The front porch creaked under Zeke as he slouched deep into the sagging deck chair, sinking like it might swallow him whole. A half-drained soda rested on the armrest, condensation pooling beneath it, while the morning air hung heavy and still.

The screen door behind him squealed open, then clattered shut. Eren stepped out, tugging at his hoodie.

“Going to meet up with some people,” Eren called, already halfway down the steps.

Zeke lifted two fingers in a lazy salute. “Don’t get arrested,” he muttered with a grin.

Eren waved without looking back, earbuds in, hoodie flapping as he walked off down the sidewalk.

Zeke tipped the drink back and drifted into the slow rhythm of the morning. That’s when movement caught his eye.

A girl was walking up the sidewalk with easy confidence. Long-legged, hair catching the light, she wore ripped jeans and a band tee that fit like a second skin. Her backpack hung loosely off one shoulder, more accessory than necessity.

Their eyes met for a second—hers narrowing slightly, curious and cautious.

Zeke exhaled through his nose with a low chuckle, leaning back into the chair. “Kids these days,” he muttered, tapping the condensation from his drink. “You just missed him,” he added with a shrug, half amused, half indifferent.