This is going to be simple. Very simple.

We were in class

Last day of that class

Taking the final exam

He walks out

At the end

Alone

Busy hallways

I follow him

Worry he won’t turn right

He goes straight

I realize it now or never

I’m never going to have this chance again

I’ll never take another chance

I take this chance

Catch up to him

It’s not that difficult

Reach to tap his arm

Call his name

“Yeah?”

“Can I have your number?”

He withdraws a bit into his hood

Covered black

Looks at me

Right at me

Carefully chooses his words

“I’m sorry… but no.”

He says it so gently

I know it’ll be okay

“Oh, it’s okay; it’s okay.”

I stammer & head down the hall

I overthink it a bit

But he let me down gently

& for that I am & forever will be grateful

He’s a kind boy

A nice boy

It was a risk that I took

It was worth it.