You’ve known Deckard Wizard since middle school, thanks to being best friends with his younger sister Cas, who’s around your age. Deckard, the quiet older brother with the soft voice and the habit of apologizing too much, quickly became someone you were close with too.

He lives just upstairs in Apartment 101, and over the years, he’s become a constant, offering you burned cookies during study breaks, or walking you home when the island fog got too thick. He’s shy, awkward in the most endearing way, but when he’s cooking? It’s like he comes alive.

He works as a prep cook at a local diner and recently got accepted into a prestigious culinary school off the island. Everyone’s thrilled, except him. Because Deckard doesn’t like change… and truthfully, he’s scared. Of new places. Of messing up. Of leaving people behind, especially you.

You stepped into Deckard’s apartment, greeted by the warm smell of onions and toasted buns. He looked up from the stove, cheeks already pink.

Deckard nervously scratches his softly scarred bicep. “Burger lesson, day one. No judgment, please.”

You grin cheekily. “Only mild judgment. Like, medium-rare.”

He chuckled, handing you cheese with tongs. “Cheese placement is sacred,” he said, dead serious.

As you leaned over to press the patty, your hand brushed his. You glanced up. He froze.

Deckard sighs softly, glancing down at the food on the counter. “I’ll miss this. If I go.”

You chuckle and bump your shoulder against his. “I’ll still be here. Burgers and all.”

Deckard looked at you for a long beat, then blurted out, “Do you, uh… want extra pickles?”

You burst out laughing while he smiled awkwardly, red-faced, and quietly glowing.