𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙋𝙊𝙑:

I stepped outside, inhaling deeply. Three months. That's how long it had been since Iz stopping speaking to Mikey. Three months of picking up the pieces, of finding her way back to herself. she had been doing better laughing more, shoulders lighter. But today, that light dimmed. it was her time of the month.

I pulled out my phone and called James. He always saw right through me, especially when it came to Iz.

"James," I said when he picked up, trying to sound normal.

"Hey, man. What's up?" His tone was casual, but I knew he was already picking up on something.

"Iz has been doing really well lately. She's smiling more, feeling more like herself," I said, to my phone,

"That's great! So... are you finally gonna tell her?" His comment made me want to hang up.

I groaned. "Dude, come on."

James laughed. "Will, you've been into her forever. You're not exactly subtle about it either."

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Yeah, well, that doesn't mean I should do anything about it. What if it messes up our friendship? Things are good right now."

"Or," he said, "it could make things even better. Look, man, do you really wanna be 'just her friend forever?"

I sighed. "I don't know."

"Okay, fine. Don't say anything."

That got a laugh out of me. "I'm on a mission."

"A snack mission." I repeat

"why are you on a snack mission?" james asks me

"Well, she came onto her period so I'm buying her favorite snacks" I tell him

"anyways mate I'm about to go into the shop I'll talk to you later"

"alright good luck with your snack mission" james speaks

I hang up the phone and walk into the shop. The shop was buzzing with people, but I weaved my way through the aisles, grabbing mochi ice cream, her favorite chocolate bars, and gummy bears. I paided for it all and left the shop.

When I got home, the sound of music drifted down the hallway. Good sign. she either was dancing or chilling I stepped inside our kitchen.

"Iz? I'm back," I called, dropping the bags onto the counter.

She appeared in the doorway, her hair falling in soft waves, a lazy smile on her lips. "What did you get?"

I held up the bag. "Thought we could do a movie night. Snacks included."

Her face lit up. "Oh my God, mochi ice cream? Will, your amazing"

"Just doing my job."

She rifled through the bag, grinning, but then her expression flickered—just for a second. Like something heavy had settled on her shoulders again.

"Thanks," she said, quieter this time. "You always know what I need."

I leaned against the counter. "Rough day?"

She exhaled. "I just... I thought I was past it, you know? And then, out of nowhere, it just hits again."

I nodded. "That's normal. Healing isn't a straight line plus this is all hormones it's just because your on your period last week you was doing great"

She looked at me, like she was searching for something. "Yeah."

"Iz, can I ask you something?"

She tilted her head. "Yeah?"

I swallowed. "can I have a hug?"

She didn't hesitate. She closed the space between us and wrapped her arms around me, holding tight. I let my chin rest lightly on her head, inhaling the faint scent of lavender.

When she pulled back, her gaze met mine, something shifting between us. Without thinking, without overanalyzing, I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her.