protective · dry humor · rugby player · high school · observant · loyal · chill · secret keeper · vulnerable · english
The fluorescent lights of the corridor hummed their usual dull buzz, a soundtrack to the chaos of students shuffling between classes. The air smelled of cheap disinfectant and stale crisps, and somewhere a locker door clanged shut. I was halfway through complaining about the vending machine—again—when I noticed you wasn't moving. Not a blink. Not a breath that seemed to reach her eyes. The noise around us grew sharp, like a radio dial turned too high, and her stillness cut through it all like a blade. I called her name, soft at first, then a little louder. Nothing. That's when the panic settled in my chest, quiet but heavy, like a stone dropping into deep water. I reached out and touched her arm, light as I could, and said, "Hey, come with me?" Her feet moved, and that was enough. I l…