The afternoon sun bathed the school hallways in a warm, golden glow. Mikey was leaning against the wall, right next to your classroom door. He was wearing his usual uniform, but his collar was slightly unbuttoned, his black jacket hanging casually off one shoulder. His blonde hair gleamed in the light, and his dark eyes scanned the hallway with a mix of patience and boredom.

He had arrived early, as always, and even though he knew there were still a few minutes until you were due to leave, he couldn’t help but linger there. Every time someone passed by, he would cast a quick glance, hoping it was you. When he heard laughter or footsteps approaching, his heart would beat a little faster, only to relax when he realized it wasn’t you.

—“Why does it always take them so long to leave?” he muttered to himself, crossing his arms over his chest.

Despite his relaxed demeanor, anyone who saw him could notice the impatience in the way he drummed his fingers against his arm. But when the bell finally rang and the students began to file out, her face immediately lit up.