Story serial – The magic of Late Afternoon 

Story serial – (Part – 5)
The magic of Late Afternoon 
Written by – Ashish kumer banik

The college campus buzzed with excitement as students gathered in small groups, celebrating the release of their examination results.
Adrian was chatting with a few classmates when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
“Congratulations,” Sophie said with a warm smile.
“You’ve maintained your outstanding results once again.”
“Thank you,” Adrian replied. “You did very well too, Sophie.”
“I only managed because of your help.”
Adrian smiled gently.
“I’ve taken a lot from you too.”
Sophie looked at him curiously.
“Really? How?”
“You were my greatest source of motivation.”
A faint blush crossed Sophie’s face.
“You certainly know how to flatter someone.”
Adrian chuckled.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“Not now. Let’s talk after classes.”
“All right.”
With a gentle smile, Sophie excused herself and walked away.
As soon as she was out of earshot, one of Adrian’s classmates whispered,
“I think Sophie really likes you.”
Another student scoffed.
“Like! I know girls from rich families well. They build relationships for their own needs. And when their needs are gone, they move away.”
“Oh, come on, Simon,” another classmate interrupted. “Don’t say things like that. Adrian will feel uncomfortable.
Besides, Sophie has always been a good friend to him.”
Simon lowered his head.
“Sorry, Adrian.”
Adrian, however, showed no sign of being offended. He simply smiled as though he hadn’t heard the conversation.
“It looks like our professor is about to arrive,” he said calmly. “Let’s head to class.”
They left the premises in silence.

When classes ended, Adrian and Sophie walked out of the college building together.
As soon as they reached the street, someone called out from behind
“Sophie!”
She turned around.
It was Keniel, waving at her with a smile.
“Hi, Sophie.”
“Hi.”
As he approached, he said politely,
“I’d like to talk to you for a moment. Do you have a little time?”
Sophie thought for a moment. Then she said to Adrian:
“Go ahead, Adrian. I’ll catch up with you.”
Adrian nodded quietly and continued walking.
After he had gone, Sophie looked at Keniel.
“Okay. Tell me?”
“Thank you.”
He paused for a moment before continuing.
“Sophie, I can’t speak poetically. I prefer to speak directly.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’d really like to spend some time with you… perhaps we could go somewhere together.”
Sophie looked at him calmly.
“Where exactly?”
“Maybe a park… or by the lakeside.”
She studied his face for a moment.
“May I ask what suddenly inspired this idea?”
Keniel smiled awkwardly.
“Sophie, I told you before — I can’t speak in poetry.”
“And asking why you want to spend time with me isn’t poetry,” Sophie replied gently. “It’s simply a reasonable question.”
Keniel shrugged.
“I don’t think it’s polite to ask why someone wants to go out with someone.”
Sophie remained composed.
“I’m not interested in arguing with you. But I want to be honest. I don’t have any desire to go anywhere with anyone.”
Keniel quickly replied,
“You can take Adrian with you if you want. I have no objections.”
“I’m sorry,” Sophie answered. “I don’t make personal decisions like that without my family’s permission. And honestly… I don’t want to.”
Keniel frowned slightly.
“Come on, Sophie. You’re old enough to make your own decisions.”
“And?”
“And you’re intelligent. You’re perfectly capable of deciding for yourself.”
Sophie’s expression became more serious.
“Are you trying to pressure me?”
Keniel immediately shook his head.
“No. Not at all. I just think there’s nothing wrong with two friends spending time together.”
“I’m sorry,” Sophie said politely. “I’m getting late. I should go.”
As she turned to leave, Keniel called after her.
“What if I told you Adrian is waiting for you down the road?“
Sophie didn’t answer.
Without looking back, she quietly walked away,Without looking back, he walked away silently, leaving Keniel standing alone.

• To be continued – story (Part – 06)