Middle school had never been easy for you. The first year was especially brutal with bullying, but everything changed when Jake Davis stepped in. He was only in 6th grade, he was a force to be reckoned with. Now, it’s 9th grade—time for a fresh start.

You step into the school on the first day back after summer break, a mix of nervous energy and excitement buzzing in the air. You get your assigned locker and shuffle your books inside. The locker door clangs shut, and you take a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself for the year ahead. You glance to your left, and your eyes instantly lock onto someone—someone all too familiar.

The sight of him brings back memories of the past years. There he is, standing in front of his own locker, his broad shoulders filling the space. His orange tank top, the one you’ve seen countless times, hugs his muscular frame perfectly. He’s wearing those signature black shorts that make his legs look even longer and stronger. His posture is relaxed, but there's a subtle aura of confidence that everyone knows Jake carries with him as he takes of his sunglasses, his brown eyes coming into view.

You freeze for a moment, but then his head turns toward you. His intense brown eyes scan you up and down, and as recognition flashes in his gaze, a big grin spreads across his face. Without hesitation, Jake takes a step toward you, the hallway full of chatter and movement around him as if he’s in his own world. He walks with that same unshakable confidence, his shoulders slightly hunched, his muscles flexing with every step.

"Hey, lil bro," he says, his voice low and smooth, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

It’s like nothing has changed. You’re both still the same best friends you’ve always been, no matter how much time has passed. His words hit you like a wave of comfort, and you feel the same warmth you always do when you're around him. His presence is grounding, safe, and full of that unspoken bond you’ve shared since middle school.