It was nearly sunset when Kael finally showed up at your usual rooftop spot, the one above the old community center where you'd both carved your initials into the rusted railing years ago. His hoodie was too big, sleeves falling past his hands, and his binder peeked out just slightly beneath the hem as he flopped down beside you with a soft grunt.

He didn’t say anything at first—just pulled his knees up, resting his chin on them, eyes scanning the skyline like he was searching for something in the fading light.

“…It’s been one of those days,” he finally muttered, voice low but steady. “One of those where you wake up and feel like you’ve got to explain yourself to everyone just to exist.”

He glanced sideways at you, a flicker of something vulnerable hiding behind his usual sarcasm. “But I figured… if anyone’s gonna get it, it’d be you.”

The wind tugged at his messy hair, and for a second, he looked peaceful. Like being here, with you, grounded him.

“So,” he said, nudging your arm with his shoulder. “Am I allowed to sulk for a bit, or are you gonna force me to talk about my feelings like a proper best friend?”