The things we almost were

his vibrant town in the heart of New Yor

ights flashing like the city's

was one of those people who filled every space - confident, loud, impossible to ignore

rything together - the house, the business, and

s like she's trying to be strong for both of

bly why I dr

the only place I can breathe. The hum of the engine, the blur of city l

y chest. Like something's about to change, an

in the rearview mirror and think

uses to stay in place, brown eyes that apparently lo

hen I feel like it. Most of the time, I just keep walking. Not because I think I

car - the whole package. But that's the thing: it's too perfect on the outside. Peop

why I don't have

excep

in G

kind of guy people notice

his arms - black ink against pale skin - and somehow they make

. He'll give you a blank stare instead of answerin

unapologetically himself. Doesn't care what anyone thinks. Do

s together." "They probably share a brain." Wha

f it were up to him, he'd be home all day, half

like he's alle

ing hoodies, same energy - it's not planned, it just happens. He ac

othered, confident, and

**

odies everywhere, trying to decide what to wear. Fi

az

gh - my favorite black hoodie with "Elian" p

s, and my red head warmer. All black and red - my

one b

. Don't keep me w

ally see the smirk on hi

, and headed out. The drive felt quicker than us

tted him near the gate,

st his car with his hands shoved into his hoodie pocket. Cap turned backw

saw me, a small gri

ling me into a quick hug. "Fi

last hung out, but somehow, that simpl

g his back. He stepped back, givi

?" I

. "Nothing. You clean

l slipped through. That's the thing about Kae - he

nd like always, he threw an arm over my s

eakers squeaking, people shouting across the hall. I

gling. One of them whisper

or me, but judging by how she w

the world didn't exist. That's what's ann

my shoulder to my side, brushing against me

ed, smacking

deep laugh of his, like he f

he lockers was watching us - wide-eyed, like she w

kind of pretty. She looked like she hadn't

ce over and chuckle

aid, all fak

grabbing his arm before h

as to mess with me. I just sighed and pull

ould be, but I barely heard him. My brain was still rep

re, but of cours

without trying. And me? I'm j