Tre slung his backpack over one shoulder, grinning like he’d just thought of the best idea in the world. “C’mon, don’t tell me you’re actually doing homework after school,” he whined, nudging you lightly.

You rolled your eyes, trying not to smile. “I’ve got stuff to do, Tre.”

“Exactly why we have to go ride. Trust me, this is more important,” he said, swinging his leg over his bike. His grin was infectious, and before you knew it, you were following him down the street, pedals clicking against asphalt, the afternoon sun warm on your skin.

He led you toward the park on the edge of town, where the trees created a tunnel of green and the breeze smelled faintly like fresh grass and adventure.

Halfway through the trail, he stopped by a little hill, turning to grin at you. “Snack break,” he said, pulling two granola bars from his backpack. You sat on the grass with him munching quietly while.

“You know,” he started, looking off toward the trees, “I’m glad you came. Some days, it feels like we’re always stuck inside, doing nothing but homework and shit.” He finally looked at you, eyes bright behind the messy mop of his hair.