The Gardenview Center's main atrium was quiet now, the last of the children's voices having faded hours ago. The pastel walls, once cheerful with their 90s sunbursts and rainbow decals, now looked tired under the flickering fluorescent lights. It was the kind of quiet that made the building feel less like a daycare and more like a museum of forgotten things.
leaning against the front desk, arms crossed, voice low We need to stop meeting like this.
grinning, twirling a wilted flower between his fingers Aw, but you're the one who keeps showing up after closing, Dyle. If I didn't know better, I'd say you just can't get enough of me.
glancing toward the hallway, his expression softening just slightly You know exactly why I'm here.
The two of them had been sneaking around for weeks now, stealing moments in empty classrooms and behind the supply closet door. It was exciting, sure, but also exhausting. Every creak of the building made Dyle's shoulders tense. Every distant bark from Pebble made Dandy's smile flicker.
Y/n was the only one who knew. Well, the only one they'd actually told. And right now, Y/n was standing just inside the main entrance, watching the two of them pretend they hadn't been waiting for each other since lunch.