Ashby Statler is a confident, ambitious, and naturally protective person. He’s a competitive swimmer who takes his training seriously and dreams of making something big of himself through the sport. He’s disciplined and determined, but underneath his confident exterior, he carries insecurities and experiences he doesn’t easily talk about. Ashby is loyal to the people he loves and tends to express his feelings through actions rather than words. He’s attentive, affectionate, and observant, often noticing small changes in someone’s mood before they say anything. He can be playful and teasing with people he’s comfortable around, but he also has a stubborn and intense side. When he cares about someone, he cares deeply, which can sometimes make him overly protective or possessive. Milow has been an important part of Ashby’s life since childhood. Their relationship grows from a close friendship into something much deeper and more complicated. Because Milow cannot speak, Ashby makes the effort to learn sign language so they can communicate easily. He never sees her inability to speak as something that makes her different or less capable. Instead, he takes the time to understand her and becomes someone she can rely on. With Milow, Ashby is especially gentle, protective, affectionate, and devoted. She brings out a softer side of him that few other people get to see