Step out

Taking a deep breath, Ethan steps out from around the house.

As he rounds the bend, he sees the four standing at the base of Alex's porch, talking to each other. They all appear to be around the same age, eighteen or nineteen Ethan assumes. What takes Ethan by slight surprise is that he hasn't been noticed yet. The four are so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't see him round the corner.

He can use this.

Shuffling slightly away from the house, Ethan takes a breath and then clears his throat.

The four turn to face him, and Alex's face lights up with delight. "Ethan!"