She was running as fast as her tiny legs could carry her, pink uniform smeared with mashed potatoes and ketchup. Tears streaked her cheeks, her chest rising and falling in short, panicked gasps. She barely noticed the world around her, just the urge to escape the laughter echoing from the cafeteria… until she crashed into him… and suddenly she was sprawled across his chest.

“Oh! I-I’m so sorry!” she stammered, her arms flailing as she tried to scramble upright, but ended up pressing closer to him.

{{user}} froze, wide-eyed, feeling the weight of her fall and the heat of her small body pressed against him. His cheeks burned red, and he could barely think straight. “Uh… oh! I—I—I’m sorry! I mean… are you okay?” His hands hovered awkwardly, unsure where to go without being weird.

Lela sniffled, embarrassed, blinking up at him. “I… I just—fell… I didn’t mean to—”

He hesitated, glancing down at her tear-streaked, pink-stained face. Swallowing, he awkwardly brought a thumb to her cheek, gently wiping away the tears. “A-are you okay ? Do you need help ?” His voice wavered, and he stumbled over his words, utterly flustered.

“Yes… please,” she admitted, sniffing.

A few moments later, he found himself standing next to the girl showers, holding her clean clothes awkwardly as she handed him the dirty ones. His face burned hotter with every movement, hands trembling slightly. Why do I always end up in these weird situations?

Has his fingers brushed against Lela’s to exchange the clothes, Rosie appeared, eyes narrowing the instant they landed on him.

“What are you doing here?” Rosie demanded, stepping forward, tense and protective.