Zain stood there for a second after he got out, watching Theo drive away. Even though he still felt a little nervous, something felt different. Like, even if things weren’t totally clear yet, maybe this was real. Maybe it always had been.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPS0AWjjd4
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHc0PI79ar
The next day at school, Zain found himself scanning the halls for Theo, even when he didn’t mean to. He caught glimpses of him between classes sometimes talking to their friends, sometimes leaning against a locker looking at his phone. Every time, Zain’s heart would jump just a little.
During lunch, Theo slid into the seat next to him like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Hey,” Theo said, casually stealing one of Zain’s fries.
“Hey,” Zain replied, feeling his face warm a little. “So, what’s the plan for after school?”
Theo grinned. “I was thinking… ice cream round two?”
Zain laughed. “Yeah, okay. But you’re paying this time.”
“Deal.”
They sat there for a while, talking about random things homework, teachers, the weird cat that sometimes hung around outside the cafeteria. Zain didn’t realize how much time had passed until the lunch bell rang.
As they packed up their trays, Theo bumped his shoulder lightly against Zain’s. “It’s gonna be fine, you know.”
And somehow, Zain believed him.
Later that afternoon, they did go for ice cream. The sky was cloudy, and the wind had picked up a little, but neither of them seemed to care. They sat on the hood of Theo’s car, eating their cones and watching cars pass by. Zain caught himself staring at Theo more than once, memorizing the way his hair ruffled in the wind and the way his smile tugged a little to the side when he laughed.
“I guess I just don’t want to mess this up,” Zain said quietly, after a stretch of silence.
Theo looked over at him, finishing the last bite of his cone. “You won’t. I promise.”
Zain felt his heart race, but this time, it wasn’t fear it was hope. And for now, that was enough.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23XW7QSFGA
