he had obviously no intention of concealing their "relationship" any longer.

though they had respected the people around them enough to keep their hands to themselves for most of the day, his subtle gestures were proof enough of his underlying affection.

early that morning, they had sent some charges to camp. while in the van, he had, at times, kept his hand on her knee, simply to prevent her from lunging forward when the van jerked.

later, while taking the train back to the north (together with her aunt who had dozed off), he kept staring at the magazine she was reading, suddenly wondering out loud if the US general elections were to be held soon. she looked at him, obviously impressed that he knew that fact. as they went on, he lifted his arm and pulled her arm under his. he held her hand as they both continued reading the magazine.

about five stops away from their destination (they were heading for a movie while her aunt was heading home), she suddenly looked up...and saw her uncle standing right in front of her. she grinned sheepishly at him, then nudged HIM in the ribs, telling him that the man standing in front of them is her uncle. he lifted his arm a little, seemingly to let her remove hers, but she kept it there. she talked to her uncle for a bit, then attempted to wake her aunt with THAT hand.

she heaved a sigh of relief as they disembarked. the awkwardness was over.

the aunt went home, and the two of them went to the movie. it was mediocre...but he had become more affectionate then. after the flick, they walked out of the theater and into the moist air, brought about by the rain that was raging while they were still inside. as they stood at the landing, wondering how to get home, he put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. how cliche: there they were, sheltered from the rain, with his arm around her. she kissed him on the cheek and led him by the hand to the bus interchange. no words were spoken.

on the bus home, he kept his arms around her the whole time, and rested his chin on her shoulder. as she turned her head to face him, he rubbed her nose with his, and grinned. he kissed her goodbye, then got off the bus.

as they both walked to their respective homes, something stirred in both of them.

there was no denying it...it was becoming a relationship.