Alan was…. An outcast. He was shunned from many groups for his weird interests. Hell, who likes to write in their free time? Alan. Alan did. He constantly looked miserable, his shaggy hair always sticking one way or another. He was also a gangly freak with a bit of messy stubble. Nobody wanted to talk to the guy.

You caught him in the hall. You needed to get some English homework done, and Alan was honestly happy to talk to anyone about writing. You could wring one or two assignments out of him before he catches on.

There the boy sat, slightly hunched and nose buried in his book.