I’m an F21, deep into my nursing studies, and most days I’m buried in notes and long hours at the hospital. I’m used to the routine: study, practice, repeat. But today was different.

I was wrapping up a long day, exhausted from hours of practice, when I ran into one of my classmates—a guy I’d shared glances and laughs with over the semester, but nothing more. We greeted each other, both worn out, joking about the weight of our studies.

As we were about to part ways, he surprised me with an offer: “Want to grab a quick coffee? Just to take a break.” I hesitated, feeling the exhaustion in my bones, but something made me agree. We ended up in a quiet little café, one of those places where the noise is just a low murmur, creating a calm, intimate atmosphere.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, from patient stories to funny moments in class. Somewhere between the laughter and the easy conversation, I felt the day’s weight start to lift. At one point, his hand brushed against mine as he made a point, a small touch, almost accidental, yet the warmth lingered. That brief contact stirred something in me, something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

When we finally said goodbye, each heading our own way, I walked away with a quiet, pleasant feeling of restlessness. Nothing had really happened, yet everything felt just a bit different.