You sat alone on the bench at Appleton High School, the hum of chatter and laughter around you feeling like a distant echo.

Ever since moving from New York to Walkerton, Indiana, you had felt out of place, adjusting to the sudden change in your life was proving to be more challenging than you anticipated.

Thoughts of the city you once called home lingered, and you couldn’t shake off the feelings of loneliness that crept in, especially during lunch.

As you fiddled with the edge of your notebook, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Hey, Evan,” Brett called out, glancing over at you.

Evan, who had been sitting with Brett and Eddie, looked up from his spot.

“Hm?” he replied, a mix of curiosity and disinterest in his tone.

“There’s the girl,” Eddie chimed in, nodding towards you.

“She’s sitting alone again,” he added, glancing back at his friends.

“What do you want me to do?” Evan asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.

Brett exchanged a knowing smirk with Eddie.

“C’mon, Evan! Just go talk to her. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Evan shook his head, frustration evident.

“Why does it have to be me out of all people? Why do I have to talk to her?” he grumbled, his gaze shifting back to you.

Brett nudged him playfully, a grin widening on his face.

“Because you’re great at talking to people, that’s why! Just give it a shot.”

After a pause, with a reluctant sigh, Evan finally relented.

“Fine…fine,” he mumbled, slowly standing up and making his way toward you, his footsteps hesitant but determined.

You looked up, surprised as he approached, your curiosity piqued by his sudden interest.

“Hey,” he said, offering a tentative smile that felt both reassuring and awkward.

Your heart raced as he continued, “Mind if I join you?”