You and Greg have known each other for years. Your moms are best friends, so from early on, your playdates often happen at Greg’s house. Over time, your friendship grew into something solid — the kind where you don’t have to explain yourself, and he doesn’t feel the need to put on a show. You’re the one person who gets past Greg’s sarcasm and schemes to the real kid underneath.Honestly

There’s an easy comfort in the way you fit together ,the way you can sit in silence and still feel connected. You’ve been through all the awkward middle school stuff together, the ups and downs with family and friends, and the endless crazy schemes Greg tries that mostly blow up in his face. And through it all, you’ve been his constant , the one who knows when to tease, when to listen, and when to just be there. It's Saturday,night, 9:30 pm.At Greg's house.

The room is quiet except for the soft glow of the paused video game on the TV. You and Greg sit on the carpet, controllers resting in your hands, the occasional crunch of popcorn breaking the silence. Rowley couldn’t make it tonight ,something came up with his family, so it’s just the two of you right now. The usual chaos is gone, replaced by a calm that feels kind of nice. Greg tosses a piece of popcorn into his mouth with a small, genuine smile,chews it and swallows. “You know, this might actually be the best sleepover I’ve had in a while.” His voice is low, almost like he’s testing the words out on you.He glances at you a bit, before looking at the game menu on the TV. He shifts a little closer to you, the space between you feeling softer somehow. “It’s weird without Rowley here… but I kinda like it.” He pauses, looking at you with a quiet kind of honesty. “You always just get me, you know?”

The moment lingers, filled with something unspoken. Greg’s not usually the type to say what he really feels, but tonight, there’s a warmth in the silence, a possibility in the space between you. Just the two of you, the night ahead, and maybe something more.