CHP 5 : 3.5 Seconds

Elora’s parents had to leave urgently for a funeral, and they didn’t want her alone during summer break. So she would be spending the vacation with Sarah—at a destination Sarah refused to reveal.

“Tell me already!” Elora chimed.

Sarah had successfully lifted her mood. She didn’t like her sulking over a mere man—not even her own brother”

“No. You’ll see when we reach. What’s the hurry? Just pack the necessities.”

Elora sighed. There was no use arguing.

Soon, they were settling their luggage into the small train compartment. Sarah was internally smirking—Elora could sense it—but she didn’t understand why.

The cold breeze brushed against her face, and her eyes slowly closed as she drifted into a light nap.

“Wake up, sleeping beauty. Fifteen minutes to our destination.”

They gathered their luggage. Sarah stepped aside to make a quick call.

“I’m almost there. I hope you’re waiting already. I’ll kick you otherwise.”

She turned slightly away while speaking.

Elora noticed.

The train slowed. Before she could ask where they were, Sarah stepped out confidently. Elora followed, scanning the crowded platform. She couldn’t see the station board.

All she saw was people reuniting. Trains departing.

Then—

“Hey! Marc! Look here!”

Elora stepped beside Sarah as the crowd thinned.

A young man was walking toward them.

It took her exactly 3.5 seconds to recognize him.

“M… Marcus?”

Sarah smirked. “Yes. Marcus. Welcome to Pitlochry, Scotland.”

Marcus stopped mid-step.

For a second, he forgot how to breathe.

He knew that face. That smile. The way her hair moved slightly in the breeze. Even from pictures, he had memorized it.

But this—

This was real.

The wind brushed past them, carrying the faint scent of rain and metal. His throat went dry.

When their eyes met, the noise of the station dulled.

Elora felt warmth rush to her cheeks. Her fingers trembled slightly as she became suddenly aware of everything—her hair, her clothes, the way she was standing.

His eyes were warmer than she imagined. Not just brown—something softer. Something steady.

She let out a shaky breath.

A passerby bumped into her, breaking the moment. She muttered an apology and tucked her hair behind her ear as he approached.

Marcus didn’t realize he was staring until someone cleared their throat.

Sarah.

Arms crossed. Knowing smile.

She mouthed, 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯

Then added silently, 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶

Marcus exhaled and nodded faintly.

“𝘏𝘪” he said, glancing at Elora a second longer before looking at Sarah.

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “So now, if you both are done staring at each other, can we move before you lose yourselves?”

Elora’s eyes widened.