Calvin became part of my life without asking for permission.
He sat next to me at lunch like it was the most natural thing in the world, stole my fries without apologizing, and talked about everything—from random school drama to things that didn't matter at all. He never asked why I was quieter than before. Never mentioned Aiden. And somehow, that made it easier to breathe.
"You know," he said one afternoon, leaning back in his chair, "you look like someone who overthinks."
I raised an eyebrow. "And you look like someone who talks too much."
He grinned. "That's how balance works."
With Calvin, there was no pressure. No expectations. I didn't have to be cheerful or interesting. I could just exist. And slowly, without realizing it, I started laughing again. Real laughter. The kind that surprised me.
People started noticing.
"Are you two close?" someone asked once.
Calvin answered before I could. "Best friends."
I didn't correct him.
Across the room, Xavier watched.
He still didn't talk much, but he wasn't alone anymore. A few guys from class had started sitting near him, drawn in by his quiet confidence. He didn't try to impress anyone. He just listened, spoke when necessary, and somehow earned respect without effort.
I noticed how people leaned in when he talked.
I noticed how he always kept his distance—but never felt cold.
One day, our teacher paired us up for a group assignment.
Me. Calvin. Xavier.
"Well," Calvin said cheerfully, clapping his hands together, "this should be interesting."
Xavier glanced at me. Just briefly.
"You're good at writing," he said. "You should handle that part."
I blinked. "You noticed?"
He shrugged. "I notice things."
Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten—not painfully, just… strangely.
As we worked, Calvin filled the room with noise, jokes, and random comments. Xavier countered with quiet remarks that landed harder than expected. And me? I found myself in the middle—comfortable, steady.
At one point, Calvin excused himself to grab drinks.
The room fell silent.
"You seem happier lately," Xavier said.
I looked up. "Do I?"
"A little," he replied. "It suits you."
My heart skipped. Just once. Annoyingly.
When Calvin came back, the moment disappeared—but it stayed with me.
That night, I realized something.
Calvin was the person who helped me heal.
Xavier was the person who made me feel seen.
And for now… that was enough.