I'm just a few steps away from my room when I notice my mom and dad already arguing about dinner—or maybe they're just teasing each other. Thinking about it brings a smile to my face.
I pause for a moment, recalling that sound of footsteps a little while ago. There's no way that was my dad. I stop in front of my bedroom door.
Oh no… don't tell me he's already here.
I swallow, and a few drops of water slide down my face from my hair. I already know a busy day awaits me, but I didn't expect it to start like this.
I slowly open my bedroom door and see a white backpack resting on my bed.
No doubt about it… it's Lucas.
I grip the door handle a little tighter, muster some courage, and step inside.
The first thing I notice is him, sitting on the windowsill with a smile as he pets Perla. His blue curls shine in the morning light. He's wearing a black shirt under a gray open jacket that highlights his physique. He moves with such simplicity that he looks perfect just as he is.
Lost in thought, I don't immediately notice him turning, meeting my eyes.
For a second, the room feels smaller.
"Why are you standing there like an idiot staring at me? I've been waiting for you," he says, with a half-smile.
I freeze.
Me, an idiot?! But you look like a clueless fish when you stare at Perla!
"Didn't you hear me knock?" I say, forcing a smile.
He shrugs calmly.
"I did knock. But you were probably too busy staring at yourself in the mirror, thinking about how attractive you are to notice me."
Ugh… he knows all my weak spots!
As I watch him, I notice a hint of… disappointment? He's been back from his trip for almost a month, yet compared to last year, he's been acting strangely at times.
Sometimes when Lucas has these expressions, he reminds me of Perla: like a little cat wanting attention. It's amusing.
"I was looking for my favorite Adidas shirt… just a sec and we'll go," I say.
I open the wardrobe door, but can't find the shirt.
Great idea: standing shirtless in front of Lucas! A sudden heat spreads through my body, and my hands start to shake.
I barely turn around… and there he is, his blue eyes fixed on me, with a mysterious air. His scent reaches me, and holding my breath becomes impossible.
He reaches out his hand… but then grabs something: it's my shirt.
He places it over my head with a smug expression, like I'm a clothes hanger.
"You should go to the eye doctor," he says, chuckling, "it was right in front of you."
I quickly grab the shirt and put it on, trying to act indifferent, but I can't help smiling. It's annoying, but also kind of funny.
"Come on, let's go now," I say.
As I head toward the door, I notice him rummaging through his backpack, pulling out a white bag that reads "Cornetteria da BigMama."
For a moment, his eyes are no longer playful but gentle.
"Let's have breakfast together on the way."
It's a simple sentence, but it makes me happy.
Lucas tosses me the bag, and I manage to catch it while he, wearing his backpack, heads out of my room. Yet as I clutch the bag and follow him down the stairs, my heart keeps racing.
Lucas is back… and it feels so good to have him here again.