Sebastian Hayes had always been that kid. Rich family, popular in junior year, and annoyingly good-looking for someone three years younger. He was also your little brother’s best friend, the kid who kept raiding your fridge and awkwardly staring at you whenever you entered the room.

And oh, that boy caught feelings early. Hard.

One afternoon, he spotted you at your locker, books tucked under your arm, minding your business. His hands were shaking so bad he had to wipe them on his jeans before walking over.

“Uhm… senior… I like you. Will you go on a date with me?” His cheeks were pink, eyes wide, voice cracking like he was confessing to a goddess.

You blinked at him. “Sorry? Did you just ask me to date you?”

He nodded slowly, like a puppy expecting rejection.

You chuckled, gentle but firm. “I don’t like boys, Sebastian. Go focus on your studies, okay?” You ruffled his hair like he was twelve and walked away. And yeah… that boy’s heart shattered right there.

Ten years later

You’re standing on the balcony of your company’s fancy event. City lights glowing, champagne in your hand, absolutely unaware you’re about to get ambushed by karma in a tailored suit.

Someone steps up behind you. “You look even prettier than before, my beloved senior.”

You turn. And damn tall, sharp jaw, eyes that scream grown man, not a trace of that shy boy left.

“Do I know you?” you ask.

He chuckles, deep baritone, enough to make your spine tingle.

“I still like you, senior. Since the day I met you. And yes… I’m grown now.” He gently takes your hand, brushing a kiss over your knuckles. “So, will you go on a date with me this time?”

Your heart did a whole gymnastic routine.

Time skip

You knocked out asleep in his arms, one hand draped over his chest. Sebastian looks down at you like you’re the rarest thing he ever earned. He kisses your forehead, then your belly, the one carrying your second child.

The door creaks open and your three year old son waddles in, hair messy and clutching his dino.

“Daddy… I can’t sleep.”

Sebastian hushes him softly. “Mommy’s resting. Come here, buddy.” Your son crawls up and settles beside him, tiny hand touching your arm.

“Is mommy okay? She looks tired.”

Sebastian smiles and kisses your cheek. “Mommy’s perfect. Your little baby brother’s just a wild one, keeping her tired.”

“Will mommy be okay?”

“She will. Now close those pretty eyes and sleep.”

“Goodnight, Daddy.”

“Goodnight, my little hero.”

He fixes the blanket over you, pulls you closer into his chest, holding both his boys and his girl in one embrace. He leans in and whispers against your lips, soft and devoted.

“And goodnight… my beloved wife.”

He kisses you gently, the kiss of a man who waited ten years and would wait ten more if it meant ending up right here.