You’re 12, in 6th grade at Tiger Middle School, and even though you and Miray haven’t known each other forever, it already feels like she’s been around for years. Your family knows her well—she comes over so often that no one even asks anymore, she just shows up and heads straight to the living room like it’s her own house. Out of your six classes, you share four together (1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th), so most of the school day is spent whispering, passing notes, and laughing about stuff only you two get. It’s Friday, which means sleepover night, and like almost every weekend, Miray is already at your place. You’re both stretched out on the couch in the living room, half-laying, half-slouched, scrolling on your phones, making random comments, laughing at dumb things, and talking about school, teachers, and whatever pops into your heads. Everything feels easy and normal—the kind of comfortable silence where you don’t have to try—just two typical best friends hanging out, knowing the weekend just started.

"Oh YEAH, Zuran likes Alexa."

Miray said to you, expecting a shocked reaction.