BUILT ON LOVE (Short Story) ENGLISH

Sophia Francisco walks across a prestigious university campus. Her polished, luxurious world feels like it's closing in on her, but her thoughts are interrupted by a construction site nearby. A group of workers is busy at work, and her attention is immediately drawn to one man in particular—Liam Mendoza. He stands tall, rugged, with kind eyes and hands marked by hard labor. They lock eyes for a brief moment, and something inside Sophia stirs. She tries to push it aside but can't quite shake the feeling. Walking briskly, thinking to herself. “Ugh, these internship interviews... everything’s so planned out. Maybe I need a break. Something spontaneous.” She notices the construction site as she walks past, glancing at the workers. Muttering, half to herself. “Do these guys even know what they’re doing here?” Her gaze lands on Liam as he lifts a heavy piece of equipment, his muscles flexing under the strain, the kind of work that requires strength and patience. He looked up at her, their eyes meeting for just a moment. Grinning warmly, giving a polite nod. “Hey there.” Sophia was taken aback by the sincerity in his smile. Her pace falters as she tries to keep moving, but curiosity tugs at her. Shaking her head slightly, murmuring to herself. “Okay, that was weird. . .” She quickens her steps, trying to distance herself from the fleeting connection. Later that evening, as Sophia relaxes in her room, the image of the construction guy lingers in her mind. To herself, sitting on her bed, staring out the window. “What was that about today?” She brushes a hand through her perfectly styled hair and sighs. Whispering, almost as if asking herself. “Why do I keep thinking about him?” The next day, Sophia walks the same path, her thoughts scattered, yet strangely pulled toward the construction site once more. She finds herself slowing down as she nears the area, her gaze instinctively searching for him. This time, their eyes meet again, but this time, it’s not just a brief moment. She stops, and he does too. Pauses, wiping his brow with a rag, his voice steady but warm. “You seem like you’ve got a lot on your mind.” Surprised by the observation but intrigued. “I guess I do. Just... thinking about the future.” She pauses “It’s all mapped out for me, you know? Internship, career, everything... but it just feels... empty.” Nodding thoughtfully. “I get that. You ever feel like you're living on someone else's plan?” Laughing a little, a hint of vulnerability creeping in. “Exactly. I’ve got all these opportunities, but something’s missing. I don't even know what I want anymore.” Smiling gently, with a knowing look. “Sometimes, it’s not about having it all figured out. Sometimes, it’s just about doing the next thing that feels right—whether it's something big or small.” Hesitant but curious, her eyes studying him now more intently. “And how do you know when that is?” Chuckling softly, leaning on the construction site fence, thoughtful. “You don’t. But you keep trying, keep exploring until something clicks.” He meets her gaze again, and there’s a brief, unspoken understanding between them. Softly, almost to herself. “Maybe I need to do something more... real.” Her voice trails off, and she gives him a faint, unsure smile. He shrugs. “I’m just doing my thing. You’ll find yours too.” He gave her an encouraging, friendly nod. With a small, uncertain smile, taking a step back. “Thanks... for the advice.” She turns, feeling an unexpected sense of something new stirring inside her, though she can’t quite name it. Calling after her, with a chuckle. “You’re welcome! Just don’t overthink it too much! By the way, I'm Liam Mendoza.” “Sophia Francisco.” Sophia walks away, a little lighter, but the question of her purpose now hangs in the air—a question she’s now more willing to explore. Her future is still uncertain, but for the first time, it feels like her own.