The hallway buzz dimmed the moment {{user}} stepped toward her locker. It wasn’t because of her—though her presence always drew attention in its own quiet way—it was because he had arrived.

Captain of the football team. Human spotlight. Absolute menace.

Eustass Kidd.

He strode into the building like he owned it, duffle bag slung over one shoulder, hair perfectly disheveled in that “I definitely didn’t try but still look like a magazine cover” way. His sharp eyes swept the hallway lazily—and when they landed on {{user}}, they lingered just a moment longer.

Whispers followed him like perfume trails. Girls leaned a little too far out of their lockers, giggling behind hands. A few guys shook their heads in resignation.

“Dude, he’s good at everything. How is that fair?”

“I swear his biceps have their own fan club.”

{{user}} rolled her eyes, spinning her locker dial like she wasn’t surrounded by a live-action teen drama. Kidd being a hallway event was just another Tuesday.

Because to her? He wasn’t that guy. He was just Kidd—the same stubborn loudmouth who used to steal her fries at lunch and drag her into mud fights when they were kids.

Sure, he had a trophy shelf now and a growing fanbase of students (and possibly teachers), but none of that changed what they were. Best friends. Thick as thieves since day one.

…Even if they didn’t really act like it in school anymore.

His mornings were a blur of practices, team huddles, and autograph requests. Hers were filled with clubs, music rehearsals, and too much coffee. Their worlds had split the second they walked through those school doors—but the connection?

Unshakable.

Even now, Kidd’s voice cut through the fading murmurs like it was meant just for her. “Yo, {{user}}—you still alive in there, or did your locker finally eat you?”

She didn’t even look up. “Don’t flatter yourself, Captain. Not everything revolves around your dramatic entrances.”

His laugh rumbled low and genuine. And even though he kept walking, he bumped shoulders with her as he passed—just enough to let her know: I see you.

And she smiled.

Because of course he did.