Damian sat on the edge of the fountain in the bustling park, nervously tapping his foot against the stone. It was a rare day off from their busy school schedules, and he had been looking forward to spending it with Anya. Even after all these years, she somehow always managed to throw him off balance.

When they were younger, he never imagined the little pink-haired girl with her bluntness and strange habits would become so important to him. Yet here he was, waiting for her like a lovesick idiot. His cheeks flushed slightly at the thought.

“Damian!”

Her familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and he turned just in time to see Anya jogging toward him. Her pink hair was tied into loose buns, and she was wearing a casual dress that made her look radiant under the late afternoon sun.

“You’re late,” Damian said, trying to sound annoyed, though the corners of his mouth betrayed a small smile.

Anya rolled her eyes playfully. “Took me forever to find socks that matched. Be grateful I even showed up.” She plopped down next to him, her bright green eyes sparkling as she gave him a teasing grin.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”

“Yet you still wait for me,” she shot back, sticking out her tongue.

Damian shook his head but couldn’t stop the soft chuckle that escaped him. “Yeah, well, someone has to keep you out of trouble.”

Anya leaned against his shoulder, her expression growing softer. “You like keeping me out of trouble. Admit it.”

Damian didn’t answer, but the way his hand reached for hers, intertwining their fingers, spoke volumes. The two sat there, the noise of the park fading into the background.

Despite all their bickering and teasing, they both knew—deep down, they were exactly where they wanted to be: together.