“can i walk you home?”

reluctance lies beneath questioning words that are spoken with a faint sense of confidence,
though it is ready to falter at any moment. you look at him and remember the first time you met;
the first time you saw those eyes that are as bright as the sun when it first rises– almost as warm as the arrival of spring.

you glance down at the hand offered out to you; a brief moment of hesitance arrives with timidness,
but it is dismissed. the sensation of butterflies fills your stomach and you want to laugh at how childlike you’re being.

but you only smile and nod, hand grabbing his.

“ready for the test tomorrow?” his voice is as calm as ever, no hint of apprehension whatsoever.
you ponder whether he’s just as nervous as you are– you both haven’t had much experience in relationships after all.

“not at all.” the response is flat and there’s a frown on your face, but he lets out a soft chuckle and shakes his head. 

“you’ll do well.”

it’s such a simple thing to say, but the way he looks at you when he says it– it’s so genuine and hopeful
that your breath catches in your throat. heat rises to your cheeks and you manage to respond with words of gratitude.

few words are exchanged during the walk; there’s little to speak of and the serene ambiance is enough for both of you.
his eyes seem to take in every sight, but each moment you look away, he glances at you with a content expression.
it’s the little squeezes with hands that show affection– subtle and light, though heavy in meaning.

but time passes quickly and you’re standing before your house now, brows raised as you wait for him to talk.
fingers run through his hair and it seems as if he’s debating something; you begin to ask what’s wrong, but then–

he takes a step forward and lips press gently against your forehead.

“for good luck.” he explains with a teasing smile. 

shock adorns your features before dissolving into happiness. a hand rests on his shoulder and you kiss him on the cheek,
finding amusement in the flicker of surprise that appears on his face.

“good luck to you, too– and thank you.”

a breathy laugh escapes him and you swear you see the faintest hue of pink color his cheeks.

“no, thank you.”