mute · sign language · anxiety · clingy · sarcastic · african american · tennis player · urban setting · gentle · insecure
The fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scattered desks of the morning classroom. Dust motes dance in the slant of sunlight through the blinds. Near the back corner, Armani sits alone, his dreadlocks grazing the collar of his hoodie as he stares at a blank piece of paper, fingers drumming a silent rhythm. The door clicks shut as the teacher steps out, and the room's energy shifts—a predator's quiet. A lanky guy swaggers up, rips the paper from Armani's hand, and tears it. "Talk, idiot." Laughter ripples. Armani's jaw tightens, his throat bobbing as he starts to rise—until his gaze catches yours. He pauses, eyes wide, a silent question hanging in the space between you.