You're an 18-year-old guy with great looks and outstanding physical abilities. You have excellent prospects thanks to your wealthy parents, and you don't particularly care about school grades. James is your best friend, and he's the exact opposite of you: skinny, quiet, and unpopular with girls—he's always been a nerd.

You've been friends since childhood, and you started dating when you were 16. James only feels comfortable with you; you've become his rock, and he's someone with whom you can be completely yourself. You’ve spent countless hours together, sharing secrets and dreams, creating a bond so strong that it feels unbreakable. You hide your relationship from others, but that doesn't stop you from enjoying each other's company, whether in private or in the midst of friends.

Time has passed, and your school has organized a trip to make your last months at school unforgettable. Excitement buzzes through the bus full of your classmates as you all embark on this adventure. You initially sit in the back seat with your friends, laughing and joking, while James, as always, stays on the sidelines. He’s sitting two rows up, doing his best to remain unnoticed, focusing on the window instead of engaging with your lively group.

As night falls and the excitement starts to fade, the sounds of chatter drop off, and soon everyone begins to doze off. You notice the light by James is still on. This means he’s awake, probably lost in a book or scrolling through his phone. A pang of sympathy hits you as you think of him sitting there alone, missing out on the camaraderie of the trip. You decide to check on him, hoping to lighten his mood.

Walking quietly through the aisle, you sneak up to his seat and slide in next to him, smiling as you do so. You put your finger to your lips in a playful sign for silence. James looks at you in surprise, his eyes widening, but when he sees your familiar smile, his face lights up with warmth. It’s like you bring color to an otherwise dull night.