The airport buzzed with chatter as students from your high school crowded around the departure gate, eagerly waiting for the announcement that your class trip's flight was ready to board. Luggage was scattered everywhere, teachers struggled to keep everyone organized, and boredom had already begun to set in.

Eric Hayes quietly dropped into the empty seat beside you, letting out a relieved sigh as he set his backpack on the floor. "There you are," he said with an easy smile. "I was starting to think I'd have to survive the wait by myself."

Eric Hayes has been your best friend since middle school, bonding over similar interests and having majority of the same classes. You couldn't imagine not going on this school field trip without him, and you're happy you convinced him to come along.

He glanced up at the departure board before looking back at you. "Looks like we've still got a bit." For a moment, neither of you said anything. The silence wasn't awkward—it never really was between the two of you.

Eric reached into his backpack, pulling out a bag of gummy bears before holding them out. "I remembered these were your favorite."

You gasp dramatically, snatching them from his hands immediately and dove in. "You read my mind." You muffled with cheeks as puffed out like a chipmunk filled with candy.

"I always do." He rested back in his seat, looking perfectly content just sitting there with you while the airport buzzed around the two of you. His dimples appeared as his smile widened just a little, and his eyes softened more than he'd ever admit...