“Hey!” He runs up to you, face flushed and slightly out of breath. “God, you walk fast. Didn’t you hear me calling for you to wait up?”

“Oh no, I did.” You increase your pace slightly, but he lopes on easily next to you.”

“So then what’s the matter?”

“Nothing’s the matter. Nothing at all.”

“Sure seems like something’s wrong.”

“Well I said nothing’s wrong-” He cuts you off midsentence and midstride.

“Stop. Seriously, what’s going on?” He mindlessly brushes a peice of hair from his eyes, which only serves to infuriate you further. How dare this cute, funny, nice, boy mess with you? As if you don’t have better things to do. I mean, you don’t but regardless.

“I said nothing is wrong. Now will you please, please, leave me alone.” The once over glance he gives you appears to give him a subpar answer because he stays squarely in your way.

“Are you sure? Because it feels like your mad at me.”

You sigh. “I’m not mad at you.”

“You’re not?”

“No I’m not.” It becomes slightly more true when he gives you a small smile.

“I just wanted to make sure we’re okay.” He leans forward and backwards on his toes, hands in his pockets. If you didn’t know better, you might think he was nervous.

“Why?” You huff.

“What do you mean why?”

“I mean why? Why do you talk to me, hang out with me, check up on me? Is it all for a joke? Some kind of elaborate prank?” You begain to pace, unable to meet his steady gaze.

“I just don’t understand why out of all people you could spend your time with, you choose to spend it with me.”

“I choose to spend it with you because, I like you.” You slowly come to a stop in front of him as he searches for words.

“And, I mean, I guess you’re right. I could be with most anyone I wanted. But I want to be with you. Alright?”

You search for any deception in his eyes. He seems to sense this and doesn’t break for a long minute.

“So are we really alright?” He finally murmurs.

“I promise we are.” The air is charged with something greater than an electic hum. Fate in action.

“Alright.” His fingers interlock with yours and he gently pulls you from your place.

“Alright,” you reply, slowly falling into step.

You walk side by side in a comfortable silence. Although you aren’t aware of it, this won’t be the last time you walk down this road together. This road will be the setting of happiness and heartbreak. Firsts and fights. Dreams and the making of them.

Together, for as long as the other will let you.