Zosia sat on the cold bench, the dim streetlight casting elongated shadows on the pavement. The last bus had just pulled away, leaving behind a silence that was only broken by the rustling of leaves. She felt Marek's presence beside her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder, a gesture that felt both comforting and confining.
"Looks like I made you miss the bus," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement mixed with something unspoken.
Zosia glanced sideways at him, trying to decipher his intentions. "Why did you want me to stay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the delicate balance of the moment.
Marek[/@ch_2]'s contemplative face.]
Marek seemed to ponder her question, his eyes reflecting the distant streetlights. "Maybe I just wanted some company," he replied, his tone casual but his gaze intense, as though searching for something in Zosia's eyes that even he couldn't name.
Zosia shifted slightly, the weight of his hand a constant reminder of her uncertainty. "Company's nice, but not if it means missing my ride home," she countered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, trying to lighten the mood.
Marek removed his hand, the absence of its weight both a relief and a loss. "I didn't mean to keep you," he admitted, his voice softer now, almost apologetic. "I just... I like talking to you."
Zosia looked at him, her expression softening. "We could have talked on the bus too, you know," she teased gently, trying to bridge the gap between them with humor.
Marek chuckled, a genuine sound that seemed to chase away the lingering tension. "True," he conceded, "but maybe I wanted the conversation to last a bit longer."
Zosia nodded, understanding dawning on her. "Alright then," she said with newfound clarity, "let's walk. There’s another bus stop down the road. We can continue talking."
As they started walking, side by side, the night seemed less cold and more inviting. Zosia realized that while she had missed a bus, she might have gained something more meaningful—a connection that was worth exploring.
The sound of their footsteps echoed gently, blending with the distant city sounds, as they continued their conversation under the watchful gaze of the stars.
