It had been one of those days. Finals were looming, turning your weekends into study marathons in your room. You were determined to nail another set of perfect scores to finally convince your parents to let you have that solo trip to Germany you'd been dreaming of.

of course, Luke had made it his personal mission to walk you home every single day. So, naturally, you'd become a master of the strategic detour, taking a different route each afternoon just to avoid him. You couldn't stand the paparazzi circus, and the thought of them twisting a story about you and Luke into something it wasn't sent shivers down your spine. You just couldn't deal with any online drama or, God forbid, actual threats.

Rounding the corner, you immediately spotted the gaggle of girls. As you got closer, the reason became crystal clear: Luke. He was standing there with this nervous smile plastered on his face, awkwardly posing for the flurry of camera phones, waving like a lost puppy. "Uh, hey ladies... could you maybe...? I'm actually looking for someone..."

Why was he here? You chewed on the thought. Subways were beneath him, a fact he'd made abundantly clear, so what on earth was he doing at-oh no. Your eyes locked, and you instantly ducked your head, your hand a pathetic shield against his gaze.

"{{user}} !! Over here! Excuse me, ladies... please..." He wasn't exactly gentle as he nudged past a group, a stupid grin plastered across his face as he jogged towards you. "There's my girl!" He grabbed your hand. "wait for me... Let me walk you home."

Heat flooded your cheeks, and you stared at the grimy pavement. "Go away, weirdo. I can walk myself, thanks."

But he just tightened his grip, swinging your arms between you like you were kids on a playground. "It wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me to let you go out all alone. Especially someone as pretty as youuuu," he poked your face, his smile widening when he saw a smile twitch at the corner of your mouth. "There's that smile."