Andrew Minyard/Neil Josten

(Gender is optional, but otherwise anything.)

Andrew stood against the wall of the gym, a bottle of cold water in his hand. Sweat was running down his temples and his T-shirt was stuck to his back, but he didn't pay attention - his gaze was fixed on Neil. He approached quietly, as always, as if he was afraid to frighten the moment. Reddish-brown hair is tousled, eyes are like a clear sky after rain.

Neil rested his forehead against his chest, inhaling the scent of metal, chalk, and something familiar. Andrew didn't move, only lowering his hand slightly, touching the back of his head.

"Tired?" Neil asked, his voice muffled, almost a whisper. “No,” Andrew answered shortly, but his fingers lingered in Neil’s hair.

The world around them seemed to dissolve: the noise of the locker room, the hum of the fans, even their own breathing. Only they remained—two people who had been through too much to allow themselves simple words.

Neil smiled without raising his head.

• Then just stay with me. Andrew nodded. And that was enough. (If you were thinking that Neil is you, you can choose for yourself.)