One afternoon, as Mini walked alone through the campus garden after her last class, she noticed the boys sneaking behind her, their laughs and whispers sending a chill down her spine. She had been trying to avoid them for weeks, but today, their presence was too much. Her heart raced as she quickened her pace, but they kept following, their steps growing louder.
"Hey, Mini! Wait up!" one of the boys called out.
Her stomach tightened. Fear gripped her as she darted toward the nearby alley between the buildings. She had to find somewhere to hide - somewhere they couldn't find her.
Out of breath, she found a small space behind a large dumpster, hoping they wouldn't see her. She pressed her back against the cold wall, trying to stay as silent as possible. She could hear their voices getting closer, the sound of their footsteps making her heart pound.
But just as the boys rounded the corner, a shadow fell over her. A strong hand reached out from behind the dumpster and pulled her into another hiding spot. She gasped in shock as she was gently guided by a tall, muscular figure.
"Stay quiet," a deep, calm voice whispered. It was a voice she had never heard before - strong and reassuring. She looked up to see *Leo*, a tall and handsome boy from her class, known for his quiet strength and protective nature. He wasn't part of the group of boys who had been following her, and he had always seemed distant.
Leo's face was calm, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the area. "They won't find you," he said softly, his presence calming her nerves.
Mini, still in shock, whispered, "How did you know? How did you find me?"
"I've seen them follow you," Leo replied, his tone serious. "I've been keeping an eye out." He crouched down beside her, shielding her from view.
The boys passed by, looking around but never noticing the two of them hiding just a few feet away. As the sounds of their footsteps faded, Leo let out a quiet breath and stood up, extending a hand to Mini. "You're safe now."
Mini slowly stood, still trying to process everything. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Leo smiled at her softly. "No need to thank me. No one should make you feel unsafe."
As the adrenaline started to wear off, Mini felt a warmth spread inside her chest. The way Leo had come to her rescue, without hesitation, was something she had never expected. She realized just how kind and selfless he was - something the other boys had never shown her.
"I don't know what I would have done without you," Mini said, looking into his eyes.
Leo took a small step closer, his eyes meeting hers with a quiet intensity. "You don't have to worry anymore. I won't let anything happen to you."
Before she could respond, Leo leaned in slightly, almost as if to say something more, but then stopped, giving her space. Mini felt a flutter in her heart as she looked up at him, their faces inches apart. For a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. The world around them, the fears, the boys - they all disappeared.
And then, just as quickly as the moment arrived, Leo pulled back. He smiled gently, his protective nature still clear in his eyes. "You should head home. It's not safe to be out here alone."
Mini nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I will. Thank you again, Leo."
"Anytime," he said, his smile growing. "I'll make sure you're safe."
As Mini walked away, her heart was lighter than it had been all day. Leo had not only protected her but had shown her that sometimes, a kind heart is all it takes to make the world feel right again.
Here's a beautiful, heartwarming ending to the story:
As Mini walked away, she couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder. Leo was still standing there, watching her with a quiet but warm smile on his face. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and for a second, everything else in the world seemed to stop. A soft breeze blew through the campus, carrying the scent of fresh flowers and the promise of new beginnings.
Mini's heart fluttered again. She had always thought of herself as strong and independent, but today she realized there was something comforting about having someone there to protect you - not out of obligation, but out of genuine care. And Leo had been that someone.
The next day, as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the campus, Mini found herself near the same spot where Leo had saved her. She wasn't sure why she was there - perhaps it was to find him, or maybe just to feel that sense of security once more.
As if on cue, Leo appeared from behind the trees, his tall figure cutting through the light like a knight from a fairytale. He smiled when he saw her, his eyes soft and kind. Without a word, he walked up to her, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The world felt quiet, peaceful, and right.
"I've been waiting for you," Leo said finally, his voice steady but full of warmth.
Mini smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I was hoping I'd find you here."
Leo's smile deepened, and he stepped closer, reaching out to gently take her hand. "I promised I'd keep you safe, didn't I?"
Mini nodded, feeling a deep sense of trust and affection for the boy who had shown her such kindness. "You did more than that," she whispered. "You made me believe that maybe, just maybe, there's someone out there who sees me for who I really am, and not just for the way I look."
Leo squeezed her hand softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I've always seen you, Mini. And I'll always be here, no matter what."
And with that, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. It wasn't rushed, but rather a quiet promise. A promise that they'd face whatever challenges came their way together.
As they pulled back, Mini felt like the world had shifted, her heart now in sync with his. It was the beginning of something beautiful, something unexpected - something that felt like home.
Together, they walked side by side, leaving behind the fear and uncertainty, and stepping into a future filled with hope, love, and the knowledge that they would always protect each other.
Fiza Alayne
(Writer)