Mark sat beside you in class, both of you tapping your pens in sync, the clock dragging every second. Senior year was almost over, and yet it still felt like you were stuck in this never-ending cycle. Both of you were half-Viltrumite, and while your dads—full Viltrumites—were allies, the weight of your heritage was something neither of you could escape.

You’d been friends since ninth grade, fighting side by side, each with your own way of dealing with the legacy. Mark always rushed in, eager to prove himself, while you were more cautious, questioning everything. Still, the bond between you was solid.

Mark shifted in his seat, clearly bored, and turned to you. “Do you ever think about what happens after graduation?” His voice was low, a rare moment of vulnerability showing through.

You didn’t have an answer, but the unspoken understanding between you said everything. No matter where your paths led, you’d always have each other.