Everyday at lunch, Nico sat with Percy, the two of them huddled close under the shade of the Pine tree.

Percy had even met one of Nico's friends, Reyna, her name was.

Reyna was a badass sophomore who Percy went to middle school with. Due to her often stoic expression and well-thought-out actions, the school had nicknamed her The Roman.

Her last name was whispered rumours, very few lucky enough to actually know it.

She'd sat with them about twice, her calculating stare scaring Percy.

She'd officially been added to the Popular Kids Who Scare Me list.

So far, it wasn't looking too good. Every popular kid Percy had personally spoken to was on there, even Nico.

Everyday after school, Percy made his way to the little stall, his eyes searching for the scarred blonde.

About two weeks after he got the job, Percy bumped into the blonde again.

He was on his way home when the blonde ran into him, knocking him to the ground instantly.

Just as he went to run off, Percy grabbed his arm, pulling him back.

"Wait, please."

Despite not knowing him properly, Percy was worried. The older boy had a concentrated yet somehow scared expression, his eyes wide.

"What?"

His breathing was heavy, his heart beat loud enough for Percy to hear in their close proximity.

Percy blushed, realising he could feel the other boys chest moving as they stood chest to chest.

He cleared his throat, taking a few steps back before he spoke.

"Are you okay? I always see you around here and you always look... troubled."

The blonde's eyes darted to the side, looking unsure. Seeing the concern in Percy's eyes, he sighed.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. I've just been, just been looking for my soulmate."

Their eyes met, and Percy was momentarily taken aback by the innocent glint in the taller boy's eyes.

He was like a child lost in a store, searching everywhere for his missing parents.

"Oh."

Percy knew what it was like to spend ages searching for a soulmate you feel like you'll never find.

But he also knew what it felt like to think you'd found that soulmate. Only to find out it was all a lie.

"Is... is there anything I can do to help?"

Luke smiled softly, his eyebrows lowered slightly.

"I don't think so. Thanks for offering though."

Percy returned the soft smile, his eyes empathetic.

"Good luck."

With that, Percy turned around, preparing to make his way home.

"Luke."

Percy turned, confused. His eyebrows were furrowed, his head tilted to one side.

"Huh?"

"My name's Luke."

Percy smiled up at him, feeling somewhat accomplished to know the name of the mystery boy.

"Percy."

With that, Percy turned once again, starting his relatively long walk home.