4

Their First Conversation

It was the last Friday before the February half-term break, and the snow had been falling steadily since midday—thick, silent flakes that turned the Highland Academy grounds into a soft white hush. Most students had rushed home early, but Elias stayed behind as usual, drawn to the quiet outdoor basketball court behind the main building. He sat on the cold metal bench, hood up, chemistry notebook open on his lap, though he hadn't turned a page in twenty minutes. The air was sharp and clean, scented with pine from the nearby hills and the faint metallic bite of fresh snow. Each breath puffed out in visible clouds that drifted and dissolved.

The court lights flickered on automatically as dusk crept in, casting long pale beams across the untouched snow. Footsteps crunched—long, measured ones—and Elias's stomach flipped before he even looked up.

Theo appeared from the side path, basketball spinning lazily on one finger despite the cold. His dark hair was dusted with white flakes, and his school blazer was open over a hoodie, sleeves pushed up as always. At 194 cm he looked even taller against the low winter sky, a steady shadow moving through the falling snow.

He stopped a few metres away, noticing Elias for what felt like the first time.

"You're still here?" Theo's voice was low, surprised but not unkind, carrying that soft Scottish lilt that made everything sound warmer. He tucked the ball under his arm. "It's proper freezing out."

Elias blinked, throat suddenly dry. He clutched his notebook tighter, the edges biting into his palms. "Yeah… I like the quiet. And the snow."

Theo glanced at the empty court, then back at Elias. Snowflakes settled on his eyelashes for a second before melting. "Fair enough." He hesitated, then stepped closer, boots leaving deep prints in the fresh powder. "Mind if I sit for a sec? Coach made us run suicides till my legs are jelly."

Elias nodded quickly—too quickly—and scooted over on the bench. The metal creaked under their combined weight. Theo sat down, long legs stretching out, breath clouding the air between them. Up close, Elias could smell the faint cedar of his deodorant mixed with the clean, cold scent of snow on his clothes.

Theo rubbed his hands together, blowing warm air into them. "You're in advanced maths, right? I've seen you at the back. Window seat."

Elias's heart slammed against his ribs. "Yeah. Elias. Elias Grant."

Theo turned his head slightly, hazel eyes catching the floodlight glow. "Theo Fraser." A small, genuine smile curved his mouth. "Nice to meet you properly, Elias."

The way he said the name—simple, unhurried—made something inside Elias ache sweetly. He managed a shaky smile. "You too."

For a moment there was only the soft patter of snow landing on their hoods and the distant hum of the school generator. Theo glanced at the notebook in Elias's lap. "Chemistry?"

"Aye. Trying to balance some equilibrium stuff. It's… fiddly."

Theo nodded, understanding flickering across his face. "I get that. Maths is cleaner—everything snaps into place eventually. Chemistry feels like it's fighting you half the time."

Elias let out a small laugh, surprised by how natural it sounded. "Exactly. You make maths look easy, though."

Theo shrugged one shoulder, modest. "Just practice. And… I like it. A lot." He paused, looking out at the snowy court. "More than basketball, honestly. The game's fun, but equations—they're beautiful when they work."

Elias stared at him, memorizing the quiet wonder in Theo's voice, the way his long fingers flexed absently against the basketball. Snowflakes continued to fall, catching in Theo's hair like tiny diamonds.

Theo stood up slowly, brushing snow from his sleeves. "I should head in before I turn into an icicle. You staying much longer?"

"Not too long," Elias lied, though he could have sat there forever.

Theo hesitated, then shrugged off his team jacket—still warm from his body—and draped it over Elias's shoulders without asking. The fabric was heavy, soft inside, carrying the faint scent of cedar and effort.

"Here. Keep that on till you go. It'll help." Theo's voice was casual, but his eyes lingered a second longer than necessary.

Elias clutched the jacket, sleeves dangling past his hands. "Thanks. Really."

Theo gave a small nod, that private smile returning. "See you around, Elias."

He walked away, tall silhouette cutting through the falling snow toward the school doors, basketball bouncing once against his hip before he disappeared inside.

Elias sat there long after, wrapped in Theo's warmth, the first real conversation echoing in his ears like the softest snowfall. His name had been spoken—twice—and for once, the distance felt just a little smaller.

A first conversation can be small, ordinary… and still change everything.

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