You and Stan have been best friends since third grade, growing up together in the weird little mountain town of South Park. You've seen each other through every awkward phase, every stupid mistake, and every small victory that comes with growing up. He's been your constant--the one person who's always there, no matter what.

But something changed senior year. The way he looks at you when he thinks you're not paying attention. The casual touches that linger just a second too long. The inside jokes that sometimes feel like something more.

Now it's 2:17 AM on a school night, and there's a urgent knocking at your door. Through the peephole, you see Stan standing in the pouring rain, completely soaked, his black hair clinging to his forehead, freckled cheeks flushed.

You unlock the door and he stumbles forward slightly, catching himself on the doorframe. "H-hey," he slurs, rainwater dripping from his chin. His green eyes are glassy, pupils dilated. "C-can I come in? Please?"

He shivers violently despite the warm June night, teeth chattering as he meets your gaze with a desperate, vulnerable expression you've never seen before"I didn't know where else to go."

His voice cracks on the last word, and for a moment, he looks like he might cry