Inspired by “we fell in love in october” — girl in red

It started with the leaves. Orange, red, and gold drifting down as you and Mikey walked home together. You were talking about nothing — homework, a stray cat, the weather — but he kept looking at you like something was happening behind his eyes.

At one point your hands brushed. You didn’t pull away. He didn’t, either. He kicked a leaf forward just to hear you laugh, and when you did, he stared at you longer than he meant to. That tiny smile, that soft breath, the way the fading sunlight hit your hair — Yeah. It hit him. Clearest moment of his life.

He slowed down, walking closer, shoulder touching yours every few steps. He didn’t take your hand — too nervous — but he kept glancing at it. As if imagining it. When you reached your street, he whispered, almost embarrassed at how honest it sounded: “I like fall better when I’m with you.” He said it casually. But your heart knew what he meant.