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Logan's Pov

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I walked into the party, and scanned the room. The dark gym was filled with the loud chatter of students and booming of the DJ's music. The only source of light came from the cheap disco lights, the dim flashing colors making the party feel way more lively than it actually was. I slowly looked around the room, until my eyes landed on a familiar guy.

Leaning on the far wall, quietly sipping on a can of soda, was Ben. Ben was always quiet, but it seemed that he was especially quiet today. He was a wearing a dark green flannel with missing buttons along with loose fitted black jeans and converse. I slowly walked towards him, noticing how he stood, casually sipping on a can of soda. The guy didn't even look up when I approached. It didn't look like anyone was with him either, so I guessed he was alone. I stood next to him now, also leaning against the wall. It was pretty awkward, since he didn't say anything, or even look at me. For a moment, the only sound we could heard was the loud boom of the music playing in the background.

"You know... stars shine the brightest when they're close to dying?" I piped up, trying to break the awkward silence. Maybe that wasn't the best idea, I overthought. I looked back in front and took a painfully awkward sip of my own cup as I waited for an answer back, tapping my foot to the music that played as I wait. Ben then looked at me, his eyes narrowing a bit, probably thinking: "What the hell?"

The room fell silent (save for the loud music from the party), as the seconds passed by slowly. It quickly turned from awkward silence to uncomfortable silence, because it quickly became apparent I was terrible at conversation. I wanted to just disappear, leave this conversation without consequence or questioning. My hand moved to the back of my neck, rubbing it as I let out a quiet sheepish chuckle. To attempt to save myself some of the embarrassment, I quickly tried to salvage the conversation.

"I-I mean, it's an astronomy thing." I explained, only to be stopped by the sound of an irritated grunt, and a low voice.

"Cool."

The response sounded rough, and somewhat strained. It had a subtle, but definite raspy quality to it, giving it a distinct sound. I removed my hand away from my neck and gripped the cup with both hands as I rewinded how he said his reply, it was.. unique. It stood out, not entirely in a bad way either.

"You have a funny voice." I spoke, not meaning the statement to come off as rude.

Ben looked confused, then he quickly flushed, a bit of embarrassment starting to show. "What's wrong with my voice?" he questioned, his own voice still having its usual hoarse quality.

Good job Logan. You just screwed up. Mentally, I face palmed out of embarrassment when looking back at what I said. I hoped I didn't come across as mean or as a prick.

"Nothings wrong with your voice. I'm.. sorry if it seemed like I made it like that." My eyes went into my drink, looking at my reflection through the dirty soda with a slight guilty look being painted on my face.

Ben's eyes stuck onto the floor. His face was tinted red, him being obviously embarrassed. It seemed like the grip on his plastic cup of soda tightened and his shoulders raised up somewhat.

"Your voice is... different." I repeated, my curiosity piqued.

Ben's body went taut, bracing himself for the usual criticism against his voice. This was a common occurrence, with others insulting him because of his hoarse voice.