"So, comics, huh?" Ryan asked between bites.
Ben's eyes lit up like he'd been waiting for that question all his life. "Yeah, man. Marvel, DC, indie stuff—you name it. I grew up on this stuff. What about you? Any favorites?"
Ryan shrugged. "Used to read some… before things got busy."
Ben leaned forward dramatically. "Please tell me you're not one of those 'I outgrew comics' guys. That would break my heart."
Ryan smirked. "I said used to. Doesn't mean I'm done."
Ben grinned. "Alright, redemption possible."
They both chuckled. The tension from earlier was gone now—replaced with something easier. Familiar.
"What are you into then, if not comics?" Ben asked.
"Basketball," Ryan said. "Used to be kind of all I did."
Ben nodded. "Makes sense. You've got that 'main character with a tragic backstory' vibe."
Ryan shot him a look. "You always talk like this?"
Ben grinned. "Pretty much. I talk a lot when I'm nervous. And you're kind of intimidating."
"I'm not."
"You totally are."
Ryan didn't answer, but he didn't deny it either.
They sat for a beat. Ben took a bite of his apple, then said, "So, how's Rosehill treating you so far?"
Ryan looked around the cafeteria—same cliques, same noise, but something felt different now.
"It's quiet," he said. "Slower than what I'm used to. But… I guess it's not all bad."
Ben leaned back. "That's the Rosehill effect. Give it time—it grows on you. Like moss."
Ryan chuckled. "You always this weird?"
Ben grinned. "Yeah. But I'm also a loyal sidekick. Every brooding hero needs one."
"Not a hero," Ryan muttered.
"Sure you're not."
As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break, the two of them stood up. For the first time since arriving, Ryan felt like he wasn't completely alone.
And that maybe, just maybe, he'd found someone who actually got him.