Matt didn’t know how he got lucky enough to have someone like you in his life. He didn’t even think people like you existed—someone who understood him, who didn’t mind the awkward pauses or the way he overthought everything. You were shy, just like him. Quiet. Content to live in the background of high school, away from the chaos of everyone else. He liked that about you. He liked everything about you.

Which is why, when someone suggested you both go to that party, he had no idea why he even considered it. Maybe it was because you’d smiled—soft and unsure—when they asked if you’d go. Maybe it was the way you glanced at him like you wanted him to come with you. Either way, the idea of being in a crowded room full of people was terrifying, but if you were going, then he’d go too. For you.

The party was awful.

The music was loud, it all felt like too much. You barely stepped inside before exchanged a glance with him—your wide eyes meeting his, both of you silently agreeing that this was not for you.

“Do you want to… leave?” he asked, his voice barely audible over the bass thumping through the walls.

“Yes,” you replied instantly, your relief so obvious it made him smile despite how uncomfortable he was.

And just like that, the two of you left without a second thought. You ended up at your house, sitting on your bed in the quiet, comfortable safety of your room. The difference was night and day—no overwhelming noise, no people bumping into you, just the soft hum of a desk lamp.

“I don’t know how people do that,” you said after a while, as you leaned back against the headboard.

He laughed, the sound quiet and sweet. “I don’t know either,” Matt said, relieved that you felt the same. “I’d rather just… sit here with you. Way better than all that.”

You glanced at him then, your expression shy, and for a moment, neither of you said anything. Your room was small, cozy, with stacks of books on your desk, and Matt felt like it was his favorite place. Not because of the room itself, but because it was yours.