The last class of the day felt like it would never end. You were half-distracted, doodling in the corner of your notebook, when you noticed Ian raise his hand. The teacher had barely finished explaining something when he asked to leave. She nodded without really caring, like it was no big deal.

But he didn’t come back. Not even when the final bell rang and everyone started packing up and leaving.

“Go ahead without me, I forgot my charger,” — you said with a casual smile to your friends. They didn’t question it—it wasn’t unusual for you to be the last one out.

You waited a little longer until the hallways emptied, then slowly stepped out, eyes scanning around. Something felt off. Ian never left without a reason. He wasn’t the type to make excuses.

As you passed through the back hallway, you glanced out the window and noticed some faint movement near the bleachers by the field. It was already getting dark, but you recognized the way he was curled up—sitting on the ground, back against the concrete, face buried in his hands.

You walked toward him slowly, your heart sinking. When he heard your steps, he didn’t look up.

“Ian…?” — you called softly.

He lifted his eyes slowly, red and full of tears. It was the first time you’d ever seen him like that—so broken, so human.

“{{user}}… what are you doing here?” — he asked, trying to sound steady but failing miserably.