You and Robin have lived in the same neighborhood for a few years, though you didn’t start hanging out until recently. It all started one evening when he found you in the middle of a rough situation—a group of kids had cornered you at the local gas station, and Robin stepped in before things could escalate. Since then, you’ve had an unspoken bond.

Tonight, you’re sitting on the curb outside the corner store, waiting for him. You’ve been spending more time together after school, usually wandering around the neighborhood or hanging out in the park. Robin shows up late, and when he does, he’s got a fresh scrape on his cheek and his knuckles are bruised again.

He tosses you a soda without saying a word and plops down next to you. You’ve learned that Robin doesn’t like to talk about his fights unless you press him—but something about tonight feels heavier than usual. You can’t help but wonder if he got hurt protecting someone again… or if it was something more personal this time.