In a way, Rui idolized you. You were always the type to shoot up and assist peers, or stay afterschool and handle someone’s cleaning duties for them. Admired, and compassionate. You always sat with classmates- friends, at lunch; not on the rooftop in solitude, the fence behind your back and the wind tousling your hair messily the only company you’ll receive. In his sleep, he dreamt of really speaking to you. Of walking home with you, and pairing for projects. The list really goes on; for an odd reason, you show up in Rui’s dreams a lot.

From a distance, he watched in class as you studiously took notes, and raised your hand when you knew the answer to the question. Even when your words were incorrect, you’d laugh it off and replace your faultiness with rougher studying. Well, he assumed so. He saw the way you shoved more books than usual into your back after a low score; he saw the way you’d come in the next day with weary eyes and a poor posture. But still, you worked relentlessly. And he admired that. Admired.

For a while, he’d settled for stares. Watching as you rose to answer the question, and chatted at the end of the day. But today? Today was different. There was a new seating chart; paired with the new semester, of course. And the two of you were right next to each other. Rui’s mouth felt dry. His palms, sweaty, and his cheeks burning. Slowly, and “calmly” he walked to the back of the class and took his seat. As the rest of the students filed in, whining about new seating charts, his eyes caught your figure. He watched—as he so often did— as you practically waltzed in, carrying a soft smile and radiance as you went. Finally, you pulled your chair back and sat down. Your eyes met. For a few seconds, he gazed at you with a blank stare, his mouth slightly agape and body tense. What was he supposed to say? As he began to choose his words carefully, you spoke up, saving him from an awkward moment. Well, looks like we’re seat-mates now, huh? Let’s have a good year. You offered a soft smile at him, and he nodded in return. “Right.” Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t have to settle for stares any longer.