Chapter 11: Normalcy

The days that followed were a blur of normalcy, a welcome respite from the intensity of their romantic encounters. Xander and Ren fell into a comfortable routine, spending their days exploring the campus, holding hands, and just enjoying each other's company. They laughed, joked, and teased each other, their banter easy and familiar. Ren's grumpiness returned, but Xander just smiled and teased her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He loved her gruff exterior, and she knew it. She, in turn, loved his sunny disposition, his infectious enthusiasm. As they strolled across campus, Xander tossed his arm around Ren's shoulders, pulling her close. "You know, I never thought I'd be the type to take a girl to the library," he said, his voice low and husky. Ren raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh? And what's changed your mind?" Xander grinned, his eyes locked on hers. "You're the one who's changed my mind, bookworm. I love watching you get lost in a good book." Ren's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her smile. Xander's words made her feel seen, made her feel like he truly understood her. Their friends and classmates seemed to accept Xander with open arms, drawn to his charismatic personality and generous spirit. Ren's dorm roommates, Rachel and Emily, adored him, and they would often invite him to join them for movie nights or game nights. Xander, in turn, was happy to oblige, always bringing a gift or two to share with the group. He was a natural people person, and Ren loved watching him work a room, his charm and charisma on full display. Despite the attention, Xander's eyes always seemed to find Ren's, his gaze lingering on her face. She felt like a magnet, drawing him in, and she loved the way he looked at her, like she was his goddess. As the days passed, Ren began to feel like she was floating on air, her heart full of joy and love. She knew that Xander was only visiting for a short time, but she was determined to make the most of their time together. One evening, as they sat on the couch, watching the sunset, Xander turned to her, his eyes serious. "Ren, can I ask you something?" he said, his voice low and husky. Ren raised an eyebrow, her heart skipping a beat. "What is it?" Xander's eyes locked on hers, burning with intensity. "Do you ever think about our future, about what we want?" Ren's mind went blank, and she felt a sense of panic wash over her. She had been trying not to think about the future, not to worry about what would happen when Xander left. But as she looked into his eyes, she knew that she couldn't avoid the question forever. "I...I don't know," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Xander's face softened, and he pulled her into his arms. "Don't worry, bookworm," he whispered, his voice full of reassurance. "We'll figure it out together." As they hugged, Ren felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that as long as Xander was by her side, she could face anything, no matter what the future held.