Beneath The Crimson Gaze

The weekend brought a rare sense of calm to Alishia's usually busy schedule. After a lazy Saturday morning spent lounging with Max, she decided to take him for a walk around the neighborhood. The sun was warm, the breeze cool, and the quiet streets offered a peaceful retreat from the chaos of school life.

Max trotted happily at her side, his leash secured firmly this time. His golden fur gleamed in the sunlight, and his tail wagged with a carefree rhythm.

"Looks like someone's enjoying himself," Alishia said with a chuckle, giving Max a gentle pat on the head.

As they turned the corner near her apartment complex, she spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench just outside. Arthur.

He wasn't reading this time. Instead, he sat with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His white hair shimmered in the sunlight, and even from a distance, his crimson eyes seemed to glow with a quiet intensity.

Max, always quick to recognize a friend, let out an excited bark and tugged at the leash.

"Max, no!" Alishia tried to hold him back, but the golden retriever was determined. He broke free, bounding toward Arthur with a joyous bark.

Arthur looked up just in time to see Max leap onto the bench, his front paws landing squarely on Arthur's lap.

"Whoa there, buddy," Arthur said, laughing as Max licked his face enthusiastically.

Alishia rushed over, apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry! He's just—he's overly friendly sometimes."

Arthur waved her off, still chuckling as he scratched behind Max's ears. "It's fine. He's got good taste in people."

Alishia rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Well, he's definitely got a thing for you. I think he likes you more than me at this point."

Arthur smirked, looking up at her. "Can you blame him?"

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. "Anyway, what are you doing out here?"

"Just getting some fresh air," he said, his tone casual. "And maybe hoping I'd run into you."

Alishia blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. "Oh."

Arthur stood, gently guiding Max back to Alishia. "Walk with me?"

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."

As they strolled through the neighborhood, Alishia found herself opening up to Arthur in a way she hadn't with anyone else. They talked about everything—school, books, their favorite places to escape to when the world felt overwhelming.

Arthur listened intently, his crimson eyes never straying from her face. He didn't interrupt or offer unsolicited advice. He simply listened, his presence a steady, reassuring force.

In return, he shared bits and pieces of his own life. How he'd always felt like an outsider. How books had been his sanctuary. How he was trying to step out of the shadows and live life on his own terms.

"It's not easy," he admitted, his voice low. "Putting yourself out there. But... it's worth it."

Alishia nodded, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his words. "You're doing great," she said softly. "Really."

He glanced at her, a small, grateful smile playing on his lips. "Thanks."

By the time they returned to their apartment complex, the sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink.

Max, exhausted from the long walk, flopped onto the grass with a contented sigh.

"Guess that's our cue to head inside," Alishia said, bending down to unclip his leash.

Arthur nodded, lingering for a moment as if he wasn't quite ready to say goodbye.

"Hey," he said, his voice hesitant.

Alishia straightened, meeting his gaze. "Yeah?"

"Thanks for today," he said, his crimson eyes softening. "It was... nice."

She smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. "It was."

With a small wave, she turned and headed toward her apartment, Max trotting at her side.

But as she climbed the stairs to her floor, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. Something significant.

And for the first time in a long time, she found herself looking forward to Monday.