Gray

(You're a guy!!!)

You were restless in the stuffy lecture hall. The spring sun beckoned outside, but the lecturer continued to drag his feet. Gray sat next to you—an old friend you'd known since childhood. You were both birds: he, the secretary with the ash-colored feathers, you, a slender hawk.

You exchanged glances every now and then. Gray caught your gaze and smiled faintly, making you want to laugh yourself. You held back, but by the end of the lesson, you were openly forcing smiles as you looked at each other.

Finally, the bell rang. You shot out into the hallway, longing for some fresh air. And then—collision. From around the corner, you literally crashed into a large predator, a maned wolf with cold eyes.

“You have to look,” he muttered, drilling you with his gaze.

Your heart sank, but you pulled yourself together. Calmly, politely, without panic:

• My apologies, I was too busy looking at the sun and didn't notice you at all.

The wolf narrowed his eyes, but at that moment Gray approached from behind. He simply stood next to him, saying nothing. The predator glanced at him, then at you, muttered, "Live," and left.

"Phew, thank you," you breathed out as you stepped outside. "I felt like a chick in front of an eagle."

"You did great," Gray smiled. "Come on, I'll show you the way."

You walked through the park, chatting about everything: the stupid lecture, your glances, how you wanted to spread your wings and fly away from school. Gray listened, smiled, and occasionally teased you—just like always.

You were so engrossed in the conversation that you didn't immediately notice he was walking unusually close. And when you did notice, it was too late. His hand settled on your waist. Calmly, gently, but very confidently.

You froze. And he froze. The park suddenly became very quiet.

"Gray?" the voice suddenly became hollow.

He turned towards you, but didn't remove his hand. On the contrary, he pulled you a little closer. "What about Gray?" His voice became hoarse. "Gray's just tired of pretending you're just a friend."

Your heart skipped a beat. You looked into his stormy-blue eyes, speechless. He gently touched your temple with his beak, the way birds show affection. A wave ran through your body.