Diamond: The Spark Within

Selena sat under the banyan tree, waiting for Sam. The rustling leaves provided a soothing backdrop as she absentmindedly sketched in her notebook. Her heart beat faster when she spotted him walking toward her, his signature grin lighting up his face.

"Hey, Picasso," Sam said, plopping down beside her. He leaned in to peek at her sketch. "What masterpiece are you working on today?"

Selena laughed, closing her notebook. "It's nothing special, just doodles."

Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Come on, let me see. I'm sure it's amazing."

Reluctantly, she opened the notebook to reveal her sketch of the banyan tree, complete with two figures sitting beneath it. Sam's face softened as he looked at it.

"Is that… us?" he asked, pointing at the figures.

Selena's cheeks turned pink. "Maybe. I just thought the tree looked nice."

Sam smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It's beautiful. You have a real talent, Selena."

"Thanks," she said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Drawing helps me feel calm, you know? Like I can escape for a little while."

Sam nodded, his expression turning serious. "I get that. Everyone needs something to keep them grounded. For me, it's sports. But I think it's amazing that you can create something out of nothing. That's a gift."

Selena glanced at him, surprised by his sincerity. "You really think so?"

"I know so," he said firmly.

There was a moment of silence, comfortable yet charged with unspoken thoughts. Selena hesitated before speaking again. "Sam, can I ask you something?"

"Anything," he replied, leaning back against the tree trunk.

"Will walk home back with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, If and when Amelia is Absent ...I don't want to walk home alone?"

Sam looked at her, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled, a softer, more genuine version of his usual grin. "Yes Little kitty, you don't have to hesitate in asking for anything you are my closest friend ...you are special to me "

Selena's eyes widened. "I… I didn't know you thought that about me."

"Why wouldn't I?" he said, his tone warm. "You're stronger than you think, Selena. And honestly, I like spending time with you. You make me feel… grounded."

His words made her heart flutter, but she quickly changed the subject, unsure how to respond. "So, what's your next big game? I heard the basketball finals are coming up."

Sam chuckled, clearly aware of her attempt to steer the conversation. "Yeah, the finals are next week. You're coming, right?"

"Of course," she said, grateful for the lighter topic. "I wouldn't miss it."

"You better not," he teased. "I'll need my lucky charm in the crowd."

Selena laughed, the tension melting away. For the first time, she felt comfortable with the new feelings stirring in her heart.

The days that followed were a mix of routine and subtle shifts. Selena found herself looking forward to lunch breaks under the banyan tree, where conversations with Sam ranged from lighthearted jokes to deeper, more meaningful topics.

One day, as they sat under the tree, Sam surprised her by bringing a small gift.

"What's this?" Selena asked, taking the neatly wrapped package from him.

"Open it and see," he said, his grin mischievous.

Inside was a set of sketch pencils and a small notebook. Selena's eyes widened in surprise.

"I noticed your pencils were running low," Sam said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought you might like these."

Selena felt a lump form in her throat. "Sam, this is… thank you. You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to," he said simply. 

She looked at him, her heart full. "You're too kind to me, Sam."

He shrugged, his smile turning playful. "Well, someone has to make sure you keep creating masterpieces."

Selena laughed, but her gratitude was genuine. In that moment, she realized just how much Sam's presence meant to her. He wasn't just a crush; he was a friend, a source of comfort in her otherwise tumultuous life.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Sam stood and offered her a hand.

"Ready to head back?" he asked.

Selena nodded, taking his hand. "Yeah, let's go."

As they walked back to class, Selena couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. The world still had its challenges, but for now, under the banyan tree, she found a little corner of peace.