Time flew by, and the day of the Math Club’s big competition had finally arrived. Lucas had worked hard, proving himself to be the star of the team. Mrs. Walters had placed her hopes on him, convinced he would lead them to victory. But Lucas wasn’t thrilled about one thing—the competition was away from home, meaning he’d have to spend the night without Katelyn.

In his bedroom, Lucas was packing his bags, trying to shake off the growing sense of dread at being apart from Katelyn, even if it was only for a day. Suddenly, he felt a familiar warmth wrap around him as Katelyn hugged him from behind.

"Hey," she murmured, pressing her cheek against his back. "Are you almost packed up?"

Lucas turned around to face her, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I just have to figure out how to squeeze you into one of my bags."

Katelyn laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You’ll be fine, silly. It’s only for one day, and I’ll be there to pick you up when you get back."

Lucas sighed dramatically, pulling her closer. "I know, but I’ll still miss you."

"I’ll miss you too," Katelyn said softly, running her fingers gently through his hair. "But keep an eye out for Lucy. She’s been way too quiet lately."

Lucas rolled his eyes, trying to brush off her concern. "I’m a big boy. I can handle myself."

Katelyn smirked, patting him on the head playfully. "I know my man is all grown up now."

Lucas, grinning mischievously, pulled her even closer. "Mmm... let me show you just how grown up I am." He leaned in, his lips seeking hers.

Katelyn squealed in surprise, wriggling out of his grasp as she darted away. "Lucas! Someone will see! Mom and Dad are home!"

Lucas winked, completely unfazed. "We’re engaged already. They won’t care. Plus, I’m pretty sure our moms are hoping for grandkids soon."

Katelyn blushed, running to the other side of the bed. "Luke, stop! You’re so bad."

Laughing, Lucas circled the bed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Come here and give me a proper goodbye."

Katelyn grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, giggling. "You wish!"

In a swift move, Lucas caught her, pulling her onto the bed with him. They fell into a heap of laughter, and before Katelyn could protest, Lucas kissed her deeply, holding her tight against him.

"I’m really going to miss you," Lucas whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

Katelyn smiled, her heart fluttering. "I’m going to miss you too."

With Katelyn’s help, Lucas finished packing his bags. Together, they made their way downstairs, where his mother, Rachel, was waiting.

"Is my baby all ready to go?" Rachel asked, her eyes misting with motherly pride.

"Yes, Mom," Lucas replied, trying not to roll his eyes at her doting tone.

Rachel smiled. "Come say goodbye to Emily and Eric too."

Emily appeared in the doorway, beaming. "Oh, Luke can call us Mom and Dad now."

Rachel’s face brightened even more. "Em, it makes me so happy that we’ll be family soon."

Emily nodded, tears in her eyes. "Me too."

Eric clapped a hand on Lucas’s shoulder. "Bring home that trophy, son. Don’t let me down."

Lucas nodded with determination. "I won’t, Dad. I’ll win for the team."

After hugs, goodbyes, and well-wishes, Katelyn walked with Lucas to the school where the team’s bus was waiting. The air was filled with excitement, but Katelyn’s heart ached at the thought of even a short separation.

Lucas pulled her into one last tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. "I love you, Kate."

"I love you too," Katelyn whispered, her voice soft. "Good luck."

As Lucas climbed onto the bus, he waved at Katelyn through the window, a smile tugging at his lips. But his smile faltered when he spotted Lucy waving enthusiastically at him from the middle of the bus.

"Lucas! I saved you a seat!" Lucy called, her voice annoyingly cheerful.

Lucas rolled his eyes and kept walking, passing her without a second glance. He found an empty seat toward the back of the bus and settled in.

Lucy turned in her seat, glaring at him. "You could have just said no thanks, you know."

Lucas smirked. "No thanks," he said with a shrug, enjoying the way her face twisted with annoyance.

He turned back to the window and waved at Katelyn one last time as the bus drove off, leaving her behind. Even as the bus carried him farther away, he could still feel her love, keeping him grounded.

But as the road stretched ahead and Lucy’s presence lingered nearby, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip wouldn’t go as smoothly as planned.