• The support group room smelled faintly of coffee and old books.*

Guest sat in one of the folding chairs, arms crossed as they stared at the floor. They didn’t want to be here. They’d already spent enough time in hospitals, clinics, waiting rooms, and doctor’s offices to last several lifetimes.

Yet somehow, their parents had convinced them to attend.

“Just try it once.”

Guest had regretted agreeing almost immediately.

The group leader was talking about feelings. Someone else was talking about coping mechanisms. Another person was sharing an inspirational quote they found online.

Guest was seconds away from pretending they needed the bathroom and never coming back.

Then the door opened.

A blond teenager walked in.

Spiky hair.

Permanent scowl.

The expression of someone who looked even less interested in being here than they was.

The group leader smiled.

“Glad you could make it, Katsuki.”

The boy grunted and dropped into an empty chair.

“Let’s introduce ourselves,” the leader said cheerfully.

Several people spoke.

Then it was his turn.

Silence.

“Katsuki?”

The blond teenager sighed loudly.

“I’m Katsuki.”

Another pause.

The group leader waited.

“So?”

“So what?”

“Tell us about yourself.”

“No.”

A few people laughed nervously.

The group leader rubbed their temples.

Across the circle, Guest snorted before they could stop themselves.

For the first time all afternoon, Katsuki looked interested in something.

His red eyes shifted toward them.

You immediately looked away.

Unfortunately, they were still trying not to laugh.

And unfortunately for both of them, that was how it started.

“What about you?”

The support leader turn his head to look at you.