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“Why don’t you go pick a seat you like?” She gestured toward some of the empty desks.

“Okay,” he muttered.

Lan and I crouched down to give him a big hug, whispering to him to have fun and be a good boy.

My heart was at my throat as his appearance drew in a few curious eyes as he shyly made his way to an empty desk near the window. He looked too small and skinny among his peers, which only made me worry more.

His fellow students did look friendly and nice, but one would never know. I just don’t ever want him to go through the shit I did in school.

“Please take good care of him,” I said to Nancy, not being able to keep the tremble out of my voice.

“Of course, parents always worry when they drop off their kids, but there’s nothing to worry about,” Nancy assured with a smile. “The kids here are the best. I can vouch for them.”

“Okay.”

“Did St. Mary’s send you Luka’s file?” Lan asked in a steady tone. “I just want you to be aware of his difficult past, just in case he needs something.”

“Of course, Mr. Greige. We do get some kids like Luka here,” Nancy said sadly. “We are well equipped for all their needs.”

Lan nodded. “Thank you.”

We gave one last wave to Luka who waved back smiling, just a tiny hint of trepidation on his face. And before I could step out of the classroom, I retraced my steps back to Nancy who frowned at my reappearance.

“Just… just.” My voice cracked. “Don’t make him eat alone at lunch.”

Her eyes softened as she nodded.

I could feel Lan staring holes into the side of my head as we made our way out of the school, but I didn’t speak a word the entire car ride till we reached our apartment.

And before I could run to the room and hide, Lan’s grip on my wrist stopped me.

“Why did you say that?” His piercing eyes questioned.

“Say what?”

“You know what.”

My throat dried. “Because… I used to eat alone, and I don’t want Luka to feel the same way I did.”

He inhaled sharply. “When?”

“Before…” I whispered, averting my eyes. “Before you came along.”

His eyes softened and before I could think, his lips closed on mine.

A surprised gasp spilled out of me at the feel of his familiar lips kissing me in the most sweetest possible way. It felt like someone was pouring warm liquid into my veins, deliciously blazing every inch of my body.

“What was that for?” I asked, licking the taste of him on my lips.

“Just because.” His dark eyes swept over me in a tender caress. “I’m going to be in the studio with the boys all day, working on the album. Why don’t you spend some time with the girls? I’ll meet you when we have to pick up Luka later.”

He pressed one more kiss on my nose before he walked away. Halfway through, he flashed me a smirk over his shoulder.

I blinked, watching him disappear out the door, still feeling the tingles of his kiss on my lips.

Are we back together, or are we not?

Does his kiss mean anything, or did it not?