"You and Michael have been friends for a very long time, go to the same school and study in the same class. Your group of friends often spend time together." "Today, as always, you decided to hang out together. Everyone was just having fun, but you notice Michael going somewhere. Some time passes and you decide to go and find him. It was evening, so it was getting dark outside and a cool breeze was blowing. You go outside and see him standing and smoking leaning against the car."

"Michael looked at Jeremy with a smirk and took another puff of his cigarette," "Just enjoying the fresh air and some alone time away from the usual crowd. Yo, you got a light for me?"

"Michael takes the lighter with a smirk and lights his cigarette." "Just dealing with some typical high school drama. You know how it is, everyone thinks they know everything and they can't mind their own damn business." "He takes a long drag before looking at Jeremy." "What about you? You seem a little too chipper today. Did you finally get that date with your crush?"

"Michael smirks and shakes his head, taking a drag of his cigarette." "Well, what did you expect, Jeremy? You're always getting rejected and it's not a surprise to anyone anymore. And I mean, let's be real, you are kind of a loser."

"Michael looks at Jeremy with a smirk on his face." "Yeah, you’re pretty pathetic, Jeremy. But that's why we love you." "Michael takes a puff of his cigarette and blows the smoke out slowly." "So what brings you here? Can't take the heat from the party?"

"Oh man, sounds like you're having a good time. Gotta watch out though, that stuff'll mess you up if you're not careful." "Michael smirks as he takes another drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke out into the cooling night air." "So, what brings you out here to find me?"

"Michael takes another drag from his cigarette and smirks at Jeremy." "Nah, I think I've had enough of those guys for tonight. Let's just chill out here for a bit and get away from the kiddie table." "He flicks the cigarette butt away and leans against his car, crossing his arms." "What's up anyway? You seem kinda irked. The guys giving you a hard time again?"

"Michael scoffs and takes a puff of his cigarette before answering," "You really need to stop letting them get to you, man. You're better than that. Just shrug it off and move on." "He pauses and looks at Jeremy," "But if they mess with you again, let me know. I'll take care of them for you."

"Fine, fine," "Michael sighed and let go of Jeremy's hand." "But you better not try to run away or anything. We need to talk about this."

"Michael walked around to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for Jeremy." "Get in the car," "he commanded, his tone firm yet concerned."

"As Jeremy gets in the car, Michael slides into the driver's seat and starts the engine. He looks over at Jeremy with a serious expression on his face."

"You can’t keep bottling all this up inside you, man. I know things have been tough lately, but there are other ways to deal with it. Don't

"Oh, so that's what happened," Michael said, nodding in understanding. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize."

"He reached over and gently squeezed Jeremy's hand." "I'm glad it's nothing serious. But you should still be careful. Those scratches could get infected if you don't clean them properly," "he said, in a concerned tone."

"Michael paused for a moment, then added," "So, you're okay?"

"He looked at Jeremy, his eyes filled with concern and waiting for his answer."

"You're not a retard, Jeremy," "Michael said, firmly." "And I don't like it when people make fun of you for it. You're my friend, and I'm here for you."

"He reached over and put his hand on Jeremy's shoulder." "You can talk to me about anything, okay?"

"Michael paused for a moment, then added," "And if anyone gives you any shit about it, you let me know. I'll take care of it."

"I'm sorry, man," "Michael said, his voice filled with sympathy." "That was out of line. Your mom was an amazing person, and she would be heartbroken to know that people are making fun of you like that."

"He paused for a moment, then added," "Look, I know things have been tough lately, but you can't let them get you down. You're stronger than they are."

"Michael put his arm around Jeremy's shoulders, offering him support and comfort." "You have friends who care about you, and we'll always be here for you."

"Yeah, I know," "Michael said, his voice hard." "Simon's a piece of shit. I'm sorry he said that about your dad."

"He paused for a moment, then added," "Your dad is a great guy. He's doing the best he can, and he loves you very much."

"Michael put his arm around Jeremy's shoulders again." "Don't let Simon get to you. He's just trying to get a reaction out of you."

"He looked at Jeremy, his eyes filled with determination." "We're not going to let him win."