone?"

Claire rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "He was just... nice. He helped me when I fainted and made sure I was okay."

Sophie raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with the vague answer. "Details, Claire. I need details."

Claire shook her head, brushing past Sophie and heading toward the entrance. "Not now, Sophie. I’m already late for class."

Sophie groaned, jogging to keep up with her. "Fine, but you’re telling me everything later. And you’re not walking anywhere alone again, got it? You’re lucky I don’t tie you to me like a toddler on a leash."

Claire laughed softly, grateful for Sophie’s dramatic but caring nature. "Got it, Mom."

"Don’t 'Mom' me," Sophie shot back, though her lips twitched in a reluctant smile. "I mean it, Claire. No more scaring me like that."

"I promise," Claire said, holding up her hand in mock solemnity.