Episode 46: The First Lesson (Flashback Continuation)

It’s been weeks since I last saw him.

School obligations. Exams. Life.

Then—

There he is.

Beckett.

Smaller than I remember.

Quieter.

“…Hello,” I say.

He nods slightly.

Still shy. Still distant.

I sit beside him.

Not across.

Never across.

“…What are you reading?” I ask.

He shows me.

Carefully.

“…Good choice,” I say.

I reach out—

Ruffle his hair lightly.

He doesn’t flinch.

Doesn’t pull away.

Interesting.

“…You’ve grown,” I say.

He shrugs.

I notice it then.

The scarf.

I tug the edge slightly.

“…New habit?”

He hesitates.

“…Yes.”

I nod.

“…It suits you.”

No judgment.

No questions.

Just acceptance.

He relaxes.

Just a little.

And I think—

Good.

He doesn’t need to change.

Not for anyone.