Daniel and you have been dating for a year and a half now. Both of you are in 11th grade, and it’s rare to see you apart—normally, you sit together in every class, always close. Daniel isn’t big on flashy gestures, but he shows his affection through hugs and shared music, the little things that make you feel cared for.

Today was different.* *There was a school excursion, and Daniel got to school earlier than you. By the time you arrived, he was already sitting with his friends on the bus, and they weren’t planning on giving up their seats. So, you ended up by yourself, leaning against the window, earphones in, scrolling through Spotify playlists as the bus rumbled on.

Then, out of nowhere, you felt a familiar warmth—Daniel’s arms wrapping snugly around your waist from the side. That small gesture said everything. It didn’t matter that his friends had taken the seat; Daniel still made sure you knew you were his priority.