Will's POV

Nico wasn't at school as much lately. Even skipping classes became more frequent, or not showing up at all.

I liked to talk with him, but we didn't talk as much. Our everyday texts slowed to once in a while, and I usually initiated them when before it would've been both of us.

We liked to hang out one-on-one, but occasionally I'd see him with his friends, out in the campus halls or at a local cafe. He used to be the center of the group, leading the activities and talking the loudest, but now I see him falling to the back and letting the group decide what to do most.

It was odd at the least, concerning at the most. But what was worse, what really made me show up to his door like I am right now, knocking unexpectedly... is his eyes.

His eyes use to be wide and bright and lively. They held sorrow, but they held wisdom and humor too. Now, his eyes tell people, "Go away, I don't want to talk to you." Not only has he become distant, isolated, but he's grown cynical too, always looking to be in a mood and keeping everyone he knows a bit farther away than usual.

I was concerned about Nico, but I always didn't want to lose him, as selfish as it sounded. With how he's been behaving lately, I'm honestly scared that I might.

I knocked a second time on the door, "Nico! It's me, Will!"

Finally, he'd answered me, swinging the door open. Nico showed his face, disheveled hair and heavy eyes. He was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, looking at me with a lifted eyebrow.

"What are you...?" he started, but the question spoke for itself.

I took a deep breath, "I hope I'm not intruding."

He shook his head, "No, it's fine, you're always welcome here." He slid aside, giving me room to enter his home.

"I wanted to check on you..." I said as I entered, slipping my shoes off and leaving them by the door.

"What do you mean?" Nico asked. It came out harsh, but when I looked up at him, I could tell it wasn't supposed to.

I swallowed and gave him a soft smile, "You've been distant."

~

Nico's POV

He noticed.

I felt tears brim my eyes at those words. You've been distant. All I've ever wanted, especially during depressive episodes like this, was for someone to care enough... to know me enough... to notice.

Will furrowed his eyebrows at me, "Nico? I'm sorry if that was rude-"

"No," I shook my head, cutting him off. "It's... You're fine."

Without asking, I reached my arms over and hugged him. Will was the hugger, not me, but I couldn't help it. I sniffled loudly, burying my nose in his shoulder. He wrapped his arms gently around me, mumbling something I couldn't really hear.

"I'm sorry..." I muttered, squeezing him tighter. "Thank you for being here, Will."