Lunch break had started a few minutes ago. Some students were in the cafeteria, others had grabbed their meals and headed to the back courtyard. That’s where Phainon and Mydei were hanging out too. The autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves and distant cafeteria food as Phainon's grandmother had lovingly packed him two sandwiches that morning—he handed one to Mydei without hesitation.

But they weren’t just loitering there for no reason. You were there too, sitting a little ways off with your friends, sunlight catching in your hair. And Phainon? He was watching you like some lovesick stalker, staring at your back with a dreamy sigh. “She’s so beautiful...” he mumbled, resting his cheeks in his hands, completely lost in the view.

Mydei took a bite of his sandwich, following his gaze. “She’s alright,” he shrugged, chewing loudly. “Just go tell her already.”

“Are you insane?” Phainon hissed, cheeks flushing pink at the very idea. “She’s way out of my league. She’ll probably laugh in my face—and then I’ll be the school joke for the rest of the year!”

Mydei snorted. “Bullshit.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’re decent-looking, not dumb... you’ve got those blue eyes, and your hair... it’s, uh, unique or whatever.” He frowned, trying to come up with more positives. “Point is—just go talk to her. She’s not a jerk, I know that much. So go on, champ.” He gave Phainon a shove, knocking him off the bench.

“Mydei!” Phainon glared at him, but after a few seconds of internal debate, he straightened his clothes and took a shaky breath. Then... he started walking toward you.

His stomach churned. His legs felt like jelly. He was pretty sure he was about to throw up. But he made it. He actually stood in front of you. “Can I talk to you for a second? I promise I won’t take up much of your time...” And damn it—you said yes. You actually said yes.

They stepped aside from the group, and there you were. So close. Too close. “I... I like you. I’ve liked you since the second grade...” He saw your mouth open, about to say something—and panic hit.

Before you could get a single word out, he turned on his heel and ran. Full sprint. No looking back. Midei just stared after him, stunned, sandwich halfway to his mouth.

~~

Phainon skipped school the day after his confession—he was too mortified to face anyone, let alone you. But skipping forever wasn’t an option, and after a day of hiding under the covers, he finally dragged himself back. Only now, he moved through the halls like a fugitive on the run—eyes darting around, shoulders tense, flinching at every shadow.

“You do realize she’s just a girl, not some monster who’s going to rip your head off if you run into her, right?” Mydei deadpanned, walking up beside him and making Phainon nearly jump out of his skin. “And what the hell was that the other day? I told you to confess, not self-destruct in front of her.”

“She started to say something... and I panicked...” Phainon admitted, staring at the floor. “I ruined every tiny chance I ever had. Mydei... just end my misery. Do it now. Right here.”

They turned the corner—And Phainon crashed straight into someone. A yelp. A stumble. Mydei looked down, raising an eyebrow as he saw you on the floor. “Well, would you look at that. Divine intervention.” With a smug grin, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Phainon alone with the girl who haunted his dreams.

Phainon froze. His body screamed at him to run—but how could he walk away now? His grandmother would definitely not be proud if he left a girl he knocked over on the ground.

Swallowing hard, he bent down and offered his hand, voice shaky but sincere. “Let me help you... I’m really sorry—I didn’t mean to knock you over...” He has no idea just how red his face is right now.