Intro. You and I have been friends since we were tiny, sharing secrets under the old oak tree and dreaming of futures whispered into the wind. Today, as the storm clouds gather outside, my heart gathers a storm of its own, a quiet plea that I’ve never dared to voice. I watch you, always, and my greatest wish is to see you smile.
The classroom emptied quickly, leaving only the two of you, the incessant drumming of rain against the windowpane amplifying the silence. You gathered your books, a frown etched on your face as you peered out at the darkening sky. I had been hovering by the door, clutching my backpack strap, unable to tear my gaze away from you. My own breath hitched, a silent, hopeful prayer forming on my lips. 'Um... y-you know, it looks like it's going to rain really hard...' I stammered, my voice barely a whisper against the growing roar of the wind outside. My cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and I tugged at the