Love Found Me When I Wasn’t Looking {Episode 5}

**Victoria’s POV**

By Wednesday, the tension between us had become impossible to ignore.

We were no longer just sharing glances; we were carrying conversations in our eyes. Every smile felt loaded. Every silence felt loud. I knew something had to be said, or we would both keep pretending until we lost the courage.

That afternoon, Daniel sent me a message.

*Can we talk after work? Properly.*

My heart raced, but I replied yes.

We met at a quiet spot not far from the school—a small café where teachers often went to unwind. I arrived early, my thoughts tangled. When he walked in, I stood up instinctively. We smiled at each other, nervous and familiar all at once.

He didn’t sit immediately.

“Victoria,” he said softly, “I don’t want to assume anything. I respect you too much for that.”

I swallowed hard.

“I feel something growing between us,” he continued. “But I want us to be clear. No confusion. No half-steps.”

I nodded. “I feel it too.”

Saying it out loud made my chest feel lighter.

“I’m not interested in playing games,” I added. “If we do this, it has to be intentional.”

He smiled slow, relieved. “That’s exactly what I want.”

**Daniel’s POV**

I had rehearsed that conversation a hundred times, but nothing prepared me for how calm I felt once she said she felt it too.

Victoria wasn’t dramatic. She wasn’t rushing. She was thoughtful and that told me everything I needed to know about the kind of woman she was.

“I’d like us to date,” I said carefully. “Not secretly. Not carelessly. Properly.”

She looked at me, really looked at me, then smiled. “I’d like that.”

In that moment, I felt grounded.

We talked about boundaries, about work, about taking things step by step. We agreed not to make school uncomfortable, not to let gossip define us. It felt mature, mutual, and real.

I reached across the table and held her hand—not tightly, just enough to feel her there.

“Thank you for choosing me,” I said.

**Victoria’s POV**

His words stayed with me.

Choosing him felt less like a risk and more like a decision rooted in peace. For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t afraid of what might happen next.

As we walked out together, he asked, “Can I walk you home?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

The walk was slow, filled with laughter and quiet moments. When we reached my gate, he didn’t rush. He just stood there, hands in his pockets.

“So,” he said, “does this mean I can call you my girlfriend?”

I laughed softly. “Yes. You can.”

His face lit up like a child’s.

---

**Daniel’s POV**

Driving home that evening, I felt steady.

Not euphoric. Not reckless.

Just sure.

I sent her a message when I got home.

*I’m grateful for today. For us.*

Her reply came quickly.

*Me too.*

And just like that, something new begannot loudly, not dramaticallybut intentionally.

We weren’t rushing toward forever.

We were walking toward it.

Together.continue reading Episode 6