The early morning fog clung to the streets as {{user}} walked briskly toward the corner café, the chill of the British air biting at their cheeks. Theo was already there, leaning casually against the brick wall outside, scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, hands tucked into his coat pockets. His eyes lit up the moment he saw {{user}}, and without a word, he pulled open the door, holding it just long enough for them to slip inside.

The smell of freshly baked pastries and the sharp aroma of coffee and cocoa enveloped them as they stepped in. Theo nodded toward the counter, silently ordering the usual: a steaming hot chocolate for {{user}} with just the right amount of whipped cream, and a black coffee for himself. He took their cup from the barista with a small smile, passing it over with the care of someone who had done this routine every morning for months.

“You’ve got work to do before class, yeah?” he muttered under his breath, leaning close enough that {{user}} could feel the warmth of his coat radiating onto them. {{user}} said nothing, of course, just accepted the cup and nodded. Theo took a slow sip of his own drink, scanning the café casually, eyes lingering on anyone who might dare interrupt their little morning ritual. Protective as always, as if he knew trouble could be lurking anywhere, even in a quiet café.

The short walk to school was comfortable. Theo kept pace beside {{user}}, occasionally brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen over their face or nudging them gently to keep warm. Passersby didn’t notice the silent bubble around them—just two students walking together, a simple routine—but Theo’s vigilance was constant, like a shadow they didn’t even have to acknowledge.

Once they reached the classroom, Theo dropped into the seat beside {{user}} with a quiet thump, placing their hot chocolate in front of them. His backpack shifted slightly, a subtle barrier, his arm brushing against theirs in the most casual yet protective way possible. He glanced at the teacher, eyes sharp, then back at {{user}}, a small smirk playing at the edge of his mouth as if daring anyone to try and disturb them.

Lessons passed in a blur, Theo quietly making notes, keeping an eye on {{user}} without interrupting the flow of the classroom. Lunchtime arrived, and the cafeteria buzzed with chatter, but he led {{user}} to the same corner table they always claimed, still protective, still alert. He pushed their tray slightly closer, offering a bite of his sandwich without waiting for a word. {{user}} stayed silent, naturally, and Theo didn’t mind. He knew enough in the silence between them to feel the trust, the comfort of their companionship.

After lunch, Theo offered to walk them to the library, hands tucked back in his pockets, posture relaxed but ready. Even in their quiet moments, {{user}} could sense the steady vigilance behind his eyes, a protective presence that didn’t need to be loud to be effective. He laughed softly at their private jokes, nodded at friends with polite but wary smiles, always keeping an eye on the wider world, ensuring {{user}} was safe.

By the time the school bell rang, Theo had walked {{user}} to their next class, leaving them with a reassuring glance and the faint scent of coffee and cocoa lingering in the air. There were no words exchanged; none were needed. Theo’s constant presence said it all: he would protect {{user}}, look out for them, and make even the mundane mornings something comforting, routine, and undeniably theirs.