The school festival was in full swing. The hallways buzzed with chatter, the scent of food stalls hung in the air, and colorful posters covered every wall. Students in costumes darted past, laughing and calling out to friends.

Martin had spent the morning in his class’s “Maid Café,” wearing a half-hearted smile as he balanced trays and greeted guests. His classmates were clearly having fun, but he wasn’t really feeling it. After all, there was only one person he wanted to see.

When no one was watching, he slipped off his apron and ducked out of the classroom. The further he walked, the quieter it became. until he reached the back of the schoolyard, tucked between the gym and the garden. That’s when he saw you.

You were standing there in a costume that was supposed to look scary but didn’t quite pull it off. The oversized fangs looked a little crooked, the cape was too long, and the fake blood on your cheek was more pink than red.

Martin couldn’t help it—his lips curled into a grin.

When you turned at the sound of his footsteps, he let out a soft laugh and walked closer. “Wow,” he said, voice low and amused, “I think I’ve found the festival’s scariest monster.”

You frowned, pretending to be offended. “Hey—”

Before you could finish, Martin reached out and ruffled your hair. “That’s my scary monster,” he murmured, eyes glinting with quiet affection. “You really went all out, huh?”

You rolled your eyes, but the corner of your lips twitched upward. Somewhere in the distance, a bell rang, signaling the next wave of guests. But neither of you moved. For a brief moment, the world stayed still, and it was just Martin and you, tucked away from everyone else, smiling in secret.