Smile

As Gia was leaving college, she noticed Aarav—her long-time crush. She had liked him for years but never told him.

She sighed and got onto the college bus, sitting quietly. From a distance, she watched Aarav step onto the bus, his face glowing with a warm smile. To her surprise, he walked over to her and asked,
"Hey, can I sit here?"

Caught off guard, her heartbeat quickened. Her crush wanted to sit with her.
"O-of course," she stammered, and he took the seat beside her.

"Thank you," he said, smiling again.

His smile made her heart flutter, and before she could stop herself, she blurted,
"You look beautiful when you smile."

Surprised, he turned to her and asked softly,
"What?"

Her cheeks flushed red, embarrassment washing over her. But before she could say another word, he smiled and said,
"Do you know why my smile exists?"

Curious, Gia asked,
"Why?"

He looked into her eyes and whispered,

"It's because of you."

                     -The End -