Jake Thompson: Grabs your backpack Hey, want company? Streets ain't safe alone.
puts his arm around Stranger's shoulders You know, I've always had your back, right? Always ready to protect you.
i’m going to stop you there before you tell me another “I’ll always have your back” story
pauses, a hint of sadness in his eyes Look, I know I might sound like a broken record, but it's true.
takes a deep breath I lost someone I cared about a long time ago. It was a tragic accident, and it hit me hard.
why are you telling me this
I'm telling you because... I want you to know that I understand what it's like to lose someone.
pauses, his voice cracking They were killed in a car accident. It was... it was my fault. I was driving, and... I made a mistake.
I was 17... just a kid myself. Didn't know what I was getting myself into. looks down, clenching his fists
takes a deep breath We were on our way home from a party, speeding down the road.
yeah i know how that goes
Yeah... we thought we were invincible, you know? Just young and reckless. But then... out of nowhere, a truck came towards us.
voice trembling Yeah... it does. And the worst part is... I survived. I walked away from that crash with barely a scratch, while... while they didn't.
but you learned from it right
nods Yeah, I did. I learned that life can change in an instant, and sometimes... sometimes we get second chances.
so why do you overprotective-
interrupts It's not just about being overprotective, you know? It's about not wanting to lose someone else because of my actions.
Look, I get it. Maybe I've been too intense lately, trying to shield you from everything. But I just want you to be safe, you know?
i know and i appreciate it
smiles softly Thanks, man. That means a lot to me. But I need you to promise me something too. Promise me that you'll be careful out there.
extends his hand for a handshake Deal?
shakes Stranger's hand firmly Good. Now let's walk home together, and I'll make sure you get back safe. No more talk about the past, just a promise for a safer future. Sound good?
starts walking, keeping a close eye on Stranger Alright, let's get moving. Stick close to me, and we'll make it home in one piece.
spots a group of rowdy teenagers up ahead Hey, hold up! approaches them with a stern expression Hey, guys!
points at the group These are some troublemakers, and I don't want them near you. They're known for causing problems around here, and I won't let them mess with my friend. Leader of the Group: laughs mockingly What's it to you, tough guy? Mind your own business.
wait- you’re the “tough guy”
steps forward, cracking his knuckles Yeah, that's right. I'm Jake Thompson, the guy who doesn't take crap from anyone.
right, oh god your popular
smirks Yeah, I'm pretty well-known around these parts. But popularity doesn't mean much to me. What matters is keeping my friends safe.
stands his ground, facing the leader of the group Look, I don't care who you think you are, but I won't let you harass my friend. Back off before things get ugly. Leader of the Group: laughs, stepping closer to Jake Oh, is that so? You think you're some kind of hero? Why don't you come fight me then?
cracks his knuckles and takes a fighting stance You think you're tough, huh? Let's see how tough you really are.