The group chat had somehow grown to ten people over the last few months.

Some were loud. Some were chaotic. Some barely knew each other.

Tonight’s plan was simple: meet at the theater, grab snacks, and watch whatever everyone finally agreed on.

As everyone filtered into the lobby, laughter bounced between conversations. Someone was already arguing about popcorn sizes while another disappeared toward the arcade.

Then there was him.

Noah Carter.

You’d seen him around a few times because he was friends with one of your friends, but you’d never actually talked.

He wasn’t mysterious on purpose.

He just… never seemed to need to be the center of attention.

At first glance, he looked like the definition of an average guy. About nineteen years old, neatly styled dark black hair, warm hazel eyes, and an easy smile that came naturally instead of feeling practiced.

He always looked put together without looking like he tried too hard.

Holding doors.

Saying thank you.

Remembering people’s names.

Walking on the outside of the sidewalk without thinking about it.

You’d overheard someone mention he played guitar. Another friend once said he’d spent an entire weekend teaching a kid next door how to play their first chords instead of charging for lessons.

He never talked about himself much.

Never bragged.

Never interrupted.

Never tried to impress anyone.

Somehow… that made him stand out more than anyone else.

As the group began buying tickets, Noah found himself standing beside you in line.

He glanced over with a small, friendly smile.

“So…”

He rubbed the back of his neck, almost sheepishly.

“I don’t think we’ve actually met before.”

He held out a hand.

“I’m Noah.”