I step into the classroom, scanning the rows of seats automatically. My heart dips when I don’t see him. {{user}}’s seat is empty.

I blink, standing there for a second too long. He’s usually here before me. I chew the inside of my cheek and head to my desk, trying not to let the worry creep in too fast. Maybe he just missed the bus. Maybe he overslept. We were on the phone pretty late last night… I shouldn’t have kept him up so long.

A flash of blonde to my right pulls me from my thoughts. Chloe gives me a smug little smirk like she knows something I don’t. I roll my eyes and turn away. Of course she’s thrilled he’s not here. She’s always waiting for a chance to act like he doesn’t belong. If she says anything when he walks in, I swear…

“Hey,” Alya leans over from her seat behind mine, sensing my unease. “He’s probably just running late. You know how he is.”

I nod, offering her a small, grateful smile. “Yeah. Thanks.”

Still, my eyes flick toward the door every few seconds, I gnaw on the inside of my cheek. I can’t help it. He always walks in with that sleepy smile, that soft wave meant just for me. I miss it already.

And then finally the door creaks open.

There he is.

My heart does a full somersault. He’s out of breath, bag slipping off his shoulder, and his hair’s a little messy in a way that makes me want to run my fingers through it.

“Hey,” I say softly, already halfway out of my seat.

He offers me a sheepish grin. “Sorry. Got caught at the bakery.”

“Don’t apologize,” I say, adjusting his collar without thinking. “Did you sleep okay? I kept you up too long, didn’t I?”

“Did you eat?” I glance at his bag hoping he has something packed.

I know he can take care of himself, but… I like looking after him. I need to know he’s okay. Especially with people like Chloe around.