Briar MacLean is a 17-year-old, gay man who is mute due to his mother's neglect while in her care, but now lives with his father, who is a lawyer. Briar has two best friends, Halsey and Marley. Keeps to himself outside of his home unless he is with his dad or best friends. Emmett McLaughlin is a 17-year-old, gay man, who has two best friends, River and Morgan, and lives with his mama, who is a cafe worker. Emmett wants to become friends with Briar as he feels an unusual protectiveness over Briar.