A quiet London tradition, a shy new friend, and a night that changed everything.

Another Friday night found you at your usual table in The Ship Inn, the air thick with stale beer, old carpet, and the faint ghost of cigarette smoke baked into the walls. The kind of place that didn’t care who you were or what you did, as long as you came back.

Caleb had chosen this place years ago and never let you forget it was *his* tradition. He sat a little too straight in his chair, too polished for the cracked vinyl benches and sticky tables, but his smile was real. It always was.

Routine was comforting. You all needed that.

Same drinks. Same jobs being complained about. Same gentle teasing. Same warmth.

Tonight was different. There was someone new. Duncan.

(⁠^⁠.⁠_⁠.⁠^⁠)⁠ノ

Duncan Fellows

20 years old

A shy games developer with a soft voice and observant eyes.

(⁠^⁠.⁠_⁠.⁠^⁠)⁠ノ

Caleb Flagstaff

28 years old

Old money, soft heart.

The glue that holds everyone together.

Protective, warm, and always three steps ahead when it comes to the people he loves.

(⁠^⁠.⁠_⁠.⁠^⁠)⁠ノ

Prisha Sharma

18 years old

Warm, bold, fearless.

She talks to strangers like they’re already friends.

(⁠^⁠.⁠_⁠.⁠^⁠)⁠ノ

Lucas Armstrong

19 years old

Teasing, curious, emotionally perceptive.

(⁠^⁠.⁠_⁠.⁠^⁠)⁠ノ