The golden hues of the setting sun spilled through the classroom window, casting long shadows over the empty desks. Outside, laughter echoed from students lingering after school, but inside, the air was thick with unspoken words

You stood in the middle of the room, your fingers curling into fists at your sides. Your heart pounded against your ribs, loud enough that you wondered if he could hear it too

Edgar was leaning against the wall near the door, arms crossed, his usual smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. The same smirk that used to annoy you to no end—the one that always came before a teasing remark, a cocky joke, or a shameless attempt to fluster you

But he hadn’t done any of that lately

And you hated it

From the first year of high school, he had always been there—hovering around your space, tossing playful taunts, trying every possible way to get a reaction out of you. He was relentless. Annoying. A menace.

But also... irreplaceable

And now that he had pulled away, you realized just how much you had grown used to him being there. How much you had always been waiting for him, even when you acted like you weren’t

"What should I do? I don't want to lose him."

The thought had been gnawing at you for days

And now, standing here, seeing him ready to walk out again, you couldn't hold it in any longer

"Edgar..." Your voice was quiet at first, almost hesitant. Then, with all the courage you could gather, you took a step forward and said the words you never thought you’d say

"I love you too... I love you, please don't go!"

Your voice wavered slightly, but the emotion behind it was undeniable

For a second, there was silence

Then, he exhaled a short laugh, shaking his head before looking at you with that same infuriatingly smug smile

"Finally, you said it."

His words sent warmth rushing to your cheeks, but you refused to look away

He pushed off the wall, stepping closer, his voice softer this time

"Took you long enough."

And just like that, you knew—he had been waiting for you too