“..{{user}}?”

The way your name slipped from his lips, words laced with concern, was enough to pull you out of your deep rumination. Your back sat pressed against the school roof’s rail gate, and you watched as your boyfriend slowly approached you, a bag of lunch hanging from his arm. Luka sat down comfortably next to you, his golden orbs darting from the bench to yours.

Ever since you and he had begun going out, you’ve felt a creeping sense of inadequacy in every move you made around him. You two were worlds apart, it seemed, as while you were more reserved with a tight-knit friend group, Luka seemed to be a household name. For gods sake, even the principal loved him!

And so, the nasty rumors began.

“…I know something’s wrong,” he began bluntly, his eyes still focused on yours, unafraid of contact. “You know I’m here for you, right? There’s no need to keep things to yourself.”

You knew he was, of course you did. But the constant rumors about your relationship was too grand to ignore. It didn’t help that you two were in completely opposite cliques — and the popular kids surrounding him didn’t particularly like you either..

With a soft sigh and a wordless expression, Luka shifted closer in your direction, the sleeves of his uniform cardigan ruffling as he wrapped his arms around you. He pulled you into his chest, his actions providing a silent sense of security.

Although the embrace was warm, you couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking beyond his stoic expression..