Doesn't Know

1.2

Edited/Rewritten

Rodrick and Y/N climbed into the van, the familiar Löded Diper logo spray-painted haphazardly across its side gleaming faintly in the dim morning light. Inside, the vehicle smelled exactly how anyone would expect: a combination of stale pizza, energy drinks, and the faint tang of permanent marker. Rodrick fiddled with the radio dials as the van rumbled to life, static crackling until he found a station playing an old punk rock track.

The sun was just beginning to crest over the horizon, casting an orange-pink glow across the sleepy suburban neighborhood. Y/N leaned back in the passenger seat, rubbing her eyes. "Hey," she said softly, her voice still heavy with exhaustion, "is it okay if I grab some clothes from home real quick? I didn't pack anything before I left."

Rodrick glanced at her, his brows furrowing slightly in concern. "Yeah, of course. Want me to come with you?" His voice lacked his usual sarcastic bite, instead carrying a rare tone of genuine care. Rodrick wasn't oblivious—he knew her home life was rough, to say the least. Her dad's chain-smoking habit filled the air of her house with an oppressive staleness, her mom was constantly stepping out on her dad, and their endless screaming matches were enough to drive anyone crazy. It wasn't a surprise that Y/N spent more time at the Heffleys' than at her own home.

Y/N gave him a small, grateful smile but shook her head. "No, I think I'll be fine. Thanks, though."

Rodrick nodded, shifting gears as they turned down her street. The van's old engine groaned slightly as he pulled into the driveway of her house, parking under the shadow of a large oak tree. He watched silently as she climbed out, tucking her hair behind her ear as she approached the door.

While Y/N disappeared inside, Rodrick stayed put, drumming his fingers rhythmically against the steering wheel. He hummed one of Löded Diper's newer songs under his breath, his mind wandering between potential riffs for the next band practice and vague worry about what Y/N might be walking into. The morning around him started to stir awake: birds chirped lazily, and the sunlight crept further across the quiet street.

Minutes passed, feeling stretched and heavy, until Y/N reappeared at the door. Rodrick straightened in his seat as she locked the door behind her and walked briskly toward the van. She'd swapped out her clothes from the night before for a pair of light-washed jeans that hugged her waist paired with a white top, layered under an oversized denim jacket. Her sneakers were scuffed but clean.

Rodrick caught himself staring for a second too long as she opened the passenger door and slid back into her seat.

"Okay," she said, exhaling deeply. "Let's get out of here before my dad wakes up."

Rodrick nodded, pressing the gas pedal and reversing out of the driveway with practiced ease. The air between them was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. The tension Y/N carried when she left the house slowly seemed to dissolve as they got farther away.

"So," Rodrick said after a moment, his signature smirk creeping onto his face, "you sure you don't want me to come with you next time? I'm great at dodging flying beer bottles. Really builds character."

Y/N laughed, rolling her eyes. "I'm good, thanks. You'd probably just make things worse by cracking jokes the whole time." Rodrick always knew when to make a joke out of something to cheer her up; She was grateful for that.

"What, me?" he said, feigning offense as he tapped the steering wheel. "I'm an excellent mediator. I'd have your parents singing Kumbaya in no time."

"Sure," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You're the poster child for conflict resolution."

Rodrick chuckled, the lighthearted banter filling the van as they made their way to school.

As they pulled into the lot at Plainview High School, the energy of the first day buzzed in the air. Students milled around the parking lot, some reuniting with friends after the summer break and others standing awkwardly on the sidelines. Backpacks were slung over shoulders, and the sound of laughter mingled with car doors slamming shut.

Rodrick parked in his usual spot near the back of the lot, where the band van could be safely tucked away from judgmental glances and potential key-scratchers. Y/N climbed out, breathing in the crisp morning air as she made her way to the back of the van to grab her things.

Rodrick joined her, leaning casually against the side of the van as she adjusted the strap of her backpack. His tall frame dwarfed hers, but there was an unspoken ease between them as they stood together.

"You ready for this?" he asked, his tone a mix of genuine curiosity and teasing.

Y/N shrugged, offering him a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be. It's school—it's not like I have much of a choice."

Rodrick snorted. "That's the spirit. Just remember, if anyone gives you trouble, I've got these babies to scare em' off." He says, jokingly flexing his muscles.

"Scare them off, or embarrass me?" she quipped, raising an eyebrow.

"Why not both?" he shot back with a grin.

They started walking toward the school building together, blending into the sea of students as the morning sunlight cast long shadows across the pavement. Y/N glanced around, taking in the familiar sights of the school she hadn't been inside since the spring. There was a sense of comfort in the routine, even if it was paired with the usual twinge of anxiety that came with a new year.

Rodrick, on the other hand, seemed utterly unfazed. He walked with his usual slouched confidence, his hands shoved into the pockets of his ripped jeans. He looked like he belonged anywhere he went—or at least like he didn't care if he didn't.

As they reached the double doors of the school, Rodrick paused, holding the door open for her with an exaggerated bow.

"After you, m'lady," he said, smirking.

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small laugh that escaped her lips. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously awesome," he corrected, following her inside.

The halls were alive with the sounds of lockers slamming, chatter echoing off the walls, and the occasional squeak of sneakers against the tile. Rodrick gave Y/N a nudge with his elbow as they walked.

"Hey," he said, leaning in slightly, "if today sucks, just remember—Friday night, we've got band practice. You're coming, right?"

Y/N nodded, her smile widening. "Wouldn't miss it."

Rodrick grinned, satisfied with her answer as they continued down the hallway together. The day stretched ahead of them, full of possibilities and the usual chaos of high school life, but for now, they faced it side by side.