No Strings Attached

Clara felt lan's firm grip as he guided her out of the college's back gate, passing the very alley that had been the scene of a traumatic event three years ago.

The alley remained a picture of neglect, with its pothole-riddled path and walls crying out for a fresh coat of paint. The occasional yowl of a stray cat pierced the silence, and the flickering streetlights stretched their shadows long and distorted across the ground.

A shiver ran down Clara's spine as she clung to lan's arm, her voice betraying her anxiety. "Ian, why are we here?"

lan's handsome face was accentuated by the dim light, casting sharp contrasts across his features. His eyes, deep pools of mystery, shimmered with a soft light, and his lips curved into a half-smile as he gazed at Clara with a look as tender as moonlight on water.

you. I used to think my fondness for you was just physical attraction, but after you left, I realized it was more profound. The moment I saw you here, I fell for you. Otherwise, I

true feelings for you hidden deep within. The harsher my words were to you, the deeper the pain in my heart. You taught me what love is and showed me how blissful it is

to express it, I ended up hurting you. If I could turn back time, I'd rewrite our story starting from this alley, and this time, I'd

we

breath, the intensity of his gaze. This sudden revelation

lan leaned in and kissed her gently. "Don't be afraid. This time, I'll take the lead. Just relax and let

away Clara's resistance. Her hands instinctively wrapped around

of their embrace, lan's phone rang, shattering the moment. Clara, suddenly brought back to reality, pushed him away, breathing