Bennett and Mika go for a walk after class and feelings are confess.
Mondstadt High was always bustling after school, with students scattered across the campus—some heading to clubs, others chatting with friends, or finishing up last-minute homework in the library. Mika, however, wasn’t like most of his classmates. He didn’t mind the bustling noise, but he preferred the quiet corners of the school, where he could focus and think. The library had always been his sanctuary, the place where he felt most at home. But today, something felt different.
He was sitting by the window, as usual, surrounded by textbooks and notes, trying to finish a report on history. Despite the concentration he usually put into his schoolwork, his mind kept wandering. He kept glancing at the clock, waiting for the familiar sound of footsteps to echo in the hallway.
Bennett.
Bennett was never on time, but for some reason, Mika couldn’t stop himself from hoping that today would be different. After all, they had agreed to walk home together after school—a simple enough arrangement, but one that had taken Mika a while to accept. He wasn’t used to sharing his after-school time with anyone, especially not with someone as... energetic and unpredictable as Bennett.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the final class, and Mika packed his things with a practiced, methodical precision. He glanced at the clock again. Just as he was about to head out, the door to the library burst open with a loud *bang*.
"Mika! Ready to go?" Bennett's voice was loud and full of life as always, and Mika flinched slightly, startled by the sudden entrance.
Mika looked up from his notes, adjusting his hair as he smiled softly. "You’re late," he said, though there was no real annoyance in his voice.
Bennett’s eyes widened in mock offense. "Hey, I’m not that late! Just—had to finish some things with the guys." He waved it off, then flashed a grin. "But now that I’m here, let’s get going! I was thinking we could stop by the bakery on the way home. I’ve been craving one of those sweet rolls all day."
Mika felt his heart flutter at the idea. He’d never really been one for sweets, but Bennett’s enthusiasm made it hard to refuse. And besides, there was something comforting about spending time with him, even if it made his heart race in ways he wasn’t used to.
"Alright," Mika said, gathering his things and standing up. "Just... don’t rush. I’ll follow you."
Bennett winked at him and started walking ahead, his footsteps quick and light. Mika followed, doing his best to ignore the way his heart sped up when he saw the carefree way Bennett moved, his white hair bouncing with every step.
As they exited the school gates, the early evening sky stretched out above them—dark purple hues mixing with the last hints of sunset. The streets of Mondstadt were quieter than usual, the bustle of the day winding down. Bennett seemed unaffected by the calm, though, his energy uncontained.
"So, Mika," Bennett began, his tone shifting from the usual cheerful one to something more thoughtful. "I was thinking... We’ve been walking home together for a while now, right?"
Mika blinked, surprised by the question. "Yeah...?"
Bennett’s expression softened slightly, though he still had that playful glint in his eyes. "Well, I’m glad we do. I know I can be a bit... much sometimes," he said with a slight chuckle, "but I really enjoy spending time with you, y’know? You’re, like, the perfect balance to my crazy."
Mika’s chest tightened, and his fingers instinctively tightened around his bag strap. He hadn’t expected such a direct comment, and the sincerity in Bennett’s voice caught him off guard. He had always appreciated Bennett’s energy, his relentless optimism, but hearing Bennett speak so openly about their time together made Mika’s heart ache in a way he couldn’t quite explain.
"I… I enjoy it too," Mika replied quietly, his voice soft but genuine. He played with his hair again, feeling a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I’m not always good with... people, but with you, it’s easier. You make it easier."
Bennett stopped in his tracks, causing Mika to glance up in confusion. His heart seemed to stop when Bennett took a step closer, his usual wide grin replaced with something more tender.
"Mika…" Bennett began, his voice quieter now, a little less sure than usual. "I think I’ve got something I need to say."
Mika’s breath caught in his throat. The words hung in the air, thick with anticipation. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything in response. He wasn’t sure what Bennett was going to say, but he had a feeling it was something important.
Bennett took another step forward, closing the small gap between them. The cool evening breeze ruffled his hair, but the warmth between them seemed to make the air feel just a little warmer. He reached out, gently placing his hands on Mika’s .
"I—" Bennett hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "I like you, Mika. Not just as a friend. But… more than that. I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while, but I wasn’t sure if you felt the same."
Mika’s heart skipped a beat, his pulse thundering in his ears. For a moment, everything seemed to stop—the world around them blurring into the background as the weight of Bennett’s words sank in. He had never been good at expressing his feelings, never known how to deal with these emotions that swirled inside him. But in that moment, standing so close to Bennett, he realized something: Bennett had always made him feel something more than just the quiet, reserved boy he was. He made him feel seen. And that was more than enough.
"I—" Mika’s voice faltered, and he quickly cleared his throat, his cheeks now flushed bright red. "I... I think I like you too, Bennett. More than a friend."
Bennett’s eyes widened in surprise, and then, just as quickly, his face broke into a relieved, joyous grin. "Really?!"
Mika nodded, his heart racing with both nervousness and excitement. "Yeah… really."
Without another word, Bennett grinned even wider and, before Mika could fully process it, he pulled him into a quick hug, his arms wrapping around him tightly. Mika froze for a split second, his breath catching, before he relaxed into the embrace, the warmth of Bennett’s chest against his own sending a rush of comfort through him. The hug lasted just a few moments, but it felt like an eternity.
When Bennett pulled back, his grin never wavered, but there was a softness in his eyes now that Mika hadn’t seen before.
"You have no idea how happy I am to hear that," Bennett said, his voice sincere and low, the playful teasing gone from his tone.
Mika could only smile back, the weight on his chest finally lifting. "I’m happy too."
They stood there for a moment longer, the evening sun dipping below the horizon, the warmth of the moment lingering between them. Mika felt something new settle within him—something gentle, yet sure.
And for the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel quite so alone.
"Come on," Bennett said, his voice light again as he broke the silence, reaching out to nudge Mika with his elbow. "Let’s get that sweet roll. We deserve one for being so brave today."
Mika smiled, feeling a warmth inside that had nothing to do with the sun or the bakery. "I guess we do."
With Bennett by his side, Mika knew that no matter what, he’d be alright.
Together, they walked down the street toward the bakery, side by side, as the stars began to twinkle above them, marking the start of something new.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.