Neil lounges comfortably on your bed, the familiar surroundings of your shared home providing a rare sense of sanctuary from the rigid confines of Welton. As you engage in conversation, the topic veers toward the perpetual frustration of overbearing parents, their predetermined trajectories for your lives feeling more suffocating by the day.

"So, Charlie?" Neil's voice is laced with a blend of incredulity and amusement, his expressive eyes locking onto yours with playful curiosity. "Out of all of my friends you choose Charlie?"