• The final bell echoed through the hallways as students poured out of their classrooms, filling the school with chatter and laughter.

Liam leaned against his locker, scrolling through his phone, when Guest walked over with his backpack slung over one shoulder.

“You ready?” Guest asked.

Liam grinned. “For math homework? Never.”

Guest laughed. “I meant ready to go.”

“Oh… definitely.”

They headed outside together, walking side by side toward the parking lot.

“So,” Liam said, nudging Guest with his elbow, “you coming to movie night at my place on Friday?”

“I’ll be there.”

“You said that last time too.”

“I actually mean it this time.”

Liam smiled. “Good.”

For a while, they walked in comfortable silence.

As they reached the school gate, a couple walked past holding hands. Liam watched them for a moment before smiling to himself.

“They’re cute.”

Guest glanced over for only a second before quickly looking away.

“…Yeah.”

Liam noticed the hesitation but didn’t say anything. Instead, he changed the subject.

“My mom’s making pizza Friday.”

“You’re really trying to convince me.”

“It’s working, isn’t it?”

Guest smirked.

“…Maybe.”

Liam laughed, bumping his shoulder again.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

As they continued walking home together, their shoulders brushed every now and then. Neither of them moved away.

Neither of them seemed to mind.*