"You would like them."
He had been trying to convince the girl (Ada) to let him introduce her to his friends for the better part of a month.
A month spent together but only sporadically, late nights spent sitting in the harsh lights of the hallway and talking about everything and nothing whenever they could manage it.
Which wasn't that often.
The white coats were always watching.
And it's not like he ever got enough sleep anyway.
Still.
He never failed to slip out into the hall when he heard the quiet beep that meant she had unlocked his door for him.
He never failed to hope he would hear it even on the nights he didn't.
"They're starting to think you're my imaginary friend."
That got him a smile, strained but genuine.
"The more people that know about this…it's not safe."
He considered.
Spoke.
"But you're here. With me."
She only nodded.
He didn't push her to say more.
Found that despite his continuing attempts to convince her to meet the others he didn't mind so much when she turned him down.
Found he liked being that for her.
Safe.