The small box with the split key still sat on his desk. Semiel glanced at it while slipping on his shoes, feeling a warm glow in his chest.
I can't believe Mia and David thought of something so beautiful.
When they'd opened it last night, Saval had stared at it for a long time without saying much—but with a smile that spoke for itself. The same smile Semiel hadn't been able to get out of his head since.
He stepped outside, hands in his pockets, under a cloudy sky. He walked unhurriedly, with a clear destination: the shop on the corner of the main avenue, right before the bookstore they sometimes visited together.
I want to do something special for him. Something just for him. Something that says: I'm here, and I'm not leaving.
The wind tousled his hair slightly as he entered the game store. He scanned the shelves of figurines, trading cards, and accessories. His fingers brushed against a cap featuring a character from one of Saval's favorite games, but he moved on. It wasn't enough. It wasn't what he was looking for.
This isn't just a small gift. It's… more. I want him to have something for his art, for what he loves.
He headed next door to the bookstore. Warm lighting and the scent of old paper welcomed him like an old friend. He wandered the aisles slowly, trailing his fingers along the spines of books.
—Looking for anything specific? —asked a lanky guy restocking a shelf.
—A book on animation. Visual references. Something useful for someone who wants to illustrate stories, characters… emotions —Semiel replied with a small smile.
The clerk nodded and led him to a more tucked-away section, where thick, plastic-wrapped art books sat.
Semiel's eyes landed on one immediately: The Art of Emotions in Animation. He opened it carefully. Inside were pages of faces drawn in every expression, from exaggerated joy to the most subdued sorrow.
This is perfect.
He paid without hesitation, as if afraid he might second-guess himself, and tucked the book gently into his backpack. Stepping back outside, he felt something settle inside him.
I've changed so much since being with him. I used to think I'd never be enough for anyone. That everyone would leave. That if I showed how much I cared, it'd be taken away.
He crossed the street and turned down a quieter road. His backpack weighed a little heavier, but his heart didn't.
But now I want to try. With him. Even if it scares me. Even if I don't know what comes next. I want to risk it. Because when I see him laugh, or when he says good morning in that sleepy voice… it all feels worth it.
He checked his phone. Still time to grab something for Friday's dinner. I could cook for him. Maybe pasta. His favorite, with that sauce he once called "criminally good."
His gaze lifted to a small organic grocer. He smiled and walked in.
He didn't buy much—just enough. He didn't want it to seem like he was overplanning. He wanted it to be a surprise. Something they'd remember.
Leaving the store, he headed straight home. He took the stairs softly, and once in his room, he placed the book on his bed. Stared at it for a few seconds.
I want him to have everything he needs to keep creating. I want him to know I believe in him. That I love him.
He flopped onto his back with a sigh.
Is it too soon to say I love him? Maybe. But I also feel like I'm already saying it every time I look at him. Every time I cook for him, every time I wait for him after class, every time I laugh with him on stream.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
I'm happy. It's terrifying. But I'm happy.
His phone buzzed. Saval.
—What are you up to?
Semiel smiled.
—Thinking about you.
—Want to come over tomorrow for lunch?
—Sure. I'll bring you something special.
—Yeah? What?
Semiel glanced at the book, then at the cloudy sky outside his window.
—A surprise. A good one.
—Can't wait.
He hung up with his heart racing—but this time, not from fear.
From love.