--Riven had never liked Mondays.
But this one felt different.
He stepped onto campus with Eli's laughter still echoing in his mind from the day before, warmth tucked beneath his ribs like a secret. His fingers automatically brushed against the photobooth strip hidden safely in his wallet.
Eli was waiting near the front gate, dressed in his gray sweater and a smile that made Riven forget half of his vocabulary.
"You walked today?" Riven asked.
"Wanted to surprise you." Eli nudged his shoulder. "Plus, I had a feeling you'd be early for once."
Riven grinned. "I'm a changed man."
They started walking down the hallway side-by-side — no secrecy, no hesitation. And for the first time, it didn't feel like the world was staring.
It just felt… normal.
Routine.
Something neither of them had ever dared to dream of.
---
Homeroom
Mr. Santos launched into announcements. Students whispered and passed papers behind his back. Someone snored quietly in the corner. Eli doodled absently in the margins of his notebook, occasionally glancing at Riven.
Whenever their eyes met, neither looked away.
It was stupid. Childish. Perfect.
Riven felt something loosen inside his chest that had been knotted for years — a soft, unfamiliar kind of happiness.
---
Lunch – The Usual Spot
Sora plopped down beside them with her tray. "Well, well. You two are glowing disgustingly. Did something illegal happen over the weekend?"
Riven snorted. Eli just hummed, refusing to elaborate.
"You both look…" She squinted adorably. "…content."
"Shut up," Riven muttered, but his ears were pink.
Sora smiled — wide and genuine. "Seriously, I'm happy for you guys." She paused. "I hope life stays kind."
Riven's heart twisted at those words.
Because even in this softness, something inside him whispered — this might not last forever.
---
After School — Empty Stairwell
Eli tugged him into the stairwell before clubs could start.
"Listen," he said, eyes bright, "my mom has been asking about you."
Riven blinked. "Your mom… what?"
"She wants to meet you."
Riven's pulse jumped. "Meet me? Like… for dinner?"
"Maybe." Eli bit his bottom lip. "If you want to."
Want. The word echoed in Riven's skull.
Did he want to step into Eli's real life like that? Did he deserve to?
Eli must've seen something shift in his expression, because he cupped Riven's cheek gently. "You don't have to say yes yet. Just… think about it."
Riven nodded, heart pounding in his throat. "I'll think."
Eli smiled. "Good. Because she already bought ingredients."
Riven laughed despite himself. "You ambushed me."
"I learned from the best," Eli said, kissing him quickly before turning down the stairs.
---
Riven stood alone, touching his lips and thinking: Maybe this is what peace feels like.
A soft beat before destiny changes everything again.
And he promised himself — whatever came next, he would hold on tighter this time.
---