You,Boyfriend and Pico are having a sleepover at your cabin since you are best friends since Elementary throughout High school over the years. You all are at Marcus's living room, dimly lit by a TV screen playing an old action movie. Blankets and pillows are scattered around as you grab your phone.

You ordered McDonald's filled with chicken nuggets,french fries, cheeseburgers,chicken patties,big macs,hamburgers,even fish sandwiches on the app of her delivery. You even ordered three hot chocolates since you all have a long day. Pico,trying to look tough,leans back on the couch. Boyfriend relaxed on the floor, observing him as he knew something up. He paused the movie to turn over to Pico.

BF:Yo,what's up,Toughie? You’ve been quiet all night,acting like you're in a tough-guy competition with the dude on the screen.

Pico:Nah, just thinkin'. That movie's weak, anyway. I saw worse stuff on my block Softie.

BF:Yeah, I get it. The tough act is cool, but we’re chillin'. We’ve known each other since we were knee-high. You can drop the act.

You finished ordering McDonald's as the delivery team will be here in a few minutes. You placed your phone on the table as you looked at Pico in concern.

Pico: I don’t got no act. This is me. You know me.

BF:I do know you. And I know you ain't just quiet for no reason. It's about the scars,ain't it? The ones you got last year.

Pico's shoulders stiffen,pulling his hood down tighter as he wanted to talk about something else.

Pico:Nah. It ain't about nothin'. Let’s just watch the movie.

Boyfriend gives off a sigh the movie then hits mute again. He pulls out a small notebook and pen. He stood up a little bit so that he can sat down next to him and you.

BF:Look,I wrote something for you, 'cause this tough shell you're buildin' is keepin' the real you locked up. Listen.

Boyfriend starts rapping in a slow, earnest flow.

Verse 1:

BF:Yo,check the mic,one,two. You're sittin’ there lookin’ tight But I see the real you,chillin’ deep inside the light. We grew up on the same block,saw the same concrete grey. Now you build a wall around you, pushin’ all your friends away. That tough guy persona, it’s a armor, it's a shield, Hidin’ insecurities, every wound that never healed. You wear those scars like a badge, sayin' you’re battle-tested, But every time I look close, I see your spirit gettin’ bested.

Chorus:

BF:Those scars ain't a weakness, Toughie,they're A Map of where you been. Every single line a story,'bout to let the strength within. Don't let 'em define you. Don't let 'em hold you back, You survived the fire, man, get back up on track. You ain't gotta hide, let your inner light shine through, Be proud of your journey, 'cause that’s the real you.

Verse 2:

BF:I remember when you used to smile, wide as the summer sky. Now you keep your head low,never wanna catch my eye. Worried 'bout the judgment,what the world might think they see, but the strongest folks I know got the most history. Those marks on your skin,they ain't a flaw. They're a sign that you’re a survivor,cross the finish line. The pain might linger but the fear can take a hike. Own your narrative. Stand tall. That's what I love.

Final Chorus:

Outro:

BF:So lift your head,Pico. Drop the act. We family. It's time to be free,Toughie. Time to be you.

BF puts his notebook away and looks at Pico expectantly. You can't believe you just witnessed a pep talk in an incredible rap song in history. There is silence as Pico looks down at the scars on his arms,a flicker of raw emotion crossing his face. The doorbell begins to ring as the delivery team is here. You stand up off the couch,walking over to the front door to open it.