First Kiss

Anthony decided to check on his brother Andrew to see if he was ready to go home. Entering Andrew's classroom, he saw his brother engrossed in conversation with his friends. Anthony didn’t like them; they always tossed him around and made fun of him. Deciding not to interact, he quietly turned and left.

As he stepped outside, Anthony scanned the area for any sign of Jake or his friends. He didn’t want another encounter with his tormentors. Seeing the coast was clear, he sighed in relief and started his walk home.

The walk was usually a time for Anthony to relax, but today he felt a sense of unease. His mind kept drifting back to Jake and the unexpected interactions they had recently. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around, heart pounding, to see Jake standing there.

Jake smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Can I walk with you?” he asked.

Anthony’s mind raced. He glanced around, half-expecting Jake’s friends to jump out from somewhere. Seeing no one else,