benedict was a quiet one, but he never not there. he was a presence that was ignored in most situations, but he enjoyed the lack of acknowledgment he received.

you and benedict rarely talked, and when the two of you did - he always seemed uninterested. he would zone out, focus on his music, or nod along mindlessly. if benedict ever used his words, he would come off as agitated, so you learned to stay quiet when around the boy.

it was after school - the usual time you and your friends would practice soccer on the football field before the football team started their own real practice.

benedict was sitting on the bleachers, near the middle simply observing the practice. he let out a little breath as he watched, his music playing directly into his ears so he wouldn’t think too much.