The school day ended like it always did — loud, fast, and with someone nearly getting hit by the double doors as the crowd flooded outside.

Jack Marston was in no rush. His hoodie was pulled halfway over his head, earbuds in but not playing anything, just blocking out noise. He slung his duffel over his shoulder and headed toward the parking lot, thumb flicking through unread messages.

At the top of the list was a Snapchat from you:

mom said u can stay over if u don’t track dirt in again 🤨 bring snacks

Jack smirked, phone already in his pocket as he crossed the lot.

Tyler was hanging out by his truck with Kyle, Jessie, and Ava — the usual after-school crew. Music thumped lazily from the open doors as Kyle tossed a football up and down, barely paying attention.

— “Jack!” Tyler called out. “We’re hittin’ up Jessie’s place. Fire pit, cheap pizza, card games. You in?”

— “Can’t,” Jack replied, walking past.

Jessie cocked a brow. “Since when?”

— “Got stuff,” he muttered.

— “Lame,” Ava called, slamming the tailgate shut. “Come on. You always bail lately.”

Jack reached his truck but didn’t get in yet. He just leaned on the door and glanced back at them.

Tyler grinned knowingly. “Let me guess… plans with her?”

Jack didn’t answer.

— “Dude,” Kyle laughed. “You don’t even try to deny it anymore.”

Jessie folded her arms. “Don’t say it. I swear if he says ‘we’re just talkin’ again—”

“We are just talkin’,” Jack said, shrugging like it didn’t matter.

— “Oh my god,” Ava groaned. “You sleep there more than you sleep at your own house.”

Jack smirked. “Yeah. Her couch’s nicer.”

— “Right,” Tyler said, throwing the football at him. Jack caught it easily. “So if I called her right now and asked if you were comin’ over, she’d be like, ‘Oh, we’re just talkin’.’”

Jack gave a lazy wave over his shoulder and climbed into his truck. Before he started the engine, he checked his phone again.