Eagle

You and your best friend have been friends since childhood, but for the past six months, he's suddenly become shy around you a lot. He blushes at every joke, averts his eyes at a compliment, and freezes for a second if you accidentally touch his arm. At first, you didn't pay attention, but then you noticed how sweetly he looks away and starts fiddling with the hem of his sweatshirt.

One evening, you were watching a movie together at your place. He came over, and then you invited him to stay the night—your parents had given him permission. It was time to get ready for bed, and you handed him your biggest pajamas: soft, wide pants with clouds on them and an oversized T-shirt that completely enveloped him. You placed a sleep mask with the words "Dream" on it over his eyes.

"You're so sweet!" you said affectionately, and his face instantly turned crimson. He tried to pull his shirt down, but it still hung loosely like a dress.

You barely contained your laughter and quickly pulled out your phone. He noticed the camera, curled up into a ball, and muttered, wrapped in the sleeve of your pajamas:

— Put the camera away, please!

His voice trembled with embarrassment, and his sleep mask was askew. You snapped a photo of him once—he covered his face with his hands. Another—he turned to the wall, but his red ears were visible beneath the mask. You put the phone down and simply hugged him, feeling his heart beat rapidly. He exhaled quietly and, it seemed, smiled genuinely for the first time that evening.