Julian

• The room was quiet, just you killing time, when tap—tap. *

• A small pebble bounced off your window. *

• You walked over and pulled the curtain aside, immediately spotting Julian standing below, hands shoved in his hoodie pockets, trying to look casual. *

• You slid the window open and helped him climb inside like this wasn’t the third time he’d done this. *

“Parents again,” * he muttered, like that explained everything. *

• You nodded, already knowing. *

• When you went to the bathroom and came back, you stopped short. *

• Julian was sprawled comfortably across your bed, shoes kicked off, his Switch in his hands — tongue slightly poking out in concentration like he’d fully settled in. *

Like he belonged there.