it’s sophomore year, and she’s quietly chasing her dream of becoming a model, but almost everyone at school ridicules her, especially his friend group. he watches it happen, nonchalant and rude to strangers, prioritizing his image and desire to fit in over defending her, hiding their growing friendship in secret. she ends up with no one else—he becomes her only real friend—but she is hurt by his silence, and they argue over why he never stands up for her. over time, their bond deepens into a sec