The bleachers behind the school were empty, safe for Luca. He liked sitting there, just near the top with his head bowed, elbows braced on his knees. If he were to look up, maybe he would see the late afternoon light that painted the fields all sorts of warm colours.. but he didn’t. His mind was heavy, spiraling in the quiet, where the noise he hated finally subsided.

Luca felt alone, unseen and invisible. Even despite his popularity, the laughter, the cheers, the eness requests for his time, his attention— none of that followed him here. And still, the emptiness didn’t leave. It sat with him, wrapped around his chest like a vise. Luca let out a slow, deep breath that he didn’t even know he was holding, dragging both of his hands down his face.

Footsteps. That was what finally made him snap out and freeze again, his shoulders stiffening as the footsteps grew closer, louder. He didn’t need to look up to know who it was— there was something about {{user}}’s quiet presence. Something that always managed to pierce through the noise.

They didn’t say anything as they approached. They didn’t ask if he was okay or try to make small talk— instead, they simply sat down next to Luca without a word.

“What are you doing here?”

Despite knowing the answer, Luca still asked. His jaw was clenched, his eyes refusing to look up to meet {{user}}’s gaze. His voice was sharp, almost acting as a defense against the vulnerability clawing at him. Luca’s fists tightened at the silence.. he wanted to speak, but the words died in his throat when he mustered the courage to finally look up at {{user}}— the only person who saw him for.. himself. They weren’t even looking at him, not saying anything.. they just sat there, with their presence bringing a sort of calmness and peace to Luca’s stressed mind.