Chapter 26

Sienna and Mia strolled through the bustling halls of the Department of Life Sciences when Sienna's gaze was drawn to an open classroom. She stopped in her tracks, mesmerized by Riley, who stood at the front of the room.

Sienna stretched her arms overhead, fingers framing the scene like a picture. Riley looked effortlessly stunning in a black long-sleeved shirt, the sleeves rolled halfway up her arms. Her hair was swept into a messy bun, and the glasses perched on her nose only added to her allure. Looking hot there, huh? Sienna thought, unable to tear her eyes away as Riley pointed at something on the presentation screen, exuding confidence and passion.

"I know, I get it-you're in love with her," Mia teased, breaking the spell.

Sienna rolled her eyes, nudging Mia playfully before turning her attention back to Riley. "How can someone who's taking a Biochemistry course have so much time? She manages everything so well," Sienna mused, biting her thumb as she continued to watch.

"What do you expect? She's been exposed to their business since she was a kid. I bet her sisters were too," Mia shrugged. Sienna nodded, realizing how true that was. She knew that Riley not only excelled in her studies but also ran her own brand.

"Right, I remember you have your own clothing line, right?" Mia asked, glancing at Sienna.

"Yeah, it's earning a decent amount so far," Sienna replied, still captivated by thoughts of Riley.

"And here I am, simply enjoying my parents' money," Mia laughed, pulling Sienna along. "Come on, you can leave a message for Riley later. Let's find a book in the library first."

Reluctantly, Sienna followed Mia, stealing one last glance at Riley as they walked away, her thoughts lingering on the girl who had captured her heart.

Sienna and Mia settled into their usual corner by the window, the soft light illuminating their workspace. Mia immersed herself in a fiction book, while Sienna pulled out her sketchpad, ready to unleash her creativity. Sketching had become a way for her to channel her thoughts and dreams, often translating them into designs for her clothing line.

As Sienna pinched her pencil between her chin and finger, a thought struck her. I should message Riley.

She quickly typed, "Want to come to the library? Here with Mia, come once you're done. Badly want to see you. Lovelots." A smile spread across her face as she sent the message, her heart fluttering at the thought of Riley joining them. Just as she set her phone down, it chimed softly.

"Be there in a few, love." Sienna bit her lip, a grin breaking out. Mia glanced up from her book, raising an eyebrow at Sienna's expression but shrugged it off, returning to her reading.

Sienna became absorbed in her sketches again, but her focus drifted when she caught a glimpse of a figure dressed in black. She put down her sketchpad and followed the movement with her eyes. It was Riley.

Sienna raised her brow as she noticed that Riley didn't head to their table. Instead, she observed Riley intently as she stood by the shelves, arms crossed. Riley looked striking in her black long-sleeved top paired with black pants and boots-her style unchanged from earlier.

Sienna watched as Riley pulled out a book and then another, crouching down to retrieve yet another. Just then, their eyes met, and Riley smiled before walking over to them.

"You're full of books," Mia remarked, eyeing the books Riley held while her bag hung casually from her shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, we're working on our research paper. I might be pulling another all-nighter, though," Riley replied, placing her books and bag on the table before sliding into the chair next to Sienna.

"Do you even have time to cook?" Sienna asked, turning to face her, concern etching her features.

Riley shrugged, her playful demeanor intact. "I might just request food delivery," she said, unzipping her bag and pulling out her laptop.

Sienna leaned back, her heart warming at the sight of Riley so focused, yet she couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry for her. "You know I'd cook for you if you let me," she said, a teasing smile dancing on her lips.

Riley looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Well, I might take you up on that offer soon. But for now, I'll survive on takeout," she joked, and Sienna felt a flutter of hope that perhaps one day, they could share more than just meals but moments they could cherish.

Riley sighed as she rubbed her nape and stretched, nestled in the corner of her living room. She had chosen this spot for her study table so she could enjoy the view of the nightscape and the bustling city life. To her left was a huge whiteboard covered in equations and notes, while to her right, against the wall, stood a table trolley with her coffee maker.

Suddenly, she heard a chime from the front door. "Maybe it's Sienna," she muttered to herself, hoping for a break from her studies.

"Did you eat yet?" Sienna's voice called out as she entered.

"Not yet, love," Riley responded, glancing quickly at Sienna before turning back to her laptop. She stood at her electric table, adjusting it for a better view while working.

Sienna sighed and set down the food she had prepared at her own unit. Although she usually didn't cook much, knowing Riley was likely to pull an all-nighter motivated her to make something special. "I'll prepare food for you. You can eat this when you're hungry. Don't just fill up on coffee," she reminded Riley, who often opted for caffeine over proper meals, a habit she had observed during their many coffee runs together.

"Aye, aye," Riley said, running her fingers through her hair as she finished up the tasks on her screen. Sienna tilted her head, noting that Riley hadn't changed out of her clothes since they had arrived a couple of hours earlier.

The silence grew around her, making Riley wonder if Sienna had left. She reached for her phone to check but was startled when she heard a chime coming from behind her.

Glancing back, she saw Sienna standing there, waving. "I'm just here," Sienna said with a smile.

Riley released a sigh of relief as she locked her laptop and jogged over to Sienna. "I thought you left," she said, wrapping her arms around her in a warm hug.

Sienna hugged her back, gently rubbing Riley's back. "Let me just take a quick recharge," Riley murmured, her breath warm against Sienna's neck.

"You haven't changed your clothes," Sienna pointed out, concern lacing her voice. "And you still haven't eaten."

Riley pulled back slightly to meet Sienna's gaze, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I know, I know. But I promise I'll eat soon. Just let me finish up this last task first. Then we can eat together, okay?"

Sienna's brow furrowed, but she nodded. "Okay, but I'll be here to remind you. I made your favorite."

"Really? You shouldn't have," Riley replied, her heart warming at the thought. "But you know I appreciate it."

"Just trying to keep you healthy," Sienna teased, a playful glint in her eye. She stepped back, glancing at the food she'd brought. "Let's just make sure you don't collapse from caffeine overload."

Riley chuckled, her heart fluttering. "I'll be fine. I promise."