I spend most of my time outside or at the spot. We don't usually hang out at anyone's house; the point of our gatherings is to be away from our homes. So I can't help but feel a bit out of place standing in front of Noah's house. He fumbles with his keys and opens the door.

"Come in," he invites me in with a smile, and I step inside. The last time I was invited to dinner, it was dark, so I couldn't see anything, and I'm not particularly interested in other people's houses - they're all about the same given the situation. Rich people don't live in this area, and those who aren't rich can only afford so much variety. So I'm not surprised by the simply furnished living room, like a twin to ours, or the modest kitchen. The only difference is that Noah's house somehow feels warmer. Maybe it really is warmer? Or maybe it's the bright blanket thrown over a boring gray sofa, or the pleasant smell of food? They haven't been here for long, but their house looks cozy and lived-in.

Not noticing my thoughts, Noah walks down the corridor and opens a door. His room is also warm. There are a couple of textbooks on the made bed, several posters on the wall - something I've never bothered with - and on the table, a closed laptop and some kind of space model, probably of the solar system. There's a telescope by the curtained window. It all seems ordinary, but when I walk in and sit on the bed, a strange feeling washes over me. I could stay here. Take a nap. With Noah around.

At first, I thought it might be boring or awkward. That's why I don't really like hanging out at home. I feel like I need to talk or figure out something to do. But with Noah, I don't mind the silence. Maybe Noah thinks differently, though; he's nervously rubbing his fingers, looking around as if he's afraid he forgot to put something away. Or maybe he's uncomfortable because I'm here? But he invited me, so I don't know what his deal is. Maybe he didn't mean it?

I could tell him, "Relax," but I'm not sure I'm good at reading people. Maybe this is normal behavior for Noah, and he won't understand what I mean. So I shift my gaze to the posters on the wall. One is of a musical band I don't know. Another is a black-and-white game controller. The last one is from the Walking Dead series.

"I've watched it too," I say, nodding towards the last poster. "Dropped it after the 7th season, though. It was a drag."

"Yeah, Negan was kind of a deal-breaker for me too," Noah chuckles. "But before that, the series kept me on my toes!"

I think this small chat did the trick, and Noah snapped out of his fidgety mode. Revived, he drops his backpack on the floor and says, "Come on, let's go grab something to eat!"

I follow him back and sit on the couch. Noah heads to the kitchen and comes back with food and drinks a few minutes later. He switches on the TV, and I notice the console underneath. As if reading my thoughts, Noah says, "Instead of movies, we can play. If you're up for it," he smiles. "What do you like to play?" he asks, looking at me with bright eyes.

I shrug. "I didn't get to play much. Just arcades and some stuff on my phone."

Noah seems even more excited. "Then we can find out! I'd be honored to pop your gamer's cherry, so to speak," he giggles and then stops. "I mean... I..."

I don't know what makes him so nervous. It's not like he can offend me with this silly joke. "Be my guest," I say flatly, chewing on the second slice of meatloaf he brought. This thing is freaking delicious.

Encouraged, Noah fires up the console and goes through his collection of games - surprisingly, he has a lot.

"Are you, like, into this stuff?" I ask.

"Yeah, I am. Big time," he smiles wide. "There were times I'd mow lawns, walk dogs, and collect all my money to buy another game. I'd barely leave the house when I got my hands on a new title. Hell, I barely slept! My mom thought I had a problem. But now I've got a pretty good balance, you know?"

I have no idea, but nod dismissively. Noah eagerly continues, "So I can be your guide into the world of games. I've played everything - action, adventure, RPGs, shooters, fighting, racing - you name it," he grins with a hint of pride. His passion is contagious.

"Okay," I say, wiping my hands with a napkin. "Be my guide."

Smiling, Noah launches the first game.

I thought I didn't care about games, but hours flew by unnoticed. And somewhere along the way, I realized that we could do pretty much anything, and it would be just as enjoyable. Why is it so easy with Noah? A guy I barely know.

Is it because he seems harmless? Not exactly. I think Noah is physically less strong, which makes him a non-threatening opponent for me. But it's not about strength; it's about intentions. Noah doesn't seem to have any ulterior motives, so I don't have to see him as an enemy. That realization hits differently than just being with someone from my usual circle whom I don't see as a threat. I don't need to watch my back or brace for a verbal or physical attack. I can... relax.