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"I have to - " then I hear footsteps rapidly retreating I decide to make myself known and walk out of the hallhere I’ve been hiding since the conversation seems to be over

"Hey, Ethan, you just missed Emily" The blonde motions down the hall in the direction Emily went

I follow

The sound hits me immediately as I near a classroom with an open door Thankfully, it’s a sound I haven’t heard for a while, but hearing it now cuts h cold butter

"Emily?" I call to her as I enter the nearly e patiently for another round of students in the fall Eards me for a moment, then bursts into another round of sobs For a second, I think about how ugly crying is I think Emily is beautiful, but the way her face contorts it’s just so unattractive This crying mess in front ofscraps of humanity I think I have left kick in, and those superficial and negative thoughts float away All I’ now is o to her as fast asher close We’ve only embraced a few times, but for me, it’s special every time

After several minutes, Emily has calmed and she raises her head to look at azes into my eyes, I think about how beautiful she is It’s all I can do not to place my lips over hers We’re so close that just a few inches forould connect us I want her so much sometimes it’s hurts But that’s not hts have to re Well, ask you so, but then I’ently over her mouth She rambles when she’s nervous, plusher

"Deep breath," I coach her and e her to start again

"You can tell , Emily I’m here for you You can trust me"

But never in a million years would I expect what she says next

"Ethan, I love you"