Ethan, a boy with hair the color of wheat and eyes like twilight, harbored a secret love for Maya, the girl with a laugh that chimed like wind chimes. He’d steal glances at her in the library, her brow furrowed in concentration as she devoured a book, wishing he had the courage to speak to her.

One rainy afternoon, while sheltering under the same library awning, Ethan noticed Maya struggling to hold her umbrella against the wind. Hesitantly, he approached, offering to share his own. Maya, surprised by his sudden appearance, looked up, her eyes widening in recognition.