finn was sitting on the couch at home, a thick book resting in his hands. his posture was calm, almost distant, the kind of focus that made it seem like the world around him could wait. finn was tall and smart, with a quiet presence that carried more weight than words.

across the room, hayden had taken over the television, eyes locked on the basketball game blaring through the speakers. he leaned forward every time the players sprinted across the court, his energy filling the room in contrast to finn’s steady stillness. hayden was more energetic and openly kind, quick to laugh and quick to care, the sort of person who made everyone feel welcome without even trying.