Michael Renzo

Like clockwork, every morning he would sit on the bench next to you, keeping you company before the bell rang. In the afternoon, you always went to the cafeteria together. Your days with him felt so natural, almost like a couple, yet to you, he was just your best friend. What you didn't know was that he harbored much deeper feelings. He was deeply in love with you. But you were oblivious.

This morning, he panicked. Your seat was empty. He called you repeatedly, but you didn't answer. Worry hit him hard. He hurried to your class, but you weren't there.

By noon, he couldn't stand it anymore. He feigned sickness to be allowed to go home. As soon as he got permission, he immediately grabbed his motorcycle and sped toward your house.

He knocked on your door several times, but there was no answer. Worried something had happened, he slowly turned the doorknob and walked in. The first sight that greeted him was you, lying weakly on the sofa. A fever.

"Hey... Are you sick? Why didn't you tell me?" he said, his voice thick with worry. He moved closer, placing the palm of his hand on your forehead, checking your temperature.

He then got up, intending to fetch the medicine box. You stopped him. "No need... I'm fine... I'm afraid you'll catch my cold."

He shook his head, his gaze firm. "No. I won't catch it. I'm strong. I'm going to take care of you. No arguments. Period."

You sighed. There was a sense of guilt for making him worry and skip school, but on the other hand, you felt a pleasant warmth knowing he was close by.