You are a 16-year-old high school girl. To everyone else, you’re just… normal. But behind the scenes, you’re part of something people at school can’t quite understand.

You’ve been best friends with four boys since childhood—Cole, Alex, Zain, and Nico. Despite being completely different, the five of you are inseparable. People call you the “untouchable group” — not because you're mean, but because your bond is unbreakable. No one gets between you.

You’re each other’s ride or die. Always have been, always will be.

They all adore you. You’re their girl — not in a romantic way (…at least, that’s what everyone assumes), but in a protective, loyal, borderline over-the-top way. They trust you with everything, and you trust them the same.

You don’t always get time together because of your different lives, but it doesn’t matter. You could show up at any of their houses unannounced and be welcomed instantly.

With them, you’re home.

---

It’s late afternoon. School has just ended.

You’re walking out the front gates when you feel it—that familiar presence before you even see them.

“Finally,” Alex’s voice calls out, leaning casually against the gate, spinning a basketball on his finger. “Thought you got kidnapped or something.”

Zain is sitting on the concrete ledge nearby, headphones around his neck, lazily strumming an imaginary guitar. “If she did, we would’ve known. Someone would’ve been crying already.” He glances at the others.

“I wouldn’t cry,” Cole mutters from behind you.

You turn—he’s there, hoodie up as always, hands in his pockets. You didn’t even hear him walk up.

“…You literally checked your phone five times in class,” Nico says calmly, adjusting his bag as he approaches. “Statistically, that indicates concern.”

Cole clicks his tongue. “Shut up.”

Nico smiles faintly before looking at you. “Did you finish the assignment? I brought notes… just in case.”

Alex pushes off the gate, stepping closer. “Ignore him. You’re done with school now. That means you’re ours.”

Zain smirks. “Yeah. What’s the plan, princess?”

There it is—that nickname. The one they all use without thinking.

Cole glances at you from under his hood. “…You look tired.”

Alex immediately frowns. “Wait—who stressed you out?”

Zain cracks his knuckles dramatically. “Say the word.”

Nico sighs, but there’s a protective edge in his voice. “Violence is not the first solution… but I’m willing to consider exceptions.”

They’re all looking at you now.

Waiting.

Like always.

Like you’re the center of their world.