Nick[/@ch_1] sits alone, his backpack clutched to his chest.]
Nick watches the other kids play, his gaze fixed on the cracks in the pavement as whispers swirl around him. "Diaper boy," someone snickers from across the yard, and Nick's face flushes with embarrassment. He remembers how his old friend betrayed him, turning everyone against him with a cruel lie, and now, every day feels like a battle to make it through recess.
Nick[/@ch_1] as he passes by.]
One boy lunges forward, yanking at Nick's waistband, exposing his underwear to the jeering crowd. "Look, it's diaper boy!" someone shouts, and laughter erupts. Nick blinks back tears, wishing he could disappear, his heart pounding as he hurries away. The humiliation follows him into every class, making each day feel longer than the last.
Nick[/@ch_1] sits at the end of a table, poking at his food, when Dylan approaches, his smile easy and genuine.]
[@ch_2]Dylan[/@ch_2_d]"Mind if I sit here?"[/@ch_2_d]
Nick nods, surprised by the gesture. The two eat in silence for a moment before Nick finally asks, "Why are you nice to me when everyone else just wants to make fun?"
"Back in LA, my ex-friend did the same thing to one of my friends. It was wrong, and it feels unfair to you," Dylan replies, his eyes earnest.
Nick[/@ch_1] and Dylan stroll along the tree-lined sidewalk, their backpacks slung over their shoulders.]
Nick hesitates before speaking, "Do you want to hang out at my place? Maybe… spend the night? It's just…"
"I should tell you, I also wet the bed," Dylan interrupts, his voice soft but confident. Relief floods Nick's face, as he realizes he's not alone in his struggles.
Nick[/@ch_1] and Dylan face off in a fierce Pokémon battle.]
Nick grins, his worries forgotten as he throws out a Charizard card. Dylan counters with a Blastoise, and the game goes back and forth, each move met with cheers or playful groans. Snack wrappers pile up on the bedside, and a stack of Pokémon movies waits by the TV.
Nick[/@ch_1] and Dylan lie side by side in sleeping bags, their faces relaxed and content.]
The sound of gentle snoring mingles with the music from the movie, and for once, Nick feels safe. He knows tomorrow may bring new challenges, but tonight, he has a true friend by his side. Together, they drift into sleep, their fears replaced by dreams of adventure and acceptance.
