📖 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝒾𝓋𝑒: 𝒮𝓅𝑜𝑜𝓃-𝒻𝑒𝒹 𝒮𝒶𝒻𝑒𝓉𝓎 🍓🍼

Lucas was still sucking on his paci when the bell rang.

He jumped, his hands flying up to yank it from his mouth, but Amari held out a hand.

"Hey, it's okay," Amari said, his voice calm. "No rush."

Lucas's breath was shaky. He clutched his paci tightly, tucking it back into his hoodie pocket. His body still felt small, his mind still floating in that warm, fuzzy space.

But the noise of students filling the halls was too much.

Lucas covered his ears, shrinking into himself. He whimpered softly, trying to block out the overwhelming sounds—shoes squeaking, lockers slamming, voices laughing and shouting.

Amari noticed. "Hey, let's wait here a minute."

Lucas peeked up at him.

Amari patted the bench beside him. "You don't gotta go in there yet. We can chill."

Lucas hesitated, then nodded quickly. His body wanted to move, but his brain needed time.

So they sat.

Amari didn't rush him. Didn't push him. Just sat there, scrolling on his phone, acting like this was normal.

Lucas hugged his knees. He rocked slightly, the familiar motion helping settle his nerves. His fingers twitched—he wanted his stuffie, his sippy, his safe things.

Amari looked up. "You eaten yet?"

Lucas blinked. His tummy felt empty, but he hadn't noticed.

He shook his head.

Amari grinned. "C'mon. I'll buy you something."

Lucas's lips parted. "B-but..."

"No buts." Amari stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Let's go."

Lucas hesitated, but Amari was already walking.

Lucas scrambled to follow.

The frozen yogurt shop was quiet in the morning. Only a few students had come by for breakfast smoothies or fruit bowls.

Amari walked behind the counter like he owned the place.

Lucas hovered near the entrance, rocking on his feet.

Amari turned, smirking. "You gonna come in, or you just gonna stare?"

Lucas blushed and shuffled forward.

Amari grabbed a cup. "What flavor you want?"

Lucas rocked slightly. "U-um..." His fingers twisted in his hoodie. Too many choices...

Amari noticed. "Strawberry okay?"

Lucas nodded quickly. "Mhm!"

"Cool." Amari scooped the yogurt, topping it with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of honey. He grabbed a spoon and handed it over.

Lucas took it carefully, staring at the pink swirls. His tummy rumbled.

Amari grinned. "Here, sit."

Lucas sat at the little table near the window. His feet dangled above the floor.

Amari watched as Lucas hesitated, spoon hovering.

Then, slowly, Lucas took a bite.

Sweet. Cold. Safe.

His body relaxed.

Amari tapped the table. "Good?"

Lucas nodded, smiling softly. "Mhm..."

Amari leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. "You always forget to eat?"

Lucas bit his lip. He looked down, pushing his spoon through the yogurt. "Sometimes..."

Amari hummed. "Well, I guess I gotta remind you, then."

Lucas blinked up at him.

Amari grinned. "Gotta make sure my favorite customer doesn't starve."

Lucas's face turned bright pink. His tummy felt fluttery.

"Eat up," Amari said, leaning back. "I'll walk you to class after."

Lucas hesitated. Then, shyly, he mumbled, "O-okay..."

He took another bite, letting himself feel safe.

Amari made him feel safe.

And Lucas liked that.

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