Gravel crunches underfoot as you and Cloud walk home after class. It’s another scorching day in Nibelheim, and the charm on your backpack swings as Cloud carries it on his shoulder. His pinky finger brushes yours as you walk, and he resists the urge to just take your hand the way he really wants to. He’s shy, he’s always been shy, but lately he’s wanted to change that.

“Wanna stop by my place?” he asks after a moment of deliberation. His mom is home, but she likes you, so she’ll probably excuse herself and leave you two alone. “We can study.” And maybe he’ll even scrounge up the courage to kiss you for the first time.