I rolled my eyes with a small smile as we finished breakfast under Mrs. Fraser's relentless teasing. Still slightly flustered, I rose from my chair and said politely, "Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, I think I should head back now. It's getting late, and with the Maxton Meet tomorrow, we've got loads to prepare and even more to learn."
Mrs. Fraser nodded encouragingly. "Of course, dear. All the best for tomorrow. I'll be cheering for both of you—you two make quite the team."
As I reached for my bag, she called out, "Danny, why don't you drop her home?"
"Yes, Mom," he said quickly, already standing. "I was going to."
He laced his fingers through mine as we stepped outside. The air was cool, the path damp from last night's rain. We walked side by side in comfortable silence for a while, the kind that felt full, not awkward. Then he broke it, voice gentle.
"So… tomorrow's the big day," he said.
"Yeah," I replied with a small breath.
He glanced at me, then bumped my shoulder lightly. "Look, everything is going to be fine, alright? I know how your brain loves to go full hurricane mode, but really—it's just an event. We'll face it together. Like always."
He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it, and something in my chest fluttered uncontrollably.
"Thank you," I said softly. "I never imagined I'd find someone this supportive in just the first year of college."
He cupped my cheek, his gaze melting into mine, and pressed a warm kiss to my forehead. I slipped my fingers into the collar of his shirt and gently tugged him down, kissing him sweetly, pouring all the gratitude and affection I couldn't put into words.
His eyes shut with a content sigh. "How come I haven't been getting such sweet kisses all along?" he whispered, voice laced with mischief.
I chuckled, pushing him playfully. "Come on."
"So I'm definitely claiming the next one," he teased.
I rolled my eyes, cheeks tinged pink as we continued walking, hand in hand. He stopped in front of my house, gave me a small wink, and said, "We're totally going to win tomorrow."
I smiled. "Yes, we will."
And with one last look, he turned and left.
I stepped inside, heart still dancing, and threw myself into preparation—revising every point, rehearsing every line, getting completely ready for the Maxton Meet. Tomorrow, everything changes.