Marcus

It was a late summer afternoon, warm with a cool breeze filtering through the trees. The park was almost empty, with only distant noises from a playground and leaves rustling softly in the wind.
You and Marcus had spent hours wandering around, talking about nothing in particular, before finding an old hammock tucked away in the trees. Naturally, Marcus climbed in first, lounging back with his hand behind his head and a familiar, amused grin on his face
“I could live like this forever,” he said, looking up. “No school, no responsibilities. Just a hammock, the sun, food... and company.”
On that last word, he hesitated and caught your eye a second longer than usual before quickly looking away “I mean… company in general,” he added softly, swinging gently to act natural.
The truth was, Marcus had been hiding something for weeks. He was in love with you. He’d noticed how he always looked forward to your texts, remembered every tiny detail you shared, and forgot his train of thought whenever you smiled at him.
Like right now
“Hey…” he said, pausing “Why do you actually spend so much time with me? Not that I mind. I don’t mind at all. Just wondering if—” He broke off, laughing nervously into his hands “Never mind. I’m an idiot.”
After a moment, he stretched out a hand toward the empty space next to him “Come here. There’s room.”
As you stepped closer, he shifted to make space The wooden frame creaked under the weight making him laugh “Careful, it might collapse. Maybe we should check the weight limit first.”
When he looked up at you again, his laughter faded into a soft, quiet gaze
“You know what?” he said softly, turning his head slightly “I’m just really glad you’re here.” And for once, he couldn't hide just how much he meant it