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The day started off particularly ordinary. It was gloomy and cold as Mike waited with his mother at the bus stop. He wasn’t bothered though, because today he would get candy at school. He loved candy. His teachers had been reminding everyone for the past week that it was Valentine’s Day on Monday, and to bring something for everyone in the class. Mike’s mother had bought simple red and white valentines at the store, each one with a small pink lollipop. He signed every one himself with a blue crayon, his favorite color.
——
Now he sat in his chair as the teacher explained what they would be doing. He looked over at his friend Will. They had met on the first day of school and were now practically inseparable. Unfortunately, Will’s seat was on the other side of the classroom, at the yellow table by the window. He listened to the teacher intently, fidgeting with his hands in his lap. Cute Mike thought. The teacher told everyone they would be doing arts and crafts. She handed out red sheets of paper and stickers, as well as scissors, glue, and markers. When Mike glanced over at Will he saw how his eyes lit up. Will loved to do arts and crafts and Mike loved how happy Will looked at the idea of it. His teacher explained they could make an extra valentine for anyone they wanted. Lots of people made valentines for their mom or dad, but Mike had already done that in art class last week. As his classmates happily got to work on their valentines he stayed staring at his paper unhappily. The girls next to him were giggling as they discussed who they would give their valentines to.
“I’m going to give mine to Billy.” Samantha grinned sheepishly as her friend nudged her excitedly.
Mike peeked at Will again. This time he was cutting little hearts out of his paper and grinning. The sunlight from the window illuminated his face and hair and he beamed as he worked. Mike smiled softly. Will was really good at drawing, and sometimes he made drawings just for Mike. That was always the best. He looked back at his own untouched paper and craft supplies. He thought about his classmates making valentines for others in the class. Mike however, did not like any girls in his class. They were okay, but he didn’t know any of them enough to make them a card. He thought about making one for his sister Nancy, but quickly shook away the idea after he remembered how she had stolen his KitKat two days prior. He was still salty about it.
Mike was startled out of his thoughts when his teacher came up to him. She crouched to his level before speaking.
“Hi Michael.” She smiled at him. “I noticed you haven’t started your valentine yet. Need any help?”
He hesitated just a moment before answering. He had to get his thoughts in order.
“I don’t know who to give mine to.” He frowned. His teacher hummed in acknowledgment. “I think your mom would like one.” she responded. Not the answer Mike needed at all.
“But I already made one for my mom and dad, so who should I give it to?” He was growing more frustrated by the second.
His teacher’s expression turned thoughtful and then she said, “Well then, maybe the person who you think is pretty.” She smiled at him, in that knowing way adults always do when they talk about valentines.
As she walked away Mike considered it. He thought of his best friend’s rosy cheeks and crooked smile. He thought of the way his hair looked in the sunlight. Will was probably the prettiest person Mike knew, and he was really good at drawing too. Not to mention he liked Star Wars just as much as Mike did, and he always listened when he talked for a little too long. He didn’t even laugh when Mike then choked on his own spit, and instead made sure he was okay.
Mike realized then that Will was the perfect person to give his valentine to. How hadn’t he thought of it before?
He got to work making a card. It wasn’t nearly as pretty as the drawings Will gave to him, but by the end he was pretty proud of what he had created. On the front he drew a wizard with a purple cloak and glowing staff. The wizard was holding his staff next to him and smiling happily. Okay, it wasn’t just any wizard. It was Will’s character in their new favorite game, Dungeons and Dragons. They had found it while playing in Mike’s basement one day and never looked back. He was so excited to see Will’s reaction that he could hardly sit still for all of his next class and lunch.
——
Finally it was recess. Mike hurried to find Will. When he did, he was sitting on the swings waiting for him.
“Hey Will!”
Will looked up at him excitedly. He didn’t usually say much, but Mike never minded. He took his place on the swing next to Will.
“Did you get any good candy?” Mike turned his head to look at Will as they spoke. “Will nodded happily and pulled a fun size bag of m&ms out of his pocket. “We can share.” he said. Mike grinned and nodded.
“You know how we made valentines in class?”
Will eyed him curiously.
“Well…here.” He shoved the valentine into Wills lap and waited anxiously for him to look at it. As soon as Will realized what was going on his face lit up. He picked up the card gently and admired Mike’s drawing.
“I love it!” He exclaimed and beamed at Mike. Seeing Will smile always made his world a little brighter. He wondered if it was possible for anyone to be unhappy around Will.
All of a sudden Will let out a small gasp.
“Oh! I have one for you too.”
He rummaged in his pocket once again and this time brought out a small piece of paper folded into a heart shape. Mike took it eagerly and unfolded the paper to reveal a drawing of a knight with black hair. He was holding a sword and a shield with a heart on it. It was the best drawing Mike had ever seen.
“Is this Mike The Brave?” He almost yelled it, bursting with excitement and awe. Will nodded enthusiastically.
“You’re the best draw-er in the class Will.”
His cheeks flushed adorably at the compliment.
“I like it when you draw me things. Never stop okay?”
Will nodded his head in agreement.
“Okay.”
Soon the recess bell rang. The short break always ended too soon. Will and Mike stalled by the slides, not wanting to go inside.
“I think you’re pretty.”
Will startled at Mike’s sudden compliment. His cheeks grew flushed and Mike started to smile.
Will said something so quietly that Mike didn’t quite hear it.
“What?”
“You’re pretty too.”
This time he was just loud enough.
“Oh.” Mike felt his own cheeks getting warmer. Then all of a sudden Will’s expression changed. Instead of bashful his face turned determined. Before Mike could process what happened Will leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. It was quick and gentle and fleeting. Will let out a happy squeak and promptly ran away. Mike stood there confused but happy. He started his walk back inside and suddenly he forgot all about how short recess was. For reasons he couldn’t quite figure out just yet, his heart was soaring.