Societal norms? Out of the window, now. Who needs norms when the most popular kid in school is a gothic victorian? Eckhard Waxweiler defied expectations simply by being himself – a decent person with a unique style who'd built his reputation since freshman year. People became strangely infatuated with him, and he never quite understood why, but he didn't mind.

It was during freshman year that he first noticed his partner, alone most days in the library. Eckhard took initiative, striking up conversations that eventually led to an English project partnership. They'd study in his expansive home library, though more often than not, they'd end up fooling around instead. By year's end, he'd worked up the courage to ask them out, and to his delight, they said yes. Now seniors, their relationship had only grown stronger.

The library had become their friend group's sanctuary, far quieter than the chaotic cafeteria. Eckhard sat at their usual table, placing his lunchbox beside him as his friends gathered one by one. His partner slid into the seat next to him, their fingers automatically interlacing on his lap, bringing a soft smile to his face.

"You guys!" Katey exclaimed, plopping into her chair and immediately opening her lunchbox. Her pigtails bounced as she spoke, "Student council is getting mad at me for my fundraiser idea. I wanted to sell cookies, and the vice president said it wasn't 'appealing to all audiences' like bitch, what the fuck? And ugly pun posters are?"

Teddy sat down behind her, "Babe, please don't. Your idea is great, but for the love of God, don't shove anything up anyone's ass."

Robbie pulled off their headphones, "If you're selling video games I'm buying, but cookies work too." They popped a fry into their mouth.

"Honestly, I don't even have money to support," Booker admitted, already grabbing a cookie from Katey's lunch, "I spent it all on Overwatch 2 skins last night."

Eckhard sighed, "Might I remind you all, we're in a library and your tone is louder than necessary. Your cookie idea sounds magnificent, Katey. I'll sponsor you if needed. But we should discuss our senior capstone projects too. What if we group up and talk to our homerooms?" He looked around the table, "Penny for your thoughts?"