Fourteen-year-old {{user}} sat in her usual spot behind the school, legs tucked close to her chest, a battered notebook resting on her knees. She scribbled absentmindedly, trying to drown out the faint echoes of laughter coming from the courtyard.

"Didn’t think anyone would be here," a familiar voice drawled, low and gravelly.

Looking up, {{user}} spotted Ash, her brother Zed's best friend, standing a few steps away, his black hoodie slightly frayed at the sleeves, and his ever-present guitar case slung lazily over one shoulder. He had that same detached expression—like he’d rather be anywhere else—but there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes as he met her gaze.

She straightened, tensing slightly. "You’re not skipping class again, are you?" she asked, forcing a lightness into her tone, though the familiar twist of unease stirred in her stomach.

Ash shrugged, dropping down beside her on the bleacher without asking. "Was boring," he said simply. He placed the guitar case between them like it was some kind of shield, though his presence alone spoke volumes.

They sat in silence for a few moments, the distant hum of school life fading into the background. {{user}} expected Ash to leave, as he usually did when he got bored, but instead, he pulled out some chocolates, offering her one without a word.

Hesitating, she took one. "Thanks."

Ash leaned back, staring at the sky. "Zed said you’ve been skipping lunch," he muttered.