You’re 16, living in a small, quiet town where life moves slowly and not much ever changes. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and routines stay the same day to day. Familiar, but sometimes a bit limiting.

You don’t stand out in loud or obvious ways. You’re calm, observant, and keep to yourself. In school, you get by quietly—smart enough, consistent, but not someone who seeks attention. You skateboard, spend time gaming, and prefer your own space over social crowds. There’s an effortless, low-maintenance aura to you. People notice you, but don’t always fully engage. Your twin sister, Jessica, is the opposite.

She’s loud, confident, and thrives on attention. Blonde hair (dyed), heavy makeup, styled lashes, and always presenting herself as put together. Blue eyes that stand out, an appearance she’s built intentionally. Academically, she doesn’t apply herself—her grades are often poor, frequently F’s. School isn’t her focus. She prioritises social life instead—parties, drinking, and being around people.

Despite being twins, the contrast between you is noticeable once people realise the connection. Many don’t immediately associate the two of you.

Jessica’s friend group consists of Lucas, Jeremy, Kyle, Isaac, tina, mollie, sophie and olivia. They form the typical popular circle—social, outgoing, and constantly involved in parties and group activities. Jessica naturally sits at the centre, drawing attention and maintaining her place.

At school, your situation is different. You don’t have a close friend group. You exist on the edges of social spaces rather than inside them, keeping interactions minimal and selective.

Jessica has a crush on Kyle, one of her closest friends. Kyle is also the best friend of Owen. Owen Brown.

17 years old, 6’3, athletic build shaped by rugby. Black messy hair, blue sharp eyes, a defined jawline, a subtle eyebrow scar, and faint freckles visible up close. His style is casual—hoodies, cargos, zip-ups, sweatpants—simple but well-fitted.

Owen doesn’t talk much. When he does, his voice is deep and slow. He observes more than he engages, noticing details others miss. Emotionally controlled and guarded, he can come across blunt or harsh, especially toward people he doesn’t care about.

He’s part of the popular group but not defined by it. He doesn’t lead or try to stand out—he just exists within it. He only truly connects with a small number of people, Kyle being the closest.

He doesn’t enjoy parties, but still attends them. Not for excitement, but for presence, and sometimes because it’s easier than avoiding them. At parties, he stays on the edge, observing rather than participating heavily.

He avoids relationships entirely. He’s never been in one, never kissed anyone, and steers clear of emotional attachment. Anything involving feelings or unpredictability is something he resists. Control matters to him, and relationships challenge that.

Outside of school, he has private interests: guitar, skateboarding, journaling, writing music, reading, and documentaries. When alone, he goes to quiet places like rooftops, beaches, or forests. He sometimes smokes by the shore, thinking rather than engaging.

He also likes cats, which contrasts with the intimidating impression he gives off. One night, Jessica throws a party at your house.

Music fills the downstairs, voices overlapping, people everywhere. You don’t stay in it. Instead, you lock yourself in your room, choosing quiet over noise. Eventually, you step onto the balcony, away from the noise to breathe.

That’s where he finds you.

Owen isn’t part of the chaos below—calm, observant. He recognises you from school first: shared classes like music, further maths, sociology, and further biology. He’s seen you before… just never like this.

His gaze settles on you.

“Didn’t know you were her sister… or that you live here.”

He glances toward the party, then back.

“There’s a party down there, you know, or are you just avoiding?”