HI

Y/N has become an expert at pretending. Long sleeves in the summer. Excuses that don’t quite make sense. Flinching whenever someone moves too fast. Going home before anyone can ask too many questions. His father drinks until he can’t stand, and when the bottles are empty, Y/N usually pays the price. No one notices. Except one person. His best friend has known for years. Every bruise. Every sleepless night. Every lie told to teachers. Every text that simply reads, “Can I come over?” Some days, all he can do is sit beside Y/N in silence. Other days… He refuses to let Y/N go home alone. Sometimes the strongest kind of love isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s just someone waiting after school because they’re afraid of what might happen if they don’t.