While the three boys were incredibly nice, Roman couldn't help but notice how careful they were being. They tried to act as if Roman wasn't completely silent, and would apologize profusely when they said or did something that they deemed rude. Roman appreciated their concern, but it was something he was all too used to. He just wanted to be treated as a normal person rather than someone fragile. After being apologized to for about the sixth time, Roman wrote down a quick note.

You know, you guys don't have to be this careful about offending me. I'm pretty hard to offend ;) I know it's weird adjusting to having a conversation with a mute person, but just..continue on as you would in any other conversation.

He handed the note to Patton, who passed it around the table. All of the boys nodded in understanding, and began talking about their own days at school. Roman felt himself relax as he listened to the three tell stories and laugh at each other. This was the most normal interaction he had had in months, and he was loving it.

Then the conversation turned to him. It started with Logan asking a simple question. "So, Roman, have you had a good time at our school thus far?" Roman pondered for a moment before nodding. Of course, he had not had the best time so far. He was constantly made fun of for his lack of speaking. But he didn't want to bother the others with his problems. Patton seemed to understand his internal dilemma though, as he shot Roman a sympathetic glance. The other two didn't seem to notice, however, and the conversation continued. "You said your brother went to school with us, correct?" Logan asked. Roman nodded, writing down his brothers name quickly and sliding it toward Logan and Virgil. Virgil burst out laughing at the note. Between his fits of laughter, he managed to say, "R-Remus? Oh god! That goof is your brother?" Roman didn't know whether he needed to defend his brother or laugh along with him. Remus was quite a character. Virgil calmed down slightly and clarified his previous statement. "Sorry, Ro. I didn't mean anything by it, but your brother is hilarious. He's in my biology class, and he really keeps that class entertaining." Roman nodded with a fond smile. "Wait, so you're younger than us?" Logan asked. Roman shook his head. Both Patton and Virgil seemed confused as ever. Logan looked between the pair and chuckled, "They're twins." Virgil and Patton both yelled "OH", making Roman and Logan giggle.

Roman's phone beeped, signaling that he had received a text message. He pulled out his phone quickly and unlocked it.

Remus: Hey, Ro. Papa wants you home soon for dinner. Do you want me to come pick you up?

Roman looked up at three curious faces. He handed his phone to Patton, who read the text aloud. Virgil groaned loudly, causing Roman to look at him with his eyebrow raised. "Oh, I just liked hanging out with you today." "He's also just dramatic," Logan added. Virgil gasped and hit Logan lightly on the arm. Logan turned to Roman. "However, if you wish, I could drive you home." Roman nodded, grabbing his phone back from Patton. He responded quickly to Remus before standing to leave with the others.

Roman: Tell Papa I'll be home in about 10 minutes. And no thanks, I have a ride !

Roman slipped his phone back into his pocket as he followed the three boys to the car. As the approached, Patton gasped loudly. All three turned to him quickly, expecting to see something awful. Instead, Patton stood there giggling. "Sorry guys, I just had a super good idea! We should make a group chat so when ever we hang out with Roman, he can just type instead of wasting all of his paper!" Virgil and Logan made sounds of agreement, while Roman felt a sense of confusion wash over him. He wrote down his thoughts quickly and handed it to Patton.

You guys want to hang out with me again?

Patton gasped lightly and pulled Roman into a side hug. "Of course we do! Right guys?" Virgil and Logan looked at Patton as if he were crazy. "Patton, you are aware that we cannot read the note if you have it, correct?" Patton giggled and passed the note to Logan, who in turn showed Virgil. "Oh yes, that would be quite satisfactory." "For sure, you seem really cool." Roman couldn't help the wide smile that crossed his features. These were the first friends he had made at his new school. He was so unbelievably happy.

Upon entering the car, Patton began making the group chat immediately. He passed his phone to Roman, who entered his number perhaps too quickly. Patton giggled and took his phone back. "Aaaand done! The group chat has been made." Virgil made over dramatic whooping noises while Logan simply mumbled a monotone "yay". Roman couldn't help but smile. He finally had friends.