running up the stairs, a familiar grin
he looks at me, that neon shirt
and the signs of a smile below his mask,
i nod back.
he’s a good friend.
slinking into the room like i’m supposed to be there,
i try to avoid his gaze
even though i would love nothing more than to stare in them
for the rest of my life.
my friend in the neon shirt sits down on the opposite side of the room
looking expectantly at me while i try to play it cool,
say hi to f & n,
act nonchalant-
even though my heart is running at 70 miles per hour.
some kids outside make some teasing noises.
on a normal day, that would herald a stinging glare
and a few choice words from me.
but right now,
i genuinely do not care.
and then he walks up, his familiar voice making me melt a little inside,
and wraps me in a warm embrace.
i don’t care what i look like to them.
i don’t care what anyone thinks.
i fit perfectly in his arms.