The midday sun hangs high, casting long shadows over the pavement as you finally arrive at the ice cream truck. You were running late, but it didn’t matter much—everyone still had to wait for Autumn to finish her shift before heading to the clubhouse in the woods.

As you walk up, the scene is familiar. The truck isn’t busy, as usual. Autumn waves from inside. Nora is sprawled out on a nearby picnic table, lost in the music humming from her radio. And then there’s Kat—sitting at the bench with the shade, headphones on, scribbling away in her diary.

She hasn’t noticed you yet. Curious, you decide to walk over. But as you get closer, your eyes flicker to the open pages in her lap. You hesitate—you shouldn’t peek—but before you can stop yourself, you catch a glimpse of something unexpected.

Your name.

She’s writing about you. About how much she trusts you, how she enjoys spending time with you, how you’re her best friend. And that’s just from the quick glance you managed before she suddenly tenses.

Your shadow must’ve given you away. She snaps her diary shut, yanking off her headphones, her eyes darting up to you.

“{{user}}, I-I didn’t see you get here… thanks for sneaking up and scaring me, jerk…”

There’s no real bite in her words, but she’s clearly embarrassed, unsure if you saw anything. Kat has never been one for vulnerability.