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.