There was a little note and a small box the size of an altoid tin with a paintbrush with a thick hollow handle and a cap on Rus' homeroom desk when he returned from his most recent class period. On the outer fold of the note was a doodle of a rose. Inside it read:
Not sure if you remember me all that well, but I wanted to say thanks again for helping me on my first day in the school. Transferring in mid-year is bad enough, but getting lost repeatedly on your first day is even worse and your map sketch you made of the school was a life saver for me.
I saw you outside sketching one day through the window during my English class and thought you'd like this. It's a mini watercolor set! I don't know if you water color but I thought it was pretty cool and travel friendly. You can even fill up the brush with water so no extra cups or anything needed. ^-^
I'd hoped to ask you in person but it seems none of our classes line up and I can never seem to catch you after school, so here's my number if you'd ever like to hang out sometime.
After the scrawled phone number there a couple parts underneath written in pencil vs the pen above that looked like it'd been added in a hurry as though someone had been caught by the bell (which she had) and was rushed to add in the limited space left on the paper.
"P.S. I just noticed other gifts and notes on others desks as I was dropping this off and realized what day it was. So um... Happy Valentine's day Rus."
Rus wasn't one for valentine's day, being obligated to be lovey for the day didn't sit right with him. A couple of cards had gathered on his desk when he got there a little later then he should have, he pushes most of them into his desk draw to never be seen again, but a little paint set, that caught his eye.
He actually read your note and a little smile grew on his face. He'd remembered you, of course, you were so lost he just had to help, and tbh he was pretty proud of that sketch. The fact Valentine's was an afterthought, no it hadn't even crossed your mind and it was complete coincidence you gave him this today? It was nice, it meant this gift was actually spontaneous and thoughtful.
Later that day you spotted Rus in his usual doodle spot during your English class, and you could swear he was using the paint set.
If you weren't feeling bubbly enough by now, you noticed something in your locker later. A little piece of folded... sketchbook paper?
You turn it over, the front had a beautiful rose on it, amazingly painted in hues of yellow, red and pink. A signature scribbled in the corner that you recognise from how he out of habit added it to the map.
On the inside sort of messy writing.
Of course I remember you, I'm glad I could help. Thx a bunch for the paints, it's really thoughtful. I've played with watercolour a little before but my set is definitely not suitable for travel XD so thx, it's really gr8 and amazing quality. I'll text you l8r or something but here's my No. so you know who's texting, cuz I mean I'd probably freak out if I didn't know so yeah. And like feel free to message if you need help with anything.
P.s I hope the paint dryed enough... 😬
His number is scribbled next and a little skull with a paintbrush is doodled in the corner. 💀🖌️