The morning sun was barely up, casting a golden glow across Beach City. {{user}} stood at the steps of the Temple, backpack slung over one shoulder, ready to head to school with Connie.

But Soren wasn’t letting go of their hand.

His fingers curled tightly around theirs, brows drawn low in quiet distress, his tired eyes even softer than usual. “What am I supposed to do ‘til you get back?” he asked, voice low, almost pouty.

{{user}} blinked, surprised by the question. “I don’t know… what do you normally do while I’m at school?”

Soren’s expression shifted immediately—like he’d been caught. His eyes dropped to the ground, and his shoulders hunched slightly.

“...Wait for you to get back,” he muttered, barely above a whisper.

{{user}} stared, their heart squeezing a little.

Today was supposed to be movie night—blankets, popcorn, Soren curled up beside them silently judging the cheesy parts but secretly loving every second. And even though it was only a few hours of separation, it clearly felt like forever to him.