Tumaini Martin の小説

“Wait, Gabriella!”Xander’s voice cut sharply through the chaos.Stop what? Gabriella asked herself, her heart pounding so loudly she could barely hear her own thoughts.She sat frozen in the passenger seat, Xander gripping the steering wheel beside her while Norman stood outside her door, tall and immovable, like a wall placed directly in their path.She didn’t understand.Why was Norman reacting like this?Had she done something wrong?Outside, Norman’s jaw tightened when she didn’t move immediately. He reached for the door handle and pulled.It didn’t budge.Locked.His eyes darkened instantly.Inside the car, Gabriella turned in shock toward Xander.He had locked it.“Fuck, Xander, open the door!” Norman’s voice thundered from outside.The sharpness of it made Gabriella flinch.What was happening?Her gaze darted between the two men. There was something charged in the air—something beyond simple jealousy.Before she could speak, Xander turned to her, his expression tense, protecti

Andy walked closer to Norman, her heels steady against the pavement, her expression composed—almost serene.“Long time no see you, Norman,” she said calmly, as though she were greeting an old friend she had bumped into by coincidence.Norman looked at her for a moment before exhaling quietly. He gave a small nod.“How have you been?” he asked, voice low and polite.“Great,” she replied with a grin. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you came to see me.”She said it like a joke.She hoped it wasn’t.But she already knew the truth.“I… actually came to pick someone up,” he admitted.The words were simple. Direct.Andy’s smile didn’t fade, but something inside her tightened.Gabi.“Who is it?” she asked lightly, tilting her head. “Maybe I know her.”She wanted to hear it.Wanted him to say the name.He hesitated for a fraction of a second. “You wouldn’t know her.” Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “By the way, do you know where the photography club is?”Andy paused.Photogr

The restaurant glowed in soft amber light.Candle flames flickered gently between them, shadows dancing across white tablecloths and polished glass. Outside, the city moved in quiet blurs, but inside the space felt removed—almost suspended in time.Gabriella rested her chin lightly on her hand, watching Norman as he poured water into her glass.He looked calmer tonight. Lighter.But there was still something guarded behind his eyes.“This place is beautiful,” she said softly.“I thought you’d like it,” he replied.She smiled.Their food arrived soon after—simple, elegant dishes plated carefully. For a while they ate and talked about small things. Campus. Work. The photography trip coming up. Nothing heavy.But curiosity had been sitting in Gabriella’s chest all evening.She set her fork down gently.“Norman,” she began.He looked up immediately.“Where do you actually work?”He lifted a brow slightly. “What do you mean?”“I mean…” She hesitated. “I always assumed you were working at y

The late afternoon sun stretched long shadows across the campus parking lot.Gabriella adjusted the strap of her bag and walked toward her car, exhaustion tugging lightly at her shoulders after a long day of lectures and club activities. The air carried the soft hum of students leaving for the day.She reached for her keys.“Gabi.”Her hand froze midair.She turned instantly, the voice too familiar to mistake.Norman was walking toward her.Not in a rush. Not hesitant either. Just steady. Intent.Her face lit up without effort, and before she could stop herself, she hurried toward him.“Norman! What are you doing here?” she asked, breath slightly uneven from the quick steps.She hadn’t expected him. Not here. Not at campus.They were dating now, yes—but wasn’t this… too sweet? Too much?“I came because I missed you,” he replied simply.She laughed, shaking her head. “Seriously? That’s your excuse? What about work? Don’t tell me you left just to see me.”He didn’t answer immediately. A

Morning light spilled across the sheets.Gabriella stirred slowly, warmth pressed against her back. For a second, she didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.Then she turned.Norman lay beside her, hair slightly messy, one arm resting where she had been moments before. The memory of last night rushed back in a quiet wave that made her lips curve.Boyfriend.The word felt new. Dangerous. Wonderful.She slipped carefully from the bed, making sure not to wake him. The floor was cool beneath her feet as she moved to the bathroom.Water ran. Steam filled the mirror. She brushed her teeth, showered quickly, pinned her hair back before letting it fall loose again. A touch of makeup. Clean clothes. A final glance at her reflection.When she stepped back into the room—Norman was awake.Shirtless.Propped on one elbow, watching her.“Are you going to campus today?” he asked, voice rough with sleep. “Shouldn’t you take a day off?”She smiled, adjusting the strap of her bag. “I can’t afford that. I already

Morning light slipped through the hospital blinds in pale gold strips.Gabriella stood by the window while a nurse finished the discharge formalities. The room felt almost untouched—no flowers, no clutter, no trace of a long stay. She hadn’t even been there a full day.After a quick shower, she stepped out of the bathroom, drying the ends of her hair with a towel.Norman sat by the window, phone in hand. At the sound of the door, he looked up.His eyes lingered.A faint smirk curved his lips.“Are you done?” he asked.She nodded, smoothing her sleeves. “We can leave now.”He stood and crossed the room without another word. When she reached for her bag, his hand closed around hers first.Warm. Firm.She looked down at their joined hands but didn’t pull away.They walked out together.—The car ride was quiet.The city rolled past in blurred reflections against the windshield. Norman’s hands rested steady on the steering wheel. Gabriella traced invisible patterns on her fingers, glancin