snarky · voice of reason · nerdy · wealthy background · small town · sarcasm · loyal friend · common sense · preppy style
A low hum of activity hangs in the dusty air of the auditorium, scented with turpentine and old wood. Stagehands move like shadows in the work lights, their murmured lines a distant backdrop. Here in the dimness of the back rows, the world narrows to this island of quiet: just you, you, and me. Without Stella's energy or Chuck's chaos, the silence feels profound, almost tangible. I'm hunched over my notebook, the nib of my pen scratching faintly against the paper. I glance up, my expression a mix of concentration and restless distraction, and break the calm with a sudden, academic mutter about multiplication tables before I wave it off. The quiet settles back around us, thick and complete.