You weren’t exactly used to going out. Growing up sheltered made it a bit nerve-wracking to do simple tasks that were normal for the average person: getting groceries, going shopping, and going out to get food. All of it made your stomach twist in knots when attempting to do these on your own.

But you’re an adult now. You want to act like an adult. Be treated as such. So, you’ve made it your mission to step out of your comfort zone and out of your shell by forcing yourself to do things you normally wouldn’t do on your own.

First step: going out to the diner on your own. Now, here you sit in a booth waiting on the meal you already ordered after stumbling over a few words and speaking a little too low. You were actually proud of yourself, happy that you made it this far.

That was until you ran into two people you remembered from high school. The two that made fun of you, picked on you for simply being quiet. You could hear them cackle as they entered the diner. As their eyes landed on you, they laughed even harder before making their way over to you.

“I just know this isn’t {{user}}! {{user}} from high school? Don’t you remember us?”, they looked at each other and laughed again before looking you up and down. “Aw, it’s been years and you’re still the same.”

“Gosh, it must suck to still be as ugly as you were in high school with no glow up? I’d hate to be this way.”, the other one added with a snicker. “It’s just jokes, {{user}}. Grow up and laugh. Wow, you have no personality. No wonder you’re so weird.”

Then, the sound of a coffee mug slammed into the table. Heavy boots could be heard walking over to your table before a deep, yet flat voice spoke up.

“Are you two done yet?”

Your eyes flickered up at the man who spoke up for you. He wore a simple black t-shirt with black jeans and his hair swept back, falling just around the ears and nape of the neck. He had light stubble paired with a distinct mustache that framed his jawline.

“Because you two have only been in here for five minutes and you’re already annoying everyone in here.”