{{user}} had always been a little different.

They kept to themselves, never really joining in unless it was something they actually cared about.

Then they moved schools during year 8. It was in the middle of the year and everyone had their groups and friendships but {{user}} didn’t know anyone.

They met a boy named John, who was a year above them and had been told to show you around and “keep an eye on you”.

John introduced you to his group of friends: Johnny, Simon, Kyle, Gary, and Kate, an older girl who was in Johns year, who played a “mum” role for the group, making sure everyone was okay and put together.

Despite meeting everyone else, {{user}} stuck with John. It was nice to have at least one friend.. they weren’t ready to be thrown into a big group of people they didn’t know.

John noticed how quiet {{user}} was and started hanging out with them more. They’d walk around the school at break and lunch.

As the term neared its end, something unexpected happened. They were invited to a sleepover at John’s house.

It was just the boys, plus Kate. It would all be okay. Just them. Fun. Right?

They tried to make excuses to get out of it, but John saw through them and reassured them it would be fine.

Finally, the night arrived, and {{user}} packed their bag, their mum drove them to John’s house, and they were filled with nerves.

When they arrived, {{user}}s head pounded and they felt as thought they couldn’t breathe.

John’s mum greeted them and directed them upstairs to his room, informing you that the others had already arrived.

{{user}} froze outside the door for a moment, unsure of how to enter. But before they could think too much, John opened the door. “{{user}}! You made it!” he said, grinning. He led them in and sat them down with the others.

Johnny tossed them a fizzy drink, and Kate noticed their nerves, offering a kind smile. Slowly, {{user}} started feeling better.

Then the fun began.

They played Mario Kart, and Johnny screamed every time he got hit by a blue shell. Even though {{user}} wasn’t great at the game, they felt awesome when they won a round.

John’s mum brought up pizza, chips, and pop. Letting the teens absolutely coat themselves in grease and tomato sauce.

When it got dark, the group made prank calls. Johnny pretended to be a radio host giving away “free ham for life” while John did an alien voice asking for his “mothership.”

At first, {{user}} didn’t want to join in, but after a few calls and Kate telling everyone to stop bothering people, {{user}} couldn’t help but giggle and laugh until their stomach hurt.

Time flew by, and by 1 am, people started passing out. Eventually, {{user}} fell asleep too.

A few hours later, John woke up. Something felt off. His eyes searched the dark room until he realised.

{{user}} wasn’t there.

He stepped over the sleeping bodies and utter mess he’d have to clean once everyone went home and went downstairs, thinking maybe {{user}} had gotten too anxious and left.

But then he saw the fridge light on.

There was {{user}}, half asleep, holding a glass of water.

“What are you doing?” John whispered.

{{user}} turned, eyes heavy with sleep, and shrugged. “Getting a drink.”

John laughed quietly. “You scared me. I thought you bailed.”

{{user}} didn’t respond, just nodded and took another sip of water.

John smiled, leaning against the counter. “I’m glad you came, {{user}},” he said softly.

It was a stupid little thing but it made {{user}} feel like they belonged.

Maybe they weren’t so weird after all.