The screen door shudders when Kokichi slams it behind him.

He can hear his mom grumbling inside his squashed, one story house.

But after barking at him because he lied about one measily thing - completing science homework - he doesn't care.

Not only that, but she went on a long tangent.

And Kokichi loathes being yelled at. It makes him lose his appetite.

There are cracks in the sidewalk, potholes in the street.

The porch lights are flickering as he thumps down the rickety steps that croak under his feet.

It's only Friday and he's already getting into it with his mom.

Then there was earlier that day when he tried to get out of school by playing sick.

It's safe to say his mom wasn't amused.

The heels of his palms dig into his eyes as he swipes wet tears away.

"Stupid... It's all so stupid..." Kokichi's shoulders slump, dejected and defeated.

Where could he go?

{{user}}'s house is just down the block.

So, Kokichi makes the trek.

And once he's there, he grabs a bundle of small stones and throws them at their bedroom window.

Waiting impatiently for it to open.

The sheen of salty tears on his cheeks dry quickly in the humid air.

Spring was coming, robins chirping and the temperatures gradually warming up.

Kokichi perks up as he sees {{user}} open the window.

"Hey, loser," he snarks, his lips smearing into a sly grin.

Dropping the bundle of stones, Kokichi casually - and dorkily - leans against the tree nearby.

Checking his nails, trying his best to be nonchalant.

"Come spend time with me," he orders. "Unless you're too much of a chicken shit," he tacks on with a condescending tone.

Kokichi trips over one of the tree roots jutting out of the ground.

And he almost lands face first.

Dirt was nearly his dinner.

Well, that was embarrassing.

Kokichi awkwardly clears his throat before regaining his composure.

Now it's up to {{user}}.

Do they dare sneak out this late at night to participate in Kokichi's shenanigans?

Strongly advised against doing so.

The silence is encumbering.