ELI
Damir had always told me that everything he did was to see me happy, but I never knew happiness could taste so sweet until I walked into my new school that morning. Two days had gone by like a dream since the whole trunk incident, the quiet apology over ice cream, the cuddles, the arguments, and the kisses that made me forget any pain. This morning, the sun was warm, the air was crisp, and my heart was beating faster than usual. Not out of fear….but joy.
At first, everyone looked. I mean, they stared. I could practically hear the judgments being formed in their heads. A slim, curvy boy with styled hair, glossed lips didn't exactly blend in. But I lifted my chin, threw on a shy smile, and walked down the hallway like I owned it.
To my surprise, nobody said anything mean. There were whispers, sure, but the vibes weren't hostile. And then slowly, throughout the day, they warmed up to me. People started talking to me. Complimenting my looks, asking if my earrings were custom made, even guys brushing their hands against mine with a flirty grin. I wasn't sure if I should be flattered or flustered. Maybe both.
Then there was Adam. He was the first to actually help me find my class when I got lost looking for Physics.
"Hey, you new? You look… kinda lost."
He was American, blonde curls, blue eyes, and had this boyish smile that instantly made me feel safe. I nodded. "Yeah, I think this building is trying to eat me."
He laughed and offered his arm. "Come on, I'll show you around. I'm Adam."
"Eli."
We clicked almost instantly. He was funny, easy-going, and didn't treat me like I was different. He told me that almost every student had guards, especially the international ones. That made me laugh.
"So I'm not the only baby wrapped in bubble wrap, huh?"
"Not even close," he chuckled. "Some of these kids' families own islands. You'd fit right in."
Throughout the day, Adam stayed close. We ate lunch together, sat near each other in class, and he introduced me to some of his friends. By the end of the day, I felt like I had a place.
I couldn't wait to get home and tell Damir everything.
The second I walked into the house, still bouncing on my feet, I dropped my bag and dashed into his arms the moment I saw him. His arms barely caught me as I launched myself at him, wrapping around his neck and kissing him deeply.
He grunted in surprise, his arms locking around my waist. "Eli…whoa..slow down."
But I didn't. I kissed him until I was breathless, until his lips were bruised and he was smiling in that amused, hopelessly in love way.
"Someone missed me," he teased.
"Every second," I whispered.
We sat together for hours after that, me in his lap like usual, telling him about every single detail of my first day, how Adam helped me, how people weren't as mean as I thought, how I even felt seen for once.
Damir stroked my hair as I talked, sometimes placing soft kisses against my neck.
"I told you you'd be safe," he said gently.
"I didn't expect to be this happy," I murmured, laying my head on his chest. "I didn't think school could ever be something I'd look forward to."
He cupped my cheek, tilting my head up. "You deserve to feel this way every day, Eli. And I'll do anything to make sure you do."
And I believed him. I believe him.
Because Damir wasn't just the man who spoiled me with gifts or protected me like a priceless gem. He was the reason I smiled more, laughed freely, and danced around the house like the world couldn't touch me. I loved my school, I loved my new life, and more than anything…
I love him.