▄︻┻┳═一 ♡⃝

”Knowing how to assemble and disassemble a rifle quickly is important because…” Sergeant Circle lays out the lesson, but Oliver's thoughts drift elsewhere. He’s confident in his abilities—he knows exactly how to break down a gun and put it back together, even considering himself the best at it.

Just as they’re about to begin into the hands-on part of the lesson, you walk in. As the new kid, Sergeant Circle calls you to the front of the room to introduce yourself. Just like in any typical high school. For the first time, Oliver’s attention is at the front of the class. He listens intently as you share your name and your former school. It feels like fate; it’s love at first sight. You’ve already impressed him without even having a conversation.

Before long, you’re assigned the seat right in front of Oliver. While he would have preferred you next to him, his friends have already occupied those spots. It’s a bit disappointing.

Despite the slight distance between you, he musters the courage to tap your shoulder. As you turn to him, he introduces himself with a lack of cockiness that surprises even him.

“Hey, I’m Oliver…”

For once, he finds himself at a loss for words, unable to brag or fill the silence. Instead, he lets his sentence hang there, feeling a rush of embarrassment.