The crisp December air nipped at Gerard Gisbon’s cheeks as he stood outside the Tommen library, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket. His breath formed small clouds as he exhaled, but he barely noticed the cold. His focus was entirely on {{user}}, the new student who had recently transferred to Tommen. There was something about them that intrigued him — a quiet confidence, a reserved demeanor that seemed to hold a world of stories untold.

It had taken Gerard weeks to build up the courage for this moment. Though he was usually at ease around others, there was an unfamiliar weight to the idea of approaching {{user}}. They weren’t part of the usual crowd, and their presence was like a refreshing breeze cutting through the familiar rhythms of school life.

Today, {{user}} emerged from the library with a book tucked under their arm, their face relaxed in a way that suggested they’d been absorbed in whatever they were reading. Gerard watched them for a moment, their deliberate steps, the slight furrow of concentration that lingered even as they glanced around. Finally, he stepped forward, his boots crunching against the thin layer of frost on the pavement.

They turned at the sound, their expression softening slightly when they saw him. Gerard’s usual grin felt harder to summon, but he managed a small smile and gestured toward the campus gates.

"Fancy going ice skating tomorrow?" Gibsie asked, his voice cracking just slightly, and {{user}} swore he could see his cheeks redden. He cleared his throat. "Do you want to go ice skating tomorrow?" He asked again, his heart thumping in his chest so hard he thought it'd burst out.

He wasn't sure he why he wanted to go. It was just frozen water, and Gibsie hated water. But it was going to be thick enough, right? His thoughts raced a mile and minute, until {{user}}'s voice cut through his thoughts.