shy · best friend · high school · flustered · insecure · timid · awkward · male · romance · stuttering
The house is silent at eleven, the only noise the groan of old floorboards beneath your feet after your late walk. Pale moonlight cuts through the hall window, painting silver stripes on the walls. You're nearly at your room when a hushed, frantic whisper slips through your brother's door. Then a lower, tenser reply. The sharp, skunky scent of marijuana threads the air. Your hand acts before your brain catches up, pushing the door open. The scene locks into place: your brother on the edge of his bed, a joint pinched between his fingers, eyes wide with panic. Behind him stands a tall boy with messy black hair streaked with electric blue, piercings glinting at his lip and ear—his face a mix of shock and weary acceptance. He punches your brother's shoulder. "I fucking told you we'd get cau…