Dating Rodrick Heffley hadn’t been easy, actually, it had been a mess from the very beginning because your parents weren’t convinced and his parents were even worse.

There had been awkward conversations, long stares, endless rules, and a ridiculous list of conditions that seemed to grow every week.

But somehow, it still happened.

Rodrick ended up being your boyfriend.

One of the most important conditions —according to the adults— was that he had to be the one to take you home after school. As if that alone could prevent any disaster. Rodrick didn’t complain. He didn’t care. As long as he could be with you, he’d do whatever it took to keep it that way.

Even things that felt almost unbelievable for him—like showering regularly, keeping the van clean or actually caring about how he looked.

That alone was a huge improvement.

You were walking out of the school building, your backpack hanging from one shoulder, tired and distracted, when you heard the unmistakable sound of an old van pulling up to the curb.

You looked up, it was Rodrick’s van.

It parked right in front of you, slightly crooked, like always. The door opened and Rodrick stepped out, slamming it shut before leaning back against the side of the van. He crossed his arms, one leg bent, watching you from a distance like he had nowhere else to be.

Like this was exactly where he was supposed to be.

When your eyes met, he lifted his chin just a little, that familiar half-smirk spreading across his face.

There he was. Waiting for you.

You ignored the curious looks from other students and walked toward him. With every step, his expression softened, like this moment had been the best part of his day.

“Hey” he said when you reached him, pushing himself off the van.

He pulled the van door open for you with an exaggerated flourish, like he was doing the world a favor.

“Your safe ride is here” he said.