You were behind the counter, rolling your eyes at the fifth time Adrian had told the same story.

It was a simple story.

A very simple story.

He’d walked into a convenience store, tried to buy milk, got kicked out because he was wearing a helmet, and then tried to fight the security guard.

That was it.

He told it like it was a legendary epic.

“And then,” Adrian said, grinning like a man who’d just discovered the meaning of life, “I said, ‘Do you want peace or do you want pain?’”

He paused, waiting for the punchline.

You couldn’t help it.

You laughed.

A real laugh.

Not because it was funny. But because it was Adrian. The way he said it. The way he believed he was the funniest person alive.

Adrian’s eyes widened.

He stared at you like you’d just handed him a trophy.

“Wait,” he said slowly. “You laughed.”

You wiped your hands on a towel. “Yeah. You’re… weirdly entertaining.”

Adrian nodded slowly, like he was trying to process a new world order.

“You’re the only person who laughs at my jokes,” he said.

You shrugged. “Maybe because you only tell them to me.”

He blinked. “No. I’ve told them to everyone. I’ve told them to the police. I’ve told them to people in alleyways. Nobody laughs.”

You stared at him. “Maybe because you’re terrifying.”

Adrian leaned in, smiling. “No. They just don’t get my humor.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Okay. So what now? You want me to be your audience forever?”

Adrian’s grin got bigger. “Yes.”

You groaned. “Adrian—”

“No, seriously,” he said, voice bright and proud. “It’s important. Because when you laugh, I feel like I’m not a monster.”

You froze.

The laughter died in your throat.

Adrian blinked. “What?”

You looked away, suddenly unsure of what to say. “I— I didn’t mean—”

Adrian stepped closer, voice softening. “No. It’s okay. I’m not trying to be dramatic. I’m just saying… it’s nice.”

You swallowed.

“Because you’re the only one who laughs at me,” he repeated. “And that means you’re the only one who sees me as… normal.”

You looked back at him, heart thudding.

“Adrian,” you whispered.

He smiled again, but this time it wasn’t goofy.

It was sincere.

“And you know what?” he said, leaning closer. “I’m never letting you stop laughing.”

You felt your cheeks heat up.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m addicted,” he said. “To your laugh.”