Weird Kid was a weird kid. Weird Kid didn’t like people. Weird Kid always sat silently on the sidewalk, lost in thought, waiting for someone.

Only one person was worth Weird Kid’s time, his life. The orange leaves danced above him, taunting him with beauty he couldn’t reach. He could never reach anything good. Weird Kid looked out to the empty road. It was dark, and shadowy, for he sat under one of the rare trees inside the border which stretched around the town, keeping it safe.

Weird Kid scratched his hand in anticipation; a nervous habit. It had only been a few hours since he awoke but it felt like days that he waited for his special person, who always came, despite Weird Kid being bad. They were so good, and he was so bad. So, so bad.

Finally though, they arrived.

“Heyo Weirdo! How ya been!” Random Shoot said with a random creature in tow. They also had some wood in their hands. A gift, perhaps? Nah, Weird Kid wasn’t worth that. “Bad. What about...about you?” Random Shoot smiled. “That’s alright Weirdy! Anyways, a brought some wood for you since it’s getting cold!” Random Shoot set the wood down next to Weird Kid and sat across from him.  Weird Kid was surprised.

“For...me?”

“Yep!”

Random Shoot thought it was completely normal then. Okay, then this is normal. If they think it’s normal it’s normal. It has to be. Weird Kid thought. He still wasn’t sure though, but he kept reminding himself Random Shoot probably knew best. Probably.

“Have you met *insert name* yet?” Random Shoot asked, looking down at a bug and toying with it. “No, I haven’t. Who are they?” Weird Kid asked. Now he was really interested. He used to be the most recent citizen, could there be someone else?

“Oh she’s new. Quite fun! I met her in the forest.” This alarmed Weird Kid. “The forest!? What in the sun’s name were you doing there!?” Random Shoot looked at him in confusion. “Getting food of course!” Weird Kid sighed. “You shouldn’t go alone. Let me come next time.” Random Shoot seemed fine with this. “Sure. Look at this bug.” Weird Kid sighed again, and observed the bug and it’s twitchy legs. Strange things.

Roof sat in the coffee shop quietly. To be fair, it was more like an everything shop, but it originated with coffee so everyone called it that. The main waitress and cook, Etsuko, sat quietly behind the counter in her phone, occsasionally laughing. Roof had a very roofy figure, and was a nice red. He was quite quiet as well, and didn’t speak to many people. He did enjoy tea, though, and this was his favorite place for tea. Tea was soothing. Suddenly, a bell was heard, and Etsuko perked up as a girl Roof had never seen before walked in. Roof was instantly more anxious, and sipped his tea quicker. Etsuko, however, smiled at her new customer.

“How do you do there?” She said as *insert name* arrived at the counter. “I’m Etsuko! What’s your name?” *insert name was bashful, and took Etsuko’s hand hesitantly as she reached out. They shook hands, Etsuko being cheerful and *insert name* following long. “I’m *insert name*.” She said, smiling politely.

“Lovley name!” Etsuko said. “Would you like a free cone, as a welcome treat?” *insert name* lit up. “Can it have fruit loops on it? It’s my favorite food.” Etsuko laughed. “It sure can, it can even be fruit loop flavored! We have all flavors of icecream!” *insert name* grew even more cheerful. “Thank you so much!” She exclaimed. Meanwhile, Roof was freaking out from the loud noises and the manager had to come in and give him more tea.

Weird Kid and Random Shoot always seemed to talk for hours. Random Shoot made Weird Kid feel like he was something, despite the jokes about him being a loner.

Sometimes Weird Kid wanted to pull him into a hug, maybe even a kiss, to let them know how much they meant to him.

Weird Kid could never work up the courage though. He didn’t deserve to touch Random Shoot, or even talk to him, but his attempts to push them away were in vain; for Random Shoot refused to be put off by anyone.

Which brought him to another topic. This new girl they seemed so excited about, he should meet her, see if SHE deserved to talk to Random Shoot.

For the first time that day, Weird Kid stood up. Random Shoot looked up, a surprised smile on their face. “What’s got ya up, buddy?” They asked, tilting their head.

“This new girl, I have to meet her.” Weird Kid replied. They started walking in a direction, prepared to look for hours to make sure this girl was good.

“Do you know where you’re going?” Random Shoot asked, catching up to Weird Kid and walking backwards so they were face to face. 

“No, but I’ll figure it out.” Weird Kid responded, storming in the direction he’d chosen.

“Well, where are we going first?”
“Etsuko’s. It’s a popular landmark.”