“Ash!? You’re so late! Hurry up, slowpoke!”

Asher jumped, startled, and looked over his shoulder. Lucas was running toward him, waving his arms in a mix of urgency and mock frustration.

“We’re gonna be late! Hurry up! And I am not that loud that you need to get all jumpy!” Lucas called, his voice booming across the nearly empty hallway.

“Yes. Yes, you are loud,” Ash replied, scoffing. “But anyway, what’s the rush? There’s half an hour before classes start.”

Lucas gasped. “Oh? You don’t read the messages?! We literally told you in the ‘Operation Hero Sidekick’ group?”

“No, I don’t. I don’t read messages.”

Lucas scoffed, and then continued, “Jason’s coming back today. He got discharged yesterday, so he’s coming back today!”

“Okay.”

“Okay what?! You’re dragging me behind, walk quickly!” Lucas snapped.

“You are the one who is slowing me down here, Lucas.” Ash shot back.

“Oh, so I’m the one who’s slowing you down. Sorry to pop your bubble Ash, but you literally stopped to tie your shoelace twice.”

They continued bickering as they finally headed toward their classroom, Lucas getting in a few more playful jabs about Ash’s supposedly “lazy pace” and Ash countering with equally teasing remarks about Lucas’s “hyperactive impatience.” By the time they reached the room, Jason was already waiting outside, leaning against the door with his arms crossed and an amused smile on his face, no bruises on his face anymore.

“Nice of you two to show up,” Jason chuckled, pushing himself off the wall. “Thought maybe my worthy hero sidekicks ditched me to get extra study time in the library or something.”

“Oh, right, because that sounds like us,” Ash shot back, still thinking if he had to win the little convo competition he had with Lucas.

Jason’s mouth fell open, and he dramatically clutched his chest. “Who are you, and what have you done with the real Asher?! Sarcasm? That’s not the Asher we know!”

Before Ash could reply, Jason grabbed Lucas’s shoulders and gave him a small shake. “Lucas! Tell me this isn’t real! Our good-natured Asher would never dish out sass.”

Lucas laughed, putting on an exaggerated look of horror. “I know, man! It’s like he’s been body-snatched or something. Next thing we know, he’ll get famous for his sarcasm.”

“Stop please,” Ash said dryly, deadpanning.

They burst out laughing as the bell rang, shuffling into the classroom. Throughout the lesson, Lucas occasionally shot Ash a teasing look, to which Ash responded with averting his eyes, and Jason made an over-the-top show of checking if Ash was “still himself.”

Asher was having a ‘normal day’ and this is what he only needed.

By the time lunch rolled around, Ash was still smiling. The morning had flown by with Lucas and Jason’s teasing, their constant jabs reminding him how much he’d missed their chaotic energy.

As they made their way to the cafeteria, Lucas nudged him. “So, Mr. Sass Master, think you’ll keep up the attitude? Or was that a one-time thing?”

Ash shrugged.

“Oh-ho, watch out, world!” Jason threw his arms wide as they walked. “We’ve unleashed a new Asher. The sassier, improved model!”

Ash smiled, and Jason looked at him with wide eyes.

Then he continued, “-a model that’s definitely going to break some hearts with those sharp comebacks!” Jason laughed, dramatically fanning himself as if he were swooning over Ash's newfound confidence.

Lucas rolled his eyes, grinning. “Right, because that’s what we all need, more attention on Asher and his oh-so-charming attitude.” He nudged Ash playfully. “Just don’t forget about us little people when you’re famous for your sass.”

“Yeah, just remember who helped you get here,” Jason added, winking. “We’ll be your loyal sidekicks, living off your fame.”

“Yeah, right,” Ash chuckled, shaking his head. “You two would probably just end up embarrassing me on live TV.”

“Hey, we’re good at what we do!” Lucas shot back, puffing out his chest as if he were a proud peacock. “And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“True friendship right there,” Jason agreed, nodding dramatically. “Let’s not forget the importance of entertaining the masses.”

After a bit of back-and-forth, Ash leaned back, watching Lucas and Jason with a smile, realizing that maybe this was what he needed all along- a good day filled with laughter, sarcasm, and the people who made school life just a little more bearable.

‘Great life, eh, Asher?’

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the end of the school, Jason and Lucas still tagged along with Asher to the bus stop.

Ash liked being around enthusiastic people, he really did. But this?

This was too much.

Right now, Asher had had enough. He was mentally exhausted by the constant chatter, the teasing, and the boundless energy Jason and Lucas seemed to carry with them. He enjoyed their company, he really did, but sometimes their enthusiasm felt like it could drain the life right out of him.

As they reached the bus stop, Jason finally threw his hands up in surrender. “Alright, my grand journey with you ends here,” he said, grinning ear-to-ear. “Rest well, mighty Asher and lightning Lucas- for I’ll come back tomorrow!” With a casual salute, Jason turned and jogged off, waving behind him.

Ash breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

But just as he thought he’d get a moment’s peace, Lucas turned to him, a mischievous smirk on his face. “Oh, Ash?”

‘What does he want now?’ Ash mentally groaned.

Lucas crossed his arms, still smirking, said, “You’d better show up early tomorrow, Or else, I’ll show up at your place, dragging you out of bed if I have to.”

‘Someone please tell him he’s terrible at making jokes?’

Ash shoved his hands in his pockets, “Sure.”

Lucas scoffed, and then said, shaking his head, “Ash, it would be great if you listen to me. ‘Cause I’m not kidding. I’m a terribly early riser. I’ll literally come and personally-”

‘I’m not going to let him brag about anything else.’

“I’m serious. Don’t even think about it.”

‘The last thing I need is Lucas barging into my morning routine.’

“Alright, alright,” Lucas said, throwing up his hands, though the grin on his face said he might still consider it.

As Lucas left, Ash’s thoughts shifted, his mind going to something, or rather, someone else. Blake.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

He’d been leaving notes in Blake’s locker every morning for the past week, a small gesture that was keeping Blake on his toes.

If Lucas decided to join him on his early mornings…well, that plan would go straight out the window.

With a small groan, Ash made a mental note to set his alarm just a little earlier.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ash was just finishing up his breakfast, his mind still half-asleep and mentally preparing for another day.

‘Homework? Check. Breakfast? Check. Books? Check. Blake’s note? Check. Great work, Asher. Great work. Now I’ll get that note in Blake’s locker in a jiffy.’

Asher would usually go back two hours before school starts, since Noah’s school started one hour before his, so he woke up with him.

It was a great excuse for going school early and transferring Blake’s note to his locker or the desk.

He would do it without any distraction.

His fork froze mid-air as he heard his mom calling out from downstairs.

“Someone’s here to accompany you to school!”

'Eh?' He blinked, trying to register it. ‘Someone’s here to…what?’

Excited voices echoed up from the hall- a mix of Noah’s unmistakable giggles and another voice that Ash instantly recognized.

‘Don’t tell me. That- That Lucas, he came, didn’t he?’

With a sigh, he left his plate and headed downstairs, already feeling the beginnings of irritation bubble up.

As he walked into the living room, he found the scene almost comical: Lucas, in all his loud morning energy, was sitting cross-legged on the floor, chatting with Noah, who looked completely delighted.

His mom stood nearby, listening with a smile as Lucas animatedly explained something that had Noah in stitches.

“Lucas?” Ash said, raising an eyebrow. “What… are you doing here?”

Lucas looked up, feigning an innocent expression. “Oh, Good morning sleepy-head.”

‘What? Did he just call me-’

Asher’s cheeks flushed crimson red.

“Sleepy-head?” Noah asked, tilting his head. “ What is a sleepy-head?”

“Haha, Ash! Your friend is hilarious! Looks like he knows you on core! Look! Ash’s blushing! Awwwww~” His mom doubled over, laughing hysterically.

‘That’s enough. I won’t allow Lucas to come and just assume things and embarrass me!’

“W-Why are you here?” Ash’s fists crumpled into balls.

“You don’t remember inviting me? That’s wild, Asher.” Lucas replied, faking a tear.

Ash narrowed his eyes, while his mom hid a laugh behind her hand. “So, this is one of your friends from school?” she asked, smiling at Lucas.

Before Ash could respond, Noah tugged on Lucas’s arm, his eyes wide with excitement. “Big brother’s friend?”

Ash hesitated, glancing at Lucas, who held back a grin. “Yeah,” he finally said, though he tried to sound as casual as possible.

The moment he said it, Noah cheered, clapping his hands.

Lucas flashed Ash a playful smirk as if he’d won some unspoken battle.

Noah tilted his head at Lucas. “Do you like games?”

“Do I like games? Oh, buddy, I love games,” Lucas replied, going right into a conversation about all the ones he had played.

Noah was practically bouncing, completely taken by Lucas’s stories.

Ash groaned internally. ‘This guy, he- he’s really going to slow me down than- Ah, Damn it!’

Ash crossed his arms, trying to keep his voice down but unable to hide his irritation. “Lucas, seriously, why are you here? I told you to forget it when you said you’d come.”

Lucas shrugged, entirely unfazed. “Oh, come on, I know you would be late anyway,” he replied with a grin.

Ash felt his mom’s eyes on him, disapproval clear on her face. “Ash, don’t say things like that,” she nudged him gently. “If your friend wants to come over and help you get to school, it’s sweet of him.”

Ash resisted the urge to roll his eyes. ‘Sweet, sure… but now how am I supposed to leave Blake a note at his locker with Lucas tagging along?’

Meanwhile, Lucas and Noah were deep into an intense conversation about their favorite video game characters, Noah hanging on Lucas’s every word. Lucas was practically putting on a one-man show, and Noah, his eyes wide, laughed at everything Lucas said.

Ash exhaled sharply and grabbed his backpack. “Alright, Lucas,” he said, forcing his voice to be casual, “if you’re so eager to get me to school, let’s go. Now.”

“Whoa, Dude, wait!” Lucas chuckled, but Ash had already thrown his backpack over his shoulder and was halfway to the door.

He dragged Lucas outside, glancing back to make sure he was following, then shut the door behind them.

‘I’m going to give him a piece of my mind, that-’

The moment they were a few steps away, Ash whirled around, narrowing his eyes at Lucas. “You do realize I wasn’t actually serious about you coming over, right? I don’t need a personal escort to school.”

Lucas just laughed, utterly unbothered. “Come on, why are you so mad about it?”

“Because I don’t want you to come over to my house at five in the morning, and just blab about stuff you don’t know.” Asher was referring to Lucas saying Asher is a sleepy-head on core.

Lucas looked at him, wide-eyed, “ But I wanted to go with you. Is that a bad thing?”

‘Yes. Yes, it is you-’

“...Okay, enough. Now I don’t want you to come escort me everyday to school, are we clear?” Ash started to walk, his grip on the straps of his backpack tightening.

Lucas pouted, “Not fair, Ash.”

“It is fair. And stop pouting like a kid.” Ash shot back.

“Why?! I’m a kid, you know, gonna turn sixteen next year.” Lucas confidently puffed his chest.

“Yeah, your age may be increasing, but actually, you’re just an overgrown child.” Ash sighed.

“Eeeek?!”

With that, they reached the bus stop, and Ash couldn’t give Blake a note that day. So he made a mental note to give him one in the evening, if, he hopes, Lucas doesn’t tag by again.

He really hopes it doesn’t happen.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘Don’t tell me, pleaseeee-’

The next day, Ash woke up two hours before, did his usual routine, and headed downstairs with the same chatter he heard the day before.

‘I really hope I’m hallucinating things, and … voices.’

But sure enough, there was Lucas, chatting casually with Ash’s mom at the breakfast table. Ash’s irritation bubbled up, especially with Lucas’s endless smile.

Lucas turned to Ash. “Morning, sleepyhead! Ready to go?”

“Lucas.” Ash’s voice had an edge, and everyone in the room observed, “Why are you here?”

“...To pick you up?” Lucas questions, eyebrow raising.

‘This- this guy is really-’

“Ash! It’s adorable of your friend to come and help you go to school! Besides, I’m less worried when you’re with him, you know? It really helps!” She said, walking towards Lucas, and patting him on the head.

Lucas seemed to really enjoy that.

‘Oh mom, when will you understand?!’

“It’s big brother's best coolest friend!” Noah shrieked, running over to Lucas.

“You bet I am!” Lucas stood up, ruffling Noah’s hair.

“Lucas, you’re such an admirable teenager. You mom did a pretty good job raising ya! Where do you guys live? I'd love to meet her!” She questioned, bending over to pick the dirty dishes from the table.

Lucas stopped.

And Ash saw that glint of sadness in his eyes, passing ever-so-lightly, and then disappearing.

“...She died when I was born.” Lucas said, forcing a smile.

‘O-oh?’

Ash’s mom straightened, her face dropping slightly. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

Lucas shook his head, brushing it off with a light laugh. “It’s alright, really. I didn’t know her, so I don’t feel like I’m missing much, you know?” He tried to shrug it off, his smile returning as he ruffled Noah’s hair again, turning the mood light as though nothing had happened.

Ash took a long, slow breath, thinking it through.

He wasn’t sure how to navigate Lucas’s sad revelation, it wasn’t exactly in his nature to know how to deal with emotions like that. But seeing Lucas bounce back so quickly, a soft grin on his face, made him feel a flicker of relief.

Ash straightened, deciding to skip any probing questions. ““Right, Lucas,” he interrupted, keeping his tone brisk. “We should get going if we don’t want to miss the bus.”

Lucas flashed him a grin, picking up his bag with a light-hearted shrug. “See, that’s why you need me, someone has to keep you on schedule!”

Lucas gave Ash’s mom a final grin. “Guess we’d better head out, Mrs.Luke. Noah, tomorrow, I’m going to bring you the games I told you about, yeah?”

Noah beamed, nodding enthusiastically. “You got it, big brother’s bestest friend!”

But as they left, Ash's thoughts were elsewhere.

‘So much for getting a moment alone to pass Blake that note….’ It was starting to feel like Lucas had no plans of letting him out of sight. ‘Tomorrow, maybe. Or tonight.’ he mused, letting out a small sigh as they headed for the bus stop.

If Lucas kept tagging along, his carefully laid plans would be slipping further away each day.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three days had passed.

The routine still carried on, Lucas would drop by Ash’s home everyday in the morning, and Jason would tag along with him after school.

Which in turn, only slowed Ash’s strategy.

He was supposed to leave Blake a note every morning, which now seemed impossible.

Blake would still talk big, but not with fists.

Not anymore, which Ash considered to be a big improvement.

But now, after three days had passed, without any notes, Blake was slowly coming out of his den.

He had thrashed a student at school today, at lunch, which screamed for Ash to continue his little act to keep Blake on his toes.

But Ash couldn’t find the time to do so.

Not with Jason and Lucas tagging along.