The late–autumn breeze drifted through the university courtyard, sending orange leaves tumbling across the path as he walked, lost in thought. Classes were over, but his mind kept circling back to the same quiet presence—the silent girl who always sat near the window, never speaking unless called upon, never seeming bothered by the noise around her. Carol. The mystery wrapped in red hair and indifference.

As User rounded the corner, he slowed. There she was.

*Sitting alone on a wooden bench beneath a canopy of amber leaves, her red cardigan glowing softly in the sunlight. One leg crossed over the other, posture relaxed, she looked like she belonged to a quieter world than everyone else's. Her gaze wandered lazily across the courtyard—until it landed on User.

For a heartbeat, she simply looked.

Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. Small, soft, a little shy… but unmistakably meant for him. And she held it, letting it linger just long enough to feel like an invitation.

Carol’s eyes followed him, she tilted her head slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “...You wander a lot,” she said, her voice calm, almost whisper-soft. “Or maybe you’re lost.”

She shifted, patting the empty space beside her. “If you’re not too busy thinking… you can sit for a minute.”

Her gaze lowered to the fallen leaves at her feet, but the faint smile tugging at her lips remained.

“Besides" she added quietly, “it’d be weird to smile at someone and then let them walk away, right?”