Laurence lets go of my hand once we enter the cafeteria; my own feeling his absence. He smiles at me reassuringly and points to a table with two people sat around it. “That’s our table. Will you be okay sitting with us?”

I flick my braid behind my shoulder and approach the table. “Listen I know I was a snivelling mess on the floor not too long ago, but I can, in fact, interact with other humans.”

Laurence crosses his arms and quirks an eyebrow at me “you sure about that?” My mouth drops open and I slap his arm playfully.

He laughs, shaking his head and wheezing out a “please forgive me, your majesty”. I try and glare at him, but the smile tugging at my mouth betrays me.

“Hi Ren” a girl with incredible winged eyeliner and a neon pink buzz cut waves us over “who’s this cutie?” She asks, glancing at me.

Laurence rolls his eyes and mutters “don’t call me that”, which eyeliner girl completely ignores, and continues looking me over.

“Um hi, I’m Asher. Laurence’s roommate”. A guy with equally impressive eyeliner and a bright green buzz cut offers me the seat between him and the girl.

“Nice to meet you, Asher. I’m Jamie, and this is my twin sister Jackie” he beckons to the girl on my other side.

I smile at them both, feeling more comfortable than I usually do around strangers. “I absoluuutely adore your hair, Ash!!!!” Jackie claps her hands together, the excitement in her eyes difficult not to notice.

“Thanks, I’ve been growing it out for as long as I can remember” So only four months, apparently.

“You’re Ren’s roommate? I’m impressed you’ve managed to put up with him for a week already” Jamie takes a sip from his can. “Can you not spread rumours about me, Jay” Laurence flips him off, which Jamie returns with a sweet smile.

“Come on hun we’ve known each other forever, so the newbie in the group needs filling in on what he’s dealing with” Jackie leans forward on the table, smiling sweetly at Laurence.

“I’m part of your group?” Jackie nods enthusiastically. “Of couuurse Ash, you’re one of us now” she grins and I can’t help but grin back.

“So I don’t have to dye my hair like you all then” I laugh and copy Jackie’s sitting position. Laurence leans forward so our faces are only a couple on centimetres from each other “you got a problem with our hair?”

I stare at Laurence, smirking a little. “I’ll stick to black, I think.” I sit back. “So, what’s he really like?” I glance at Jackie, but she just shakes her head.

“Hmm this guy is so sweet, I can’t believe you two are friends!” I fiddle with my braid. “What are you a secret drug dealer or something?” I glance up at Laurence, and the twins burst out laughing.

“Hunny no that’s me” Jamie smiles at me, trying not to laugh. I stare at him in disbelief “really? I wasn’t expecting that, to be honest”. I run a hand through my hair nervously.

Jackie is slapping her thigh whilst she laughs, then reassures me “Ash he’s joking don’t worry about it.” I look at all three of them “I don’t get what’s so funny.”

Laurence fiddles with his phone case “it isn’t actually that funny, these two are just…weird.” Still not convinced, I raise my eyebrows at him. Laurence sighs and puts his phone on the table.

“It’s ironic; that’s why they’re laughing - I used to be an addict, and for some reason, because you have such an innocent…vibe? Anyway they think it’s funny that we live together.”

Laurence glances up at me, trying to gauge my reaction. Can’t say I was expecting him to say that.

I smile at him and toss my braid over my shoulder. “Sorry I pushed you for an answer; that’s probably not easy to admit.” I feel a little guilty for getting him to explain now.

He smiles warmly back at me, his moles crinkling. “That’s ok, thanks for understanding.” His smile turns to a scowl as he looks at Jamie and Jackie “you two, I know it’s hard for you, but please don’t scare my new friend away.”

Jackie opens her mouth to rebuke him, but my phone goes off, surprising everyone. “Sorry!” I glance down at it. Mum. “It’s my mum, I gotta take it.”