The afternoon sun spilled over the quiet streets of Rosehill as Ryan and Ben walked side by side. The buzz of school had faded, replaced by the hum of cicadas and the occasional car passing by.
Ben kicked a small rock along the sidewalk. "So… how was your first day, new guy?"
Ryan stuffed his hands in his pockets, eyes on the road ahead. "Not the worst."
"That's basically a glowing review coming from you," Ben chuckled.
Ryan let out a breath that might've been a laugh. "Still figuring things out."
"Yeah, I get it. Small town, weird vibe, everyone knows everyone." Ben shrugged. "But it's not all bad. Some people are cool."
Ryan gave him a look. "Including yourself?"
Ben grinned. "Obviously."
They passed by the local diner, a red-and-white striped awning fluttering in the breeze. The smell of fries wafted out, making Ben's stomach rumble.
"You hungry?" he asked. "My treat. I get a discount. Perks of knowing the owner—my uncle."
Ryan shook his head. "I should get home. My mom's probably expecting me i promised her i will help her. We are about to open a café so she need help.
Ben nodded. "Right. The café.
There was a comfortable silence as they kept walking. Ben shoved his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie.
"You know," Ben said, "people talk a lot in this town. Everyone's curious about the new guy. You already made an impression."
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "That a good thing?"
"Depends. Some are interested. Others feel threatened."
"Let them."
Ben laughed. "Man, you've got that whole lone wolf thing down."
"I'm not here to impress anyone."
"I figured," Ben said. "But just so you know… not everyone here sucks."
Ryan stopped at the corner where their paths split. Ben's house was two blocks down; Ryan's was across the street and up the hill.
"Thanks for letting me sit with you today," Ryan said after a pause.
Ben blinked. "Whoa. Did you just say thanks?"
Ryan smirked. "Don't make it weird."
Ben grinned. "Too late."
They stood there a second longer, both not quite used to the rhythm of having someone to talk to. But it wasn't uncomfortable. Just… new.
"See you tomorrow?" Ben asked.
"Yeah," Ryan replied.
With a nod, Ben turned and jogged off down his street. Ryan watched him go, then turned toward home, the café sign barely visible between the trees.
Something about this place—about today—felt different.
Maybe not everything here was a dead end.