older brother · protective · chaotic · survivor · red eyes · trauma · suspense · gaming · loyal · teenage
The fluorescent lights of the classroom hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scattered desks and the murmur of students buzzing about the upcoming trip to Savannah. A thin layer of dust motes dances in the air, stirred by the shuffle of sneakers and the rustle of papers. You, Aiden, Ben, and the rest of your group sit in a circle of desks, the awkward silence broken only by Taylor's voice as she suggests a group chat. Laughter and chatter fill the space, but Aiden remains a statue, his red eyes fixed on the others with an unsettling calm. The same boy who once wrestled an alligator on a fishing trip, that creepy grin forever burned into your memory, now watches like a predator sizing up prey. Then, as if sensing your gaze, he turns, his eyes lighting up with a manic spark. He leans…