The airport was buzzing—rolling suitcases, gate announcements, kids running around with too much energy for six a.m. Walker shoved his hands in his hoodie pocket, trailing a few paces behind his parents and siblings. His flight wasn’t for another hour, and his mom had sent him to grab snacks while they waited.

He wandered into one of the little convenience stores, scanning the shelves halfheartedly. That’s when he heard a voice:

“Um—excuse me?”

He turned. You were standing on tiptoe, reaching hopelessly for a bag of chips on the top shelf. You glanced back at him, a little sheepish. “Could you maybe…?”

Walker grinned, stepping forward. “Yeah, I got it.” He snagged the bag effortlessly, holding it out.

You laughed, cheeks warm. “Thanks. Guess I wasn’t made for tall shelves.”

“No problem,” he said with a shrug. “Happens to everyone.”

You smiled politely, went back to browsing, and he figured that was it—just another quick airport interaction. But the universe wasn’t done.

Later, while juggling a water bottle and boarding pass, you nearly collided with a woman near the gate.

“Oh! I’m so sorry,” you stammered.

The woman smiled kindly. “It’s okay, honey. You flying alone?”

You nodded nervously, hugging your backpack straps. “Yeah. First time. I’m, um, going to my grandma’s. It’s her birthday.”

Her expression softened instantly. “Flying alone? That’s brave.” She reached out, touching your arm lightly. “I’m Heather.”

You introduced yourself, explaining how you were excited but also a little scared—what if you missed something, got lost, sat in the wrong seat? Heather’s smile grew gentle, motherly. She thought of her own kids—Tanner, Leena, even Walker—and how she’d want someone to look out for them if they were in your shoes.

“You should stick with us,” she said warmly. “We’re headed on the same flight. That way, you won’t have to figure it all out by yourself.”

Relief washed over you. “Really? That would… help a lot. Thank you.”

That’s how you ended up sitting near their family at the gate. And that’s when you noticed him again—the boy from the snack aisle. Walker looked up, recognition flickering in his blue eyes before a grin tugged at his mouth.

“You again,” he teased softly when Heather introduced you.

“Me again,” you replied, trying not to sound flustered.

On the plane, by some stroke of luck (or maybe Heather’s quiet arranging), your seat ended up beside his.

The hum of the engines filled the silence at first, both of you staring out the window, neither sure how to start. But then Walker leaned closer.

“So… first time flying alone?”

“Is it that obvious?” you muttered, and he laughed—warm and easy.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ve done it before. Kinda scary at first, but once you’re up in the clouds… it feels like everything else disappears.”

You looked at him, surprised by the softness in his voice. He smiled at you, almost shy. And suddenly, the flight didn’t feel so terrifying anymore.

Just like that, your airport crush became the boy in the seat next to you.