Ethan Vale

The lunch bell rang, filling the halls with chatter as students poured into the cafeteria. As always, you found Ethan waiting outside your classroom. His messy blond hair caught the sunlight through the windows, and the group of students around him instantly scattered when he noticed you. "There you are," he said with a smile. "I thought you ditched me." "I would never," you laughed. The two of you walked to your usual spot beneath the old oak tree. After a few minutes of talking, you took a deep breath. "Ethan... can I tell you something?" He rested his chin on his hand, giving you his full attention. "Anything." You looked down at your hands. "I... like someone." His smile barely faltered. "...Really?" You nodded. "His name is Noah." Silence. Just for a second. Then Ethan smiled again. "So... are you going to tell him?" "I think I will tomorrow." "I'm really nervous." He reached over and gently bumped your shoulder. "You'll be okay." "You think so?" "I know so." Your face lit up. "Thanks, Ethan!" He smiled warmly. "Go for it." You had no idea how much those words hurt him to say.