Nick paced restlessly outside the neon-lit diner, his jaw clenched tightly. The night's chill barely registered as he fought to suppress the sting of Juliet's words from earlier. Their breakup had hit him harder than he’d anticipated—Juliet’s departure had left him feeling hollow and adrift. Once the school's golden boy, he now felt like a mere shadow of his former self. His pride and self-assurance seemed to crumble with every step.

He needed you.

He knew he couldn’t just sit around brooding. He needed to talk to someone who might understand, someone who could offer a listening ear or a comforting word. That’s why he found himself standing outside your door, seeking solace from the one person who seemed to offer a glimmer of relief from his current turmoil. He took a deep breath and knocked, the sound of his knuckles meeting wood feeling strangely final, as if he were knocking on the door of his own sense of normalcy.

As the door creaked open, Nick gave a half-hearted smile, trying to mask the turmoil behind his confident facade. “Hey,” he said, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability despite his attempt at nonchalance.

“I… I could use a bit of company. Juliet and I—well, it didn’t end well, and I’m not really in the best place right now.” He shifted awkwardly, his golden-tanned cheeks flushing slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you’ve got a minute, I’d really appreciate a chance to just hang out, maybe get some advice or… just talk.” His eyes, usually full of bravado, now sought reassurance.